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Delicacies to Indulge in Around Easter Time
Delicacies to Indulge in Around Easter Time
Whether it is Christmas time or in the midst of a blazing hot summer, the Maltese cannot stir away from mouth-watering delicacies even if their life depends on it. Easter time is no different. We will be listing some of the nation’s favourite treats and sweets during this time of the year.
1. Figolli
A no brainer but still essential to highlight in this article. Made from marzipan-like filling and soft biscuit, figolli can take various shapes and sizes from ducks to mermaids to guitars! The biscuit base is primarily made of butter, plain flour, caster sugar, vanilla essence, eggs, lemon rind, and water. Figolli go back to pagan times, originating in Sicily, where the name of figolla is suspected to be derived from the Italian word ‘figulina’, which translates to ‘figure’. Ironically, this delicacy did not maintain its popularity in Siciliy but it did flourish and evolve in Malta. Bite-sized figollini have also made an appearance in recent years, becoming a swift favourite by many locals and tourists around.
2. Kwareżimal
Kwareżimal is a rather chewy traditional biscuit, famously baked during Lent. Derived from the Italian word ‘ Quaresima’ which translates to ‘Lent’, Kwarezimal was created by the Knights of Malta for the sole purpose of dodging any kind of penance from eating animal products. Made from flour, sugar, orange ring, and ground almonds, this vegan sweet contains no animal or dairy products since devoted Christians wanted to indulge in a guilt-free sweet during Lent. Back in the day, sugar was not restricted during lent, as it was regarded as a type of spice since it was costly and is rich with humoral qualities. Nowadays, Kwareżimal is a national staple, loved by many and widely popular during the months of March and April
3. Zeppoli
Particularly popular on the feast of St. Joseph, Zeppoli is an Italian-inspired pastry made of a deep-fried dough ball filled with either custard, ricotta, or pastry cream, topped with powdered sugar. This seasonal sweet was popularised in the 19th century by a Neapolitan baker and is now a staple in any confectionary on the island! Italians residing in Malta tend to make these sweets to commemorate their Italian roots.
Did we forget any of your favourite sweets? Tell us below!
