One of the traditional Maltese Easter treats is the figolla; figolli in plural. The traditional Maltese “figolli” are almond pastries that are cut out to look like symbolic figures. The figolli are traditionally baked and eaten at the time of Easter. If you can not obtain these pastries it is quite easy to make them yourself. You can also make your own templates, like sheep, out of cardboard. The traditional shapes of figolli are men, women, fish and baskets; the last probably being symbols of fertility. Recently new forms have been added to the traditional such as; cars, lambs and butterflies. The shapes of humans are easily identified by the old-fashioned paper faces that are stuck on the icing. Another traditional decoration is the Easter egg wrapped in bright colours.
A sweet sugary mixture of crushed and whole almonds. It is a maltese tradition that the family is gathered for lunch or dinner and often the Helwa tat-Tork is served with coffee after dinner or lunch. This dessert is considered as an oriental inheritance to the maltese culture, Emanuel Micallef has been manufacturing Helwa tat-Tork from 1950, his geniune receipes are kept as family traditions and are still being manufactuered in the same way. Now also available with a chocolate mixture
This sweet is usually made during Lent and contains no fat or eggs. The word 'kwarezimal' refers to quaresima - the forty days of Lent. In fact, the kwarezimal's popularity among the Maltese originates from the fact that it contains no fat or eggs, and hence does not interfere with fasting regulations. Although recipes vary, it is traditionally made up of almonds, flour, honey and spices.
A traditional Maltese dessert prepared especially for Carnival. The name Prinjolata comes from the word ‘Prinjol’ which means Pine Nuts in Maltese.
It is enjoyed by kids and adults alike just like the yearly event it is prepared for – Carnival.
A traditional Maltese dessert prepared especially for Carnival. The name Prinjolata comes from the word ‘Prinjol’ which means Pine Nuts in Maltese.
It is enjoyed by kids and adults alike just like the yearly event it is prepared for – Carnival.
Ingredients
250g pure ground almond
250g powdered sugar
egg whites or the whites of 3 eggs
rind of half a lemon
1tsp almond essence
rice paper optional
cherries for decoration
