Maltese Biscuits – A delightful assortment

Biscuits are popular all around the globe and Malta is no exception. A vast selection is on offer, most falling into a category of either Biskuttini, Pastini or Qagħaq, and depending upon where a person may live on the Island, may also determine its name. An example that comes to mind are sesame biscuits -Biskutelli tal Gulglien, which may also be called sweet biscuits- Qagħaq Ħelwin and depending upon their shape may also be called...

Dates in Malta’s cuisine

Steeped in centuries of history Imqaret- Date Slices Volume 1 Traditional Sweet Recipes from Malta Malta has always been recognised and coveted for its central location and strategic position within the heart of the Mediterranean. Over many centuries various nations and empires have inhabited the Island, including the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, French and the British. Some of whom fought in fierce battle to claim this central real estate for its geographic and strategic advantage....

Malta’s Carnival

il- Karnival tal Malta The tradition of Carnival extends far and wide around the world, including the grandest palaces of Europe. Carnival has been celebrated in Malta since the early 1400's which later was given greater importance and grandeur by the knights of Malta (Order of St John) 1535 where celebrations began in Birgu (Malta's Capital City during that period). Its wholesome fun was aimed at bringing the community together in celebrations to provide something...

All Saints & All Souls Day in Malta

All saint's day and All soul’s day are Christian holidays that are celebrated in November. All Saint's day falls on the first day of November. This day commemorates all Saints recognised and unrecognised. It is a day of celebration and recognition of the dedicated lives of saints and their selfless sacrifice, some of whom paid with their lives during the early centuries of Christian faith. One does not have to look too far to find...

The Sweet Liqueurs of Malta

Liqueurs have a long history dating back centuries. Derived from the Latin word ‘Liquifacere’, which means to ‘melt or dissolve’. This is in reference as to how it is made. There have been liqueurs found in ancient Egyptian tombs and have also been documented within ancient historic scrolls. During the 13th Century Italian monks made liqueurs which became increasingly popular thought Europe. Its main use was valued as a medicinal tonic. Through the centuries, liqueurs...

Nougat, the sweet of all Feasts

The very popular sweet confection in Malta and Europe alike is Nougat! In Malta, there are two types of nougat. Firstly, there is the Maltese Nougat - by definition it is a Nougatine which is sugar cooked to a caramel colour. This Maltese style nougat is compactly filled with nuts and given subtle flavourings. The second type of Nougat, I'd like to describe as the white, European Nougat. This has a chewy texture and in...

SBS Radio Interview with Paul Vella

Monday March 11, 2019 Sharon Spiteri speaks with Paul Vella on 3ZZZ in Melbourne about her Traditional Sweet Recipes from Malta publications. Your browser does not support audio playback.

SBS Radio Interview for Volume 2

Thursday, March 7 2019 – 9:54am Sharon Spiteri speaks with Joe Axiaq about her second publication of Traditional Sweet Recipes from Malta. This second volume continues to celebrate the culture, tradition and history of the favourite Traditional Maltese Sweets. Sharon Spiteri speaks with Joe Axiaq about her connection to food, creating items that link us to many generations before and being part of a meaningful context is at the heart of our being.

Easter celebrations are the sweetest in Malta

Easter is the most significant time within the Maltese Calendar year which begins with lent. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent and takes place 40 days before Easter Sunday. A hard-sweet confection that is made during lent is known as Carob Sweets-Karamelli tal Harrub. These sweets were available during the fasting period of lent and many children from decades of by gone days speak fondly of vivid childhood memories, eating copious amounts of the...

Advertisement for Volume 2 of Traditional Maltese Sweets

The following video is an advertisement prepared for the second volume of the Traditional Maltese Sweets publication.