Christmas is only a couple of days away and there is no doubt that food is an integral part of the festivities. That is why this newspaper spoke to those who cook with passion to give us their two cents on what constitutes an ideal Christmas desert.
The proof is in the pudding, and that is why we entrusted Martina Beck and Michela Lattughi from the Rolling Pin to share with us some of their knowledge on the matter.
What is it that you like so much about Christmas sweets?
Cooking at Christmas brings everybody together. We're usually cooking for a Christmas lunch or dinner where families join together around a table and eat away whilst chatting and laughing and drinking. Or we're preparing nibbles for drinks with friends.
There are so many occasions to prepare for at Christmas time. And when you're preparing food that will be shared with loved ones, it brings a certain feeling of love and happiness. Cooking during the Christmas period leaves a 'smell of Christmas' in our homes which bring back such great childhood memories to many. What we love about this is that Christmas food invites friends and family over into your homes to share the joy and happiness the season brings.
Ideal Christmas sweets?
Well, Christmas is the season for mince pies and Christmas logs. These two sweets are the most commonly prepared Christmas desserts in Maltese homes.
The mince pie
A mince pie is a sweet pie of British origin, filled with a mixture of dried fruits and spices called "mincemeat", that is traditionally served during the Christmas season. Its ingredients are traceable to the 13th century, when returning European crusaders brought with them Middle Eastern recipes containing meats, fruits and spices.
The early mince pie was known by several names, including "mutton pie" "shred pie" or simply ‘Christmas pie’. ’Typically its ingredients were a mixture of minced meat, a range of fruit, and spices such as cinnamon, cloves and nutmed. Served around Christmas, the savoury Christmas pie (as it became known) was associated with supposed Catholic "idolatry" and during the English Civil War was frowned upon by the Puritan authorities. Nevertheless, the tradition of eating Christmas pie in December continued through to the Victorian era, although by then its recipe had become sweeter and its size markedly reduced from the large oblong shape once observed. Today, the mince pie remains a popular Christmas sweet in Malta.
Qaghaqtal-Ghasel (Honey rings) / Imbuljutatal-Qastan
The more traditional Maltese deserts would be Qaghaqtal-Ghasel (honey rings) and Imbuljuta.
This is a traditional Maltese drink served after Midnight Mass and on New Year's Eve (although we can don’t mind having it every night - no questions asked). It is made using cocoa, chestnuts, cloves and citrus zest.
Other less traditional sweets such as spiced cookies and date bars complement the dessert table at Christmas time.
There are countless options and many easy recipes that can be followed to make these Christmas desserts at home. The important thing is to use the freshest of ingredients and simple recipes which aren’t complicated to follow so that you can enjoy baking in this happy season.
The Rolling Pin
The Rolling Pin is a small business venture by Martina and Michela, who knew each other as kids at piano lessons, met again at their work place and realised that over the years they both developed a passion for baking. They set up the rolling pin where they bake from their small bakery set up in Kappara. They use recipes which have been passed down from generations in their families to make simple, yet delicious cakes and pastries.