Alfajores (Spain)

Alfajor is an old Spanish dessert that is mainly associated with Andalusia and Murcia. In its basic form, this cookie-like dessert consists of ground almonds and other types of nuts that are combined with honey and various spices before they are shaped into cylindrical forms and dusted with sugar. The alfajor varieties can be found throughout the country, especially in southern Spain, and they may differ in their shape and basic ingredients. Some regional varieties such as the Medina alfajor consist of a honey-flavored filling that is enclosed between two thin wafers. It is believed that the alfajores were developed under the Moorish influence and that they reached American soil during Spanish expeditions, which eventually led to the creation of South American sandwiched cookies which are also known as alfajores. In Spain, they are traditionally associated with Christmas.