Every season brings with it its very own set of flavours and Christmas in Malta has its very own seasonal treats. Get your ovens warm because here's how to make them.
Christmas log
Bite into a Maltese Christmas log and instead of landing on the soft sponge that's traditional in other countries, you'll find a delightful mixture of biscuits, dried fruits and nuts.
Pick your favourite nuts (hazelnuts, walnuts, pecans, etc), add a sprinkle of dried fruits (dates, raisins, dried cherries, etc) and a delicious choice of spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, etc), and you're there.
Mince Pies
Probably inherited from the British, mince pies are very much a Maltese Christmas tradition. You might even get one with your cappuccino at a cafe during the Christmas season.
But really, there is nothing quite as yummy as homemade mincemeat made with raisins, currants, sultanas, candied peel, apples, oranges, lemons and a delightful array of spices.
Pudina tal-hobz
We all know the worldwide traditional Christmas pudding that's full of fruits. But Malta's unique bread pudding beats it any day (we unanimously agree!)
Born out of recycling stale Maltese bread by allowing it to soak in milk, just throw in anything else in your cupboard (sultanas, orange peel, dessicated coconut, cocoa, mixed nuts) and hey presto!
Qaghaq tal-ghasel
It may surprise you to discover that Malta's traditional 'honey rings' were originally a festive sweet, because their popularity has made them available pretty much all the year round!
Despite being called 'honey rings,' commercial versions of these delicious traditional Maltese sweets are filled with treacle these days.
Imbuljuta tal-qastan
Imbuljuta is a Maltese drink that was traditionally served after Midnight Mass on Christmas and New Year’s Eve, but has infiltrated into cosy nights when you want something hot, spicy and deliciously seasonal.
Made with chocolate, orange, cinnamon and cloves, and served piping hot in mugs or small bowls, it is truly to die for.