The “amygdalota” is a distinctive candy customarily offered on special occasions and celebrations as well as to one’s guests. Traditional amygdalota are shaped like small pears known as ahladakia (Greek for ‘small pears’), and are sweet and delicate, flavored with anthonero, and topped with a clove. In Crete, they are ever-present at weddings and christenings and accompany every celebratory moment.
Depending on the region of Greece, several minor variations of the classic recipe are found: in one version, oranges predominate. In another version, part of the almond kernel is replaced with coconut and this mixture is molded adding sweetened condensed milk and anthonero. On the island of Chios, a version using mastiha is predominant, while in Kythira dragante is added, and in Hydra semolina and rosewater are used in its preparation.
