The “Fingers of Cyprus”

The Fingers of Cyprus Recipe - Almond and Orange Pastry

Region / culture: Cyprus | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

The “Fingers of Cyprus” is a traditional Cypriot dessert that is loved for its crispy phylo pastry and sweet almond filling. This recipe is a labor of love, but the end result is well worth the effort.

History

The origins of the “Fingers of Cyprus” date back centuries, with the recipe being passed down through generations of Cypriot families. This dessert is often made during special occasions and celebrations, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of the island.

Ingredients

For the phylo
2.5 cups soft flour
0.25 cup fresh butter
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp lemon juice
6 tbsp water
For the stuffing
2 cups almond kernels
2 tbsp sugar
some cinnamon
some rosewater
For frying
peanut oil or olive oil
orange peel
For the syrup
2 cups sugar
2 cups water
1 cup honey
0.5 cup lemon juice
For garnishing
0.5 cup roasted and grated almond kernels
0.5 tsp cinnamon

How to prepare

To prepare the dough for the phylo, grate the flour with the butter. Then, add the salt, lemon juice, and water gradually. Knead all the ingredients until you have a smooth mixture. Leave the dough to rest for approximately 1 hour.
For the stuffing, grate the almond kernels and mix them with sugar and cinnamon. Add rosewater as needed to shape the mixture.
Roll out the dough thinly using a rolling pin. Cut the phylo into small square pieces, approximately 5x8 cm. Moisten the pieces with water using a brush.
Place one teaspoon of stuffing on each square piece and roll the phylo into a strip. Use a fork to pinch the two sides of the strip to secure the stuffing inside.
In a large skillet, heat plenty of oil with the orange peel. Once the peel turns dark, remove it and fry the rolls in high temperature initially, then reduce to medium heat until the fingers turn golden brown.
Remove the rolls with a fork and place them on absorbent paper to drain excess oil. Keep them warm.
To prepare the syrup, boil sugar and water in a pot for 5 minutes. Then, add honey and lemon juice, stirring until the honey melts. Dip the rolls in the warm syrup for a few minutes, then remove.
Combine the almond kernels with cinnamon. Arrange the fingers on a platter and sprinkle the almond mixture on top.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of ground cloves or nutmeg to the almond filling for a warm, spiced flavor.
Drizzle melted chocolate over the finished rolls for an extra indulgent touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to roll out the phylo dough thinly to achieve a crispy texture.

- Use a fork to pinch the sides of the rolls to ensure the filling stays inside during frying.

- Fry the rolls in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.

- Dip the rolls in the warm syrup immediately after frying to allow them to soak up the sweet flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the “Fingers of Cyprus” warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent treat.

Cooking Techniques

Rolling out the phylo dough thinly is key to achieving a crispy texture.

- Frying the rolls in hot oil ensures they cook quickly and evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the almond kernels with finely chopped walnuts or pistachios for a different flavor profile.

- Margarine can be used in place of butter for a dairy-free version of this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

The phylo dough can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before assembling the rolls.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the “Fingers of Cyprus” on a platter and sprinkle with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Enjoy the “Fingers of Cyprus” with a cup of strong Greek coffee or a glass of sweet dessert wine for a perfect pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover “Fingers of Cyprus” in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of the “Fingers of Cyprus” contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of the “Fingers of Cyprus” contains approximately 30g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of the “Fingers of Cyprus” contains approximately 15g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of the “Fingers of Cyprus” contains approximately 5g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

The “Fingers of Cyprus” are a good source of vitamin E from the almond kernels.

Alergens

This recipe contains almonds and butter, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

The “Fingers of Cyprus” are a delicious dessert that is moderate in carbohydrates and fats, making it a treat that can be enjoyed in moderation.

Summary

The “Fingers of Cyprus” are a delightful dessert that combines crispy phylo pastry with a sweet almond filling, making them a perfect treat for special occasions or celebrations. Enjoy the rich flavors and textures of this traditional Cypriot recipe.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a hot summer day in Cyprus, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her quaint little village. As we sat in her sun-soaked kitchen, sipping on homemade lemonade, she suddenly pulled out an old, tattered recipe book from a dusty shelf.

"Ah, I almost forgot about this," she said with a smile. "This is my grandmother's recipe for 'Fingers of Cyprus'. It's a traditional dessert that has been passed down through generations in our family."

Intrigued, I leaned in closer as she opened the book and began to read out the ingredients and instructions. The recipe called for simple ingredients that were common in Cyprus - flour, sugar, butter, and a hint of cinnamon. As Maria read through the steps, I could almost smell the sweet aroma of the finished dessert in my mind.

"I used to make these all the time with my grandmother when I was a little girl," Maria reminisced. "They are the perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of strong Greek coffee."

I was determined to learn how to make this special dessert, so Maria graciously offered to teach me. We spent the afternoon in her kitchen, kneading the dough, shaping it into delicate fingers, and watching as they turned golden brown in the oven.

As the scent of cinnamon and butter filled the air, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over me. I imagined Maria's grandmother making these same treats in this very kitchen many years ago, passing on her culinary wisdom to her granddaughter.

When the 'Fingers of Cyprus' were finally ready, Maria and I sat down at her wooden table to enjoy them with a steaming cup of coffee. The first bite was pure bliss - crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with the flavors of Cyprus.

"This recipe is truly a hidden gem," I exclaimed, savoring every last crumb. "I can't believe I've never tried it before."

Maria smiled warmly at me, her eyes twinkling with pride. "It's a family secret, passed down through the generations. I'm honored to share it with you."

From that day on, the 'Fingers of Cyprus' became a staple in my own recipe book. Every time I made them, I was transported back to that sunny kitchen in Maria's village, surrounded by the laughter and love of good friends.

As the years went by, I continued to perfect the recipe, adding my own little twists and variations. Sometimes I would sprinkle them with powdered sugar, other times I would drizzle them with honey. But no matter how I served them, the essence of that original recipe - passed down from Maria's grandmother - always shone through.

Now, whenever I make these 'Fingers of Cyprus' for my own grandchildren, I can't help but share the story behind them. I tell them about Maria, about the simple joys of cooking together, and about the magic of discovering a new recipe that becomes a cherished tradition.

And as we sit around the table, dipping our 'Fingers of Cyprus' into cups of hot coffee, I know that the memories we are creating will last a lifetime. Just like the recipe itself, passed down through the generations, connecting us to our past and nourishing our souls with love and delicious food.