Melomakarona with a fine flavor

First, prepare the syrup. Put all ingredients in a pot, except the lemon, and let them boil for 5 min. Add the lemon just before you remove the syrup from heat. Let it cool.

Using a mixer, beat the margarine, oil, sugar, zest and orange juice into which you dilute the baking soda (it will foam but don't worry, combine it with the rest of the ingredients) until you get a nice batter. Continue with a bit of flour, the cognac and the rest of the flour gradually until you get a soft, pliable dough.  

Form them into the classic melomakarona shape, prick the tops using the tines of a fork as is usually done and bake at 170°C in a preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, until they are golden brown. 

As soon as you take them out of the oven dip them in the cold syrup, place them on a platter and sprinkle with the garnish mixture.