Traditional Easter Food : Kwarezimal (Lenten Almond Cakes)

Kwarezimal is a traditional food made during Lent and it is not considered as sweets. Therefore those who adher to the Lenten fast are able to have a desert as well. The word kwarezimal refers to quaresima, literally the quadragesima, the forty days of Lent.

Here is the traditional Maltese recipe for Kwarezimal:

Ingredients:

§ 200 grams blanched almonds
§ 200 grams plain flour, sifted
§ 250 grams caster or golden caster sugar
§ 1 scant tsp cinnamon
§ Orange flower water
§ Grated rind of 1 lemon, 1 orange and 1 tangerine
§ Malta honey and pistachio nuts or additional almonds

Method:

1. Lightly toast or roast the almonds. Grind coarsely.
2. Mix with the flour, sugar, cinnamon, rinds and a little orange-flower water.
3. Add just enough water to make a stiff dough.
4. Knead lightly until well amalgamated and shape into ovals, approximately 17.5 cm long, 5 cm wide and 2 cm thick.
5. Place on greased and floured baking trays and bake at 190'C/375'F/gas 5 for about 20 minutes.
6. While still hot, spread with Malta honey and press on chopped, unsalted pistachio nuts or chopped roasted almonds.

Meanings attached to this recipe............
to be added soon

Posted by: Vanessa, Orlanda, Mirka