A traditional sweet from Kythera, delicately aromatic and festive. These baked rosettes combine ground almonds, semolina, honey, citrus zest, and warm spices, finished with a light sprinkle of rose water as they come out of the oven.
Ingredients
4 cups ground almonds
1 cup sugar
1 cup fine semolina
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup honey
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Orange zest (to taste)
Lemon zest (to taste)
Rose water, for finishing
Method
Dry ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground almonds, sugar, semolina, cinnamon, and cloves.Liquids & aromas
Add the water, honey, orange zest, and lemon zest.
Mix well until you get a thick, pliable dough that holds its shape.Shape the rosettes
Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into small rosettes or flower-like spirals.Bake
Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place the rosettes on it.
Bake in a preheated oven at 170°C (340°F) for 20–25 minutes, until lightly golden.
They should stay pale and fragrant, not dark.Finish with rose water
As soon as they come out of the oven, lightly sprinkle with rose water while still warm.
Tips
If the mixture feels too dry, add 1–2 tablespoons of water.
Use rose water sparingly—just enough for aroma.
The flavor deepens after a day, making them even better.
