Kwarezimal is a traditional Maltese recipe, usually baked during Lent and enjoyed by all, especially by those keeping a strict fast during Lent. Nowadays, it’s also popular as an Easter sweet. Kwarezimal is very similar to an Italian sweet, however these Maltese biscuits have an oblong shape. The word kwarezimal refers to quaresima, literally the quadragesima, the forty days of Lent.
Ingredients:
• 100g blanched Almonds
• 100g plain Flour
• 125g Caster Sugar
• dash of Brandy (There are many variations, some use orange flower water)
• grated ring of 1 Orange,1 Tangerine and 1 Lemon
• 1 tablespoon Cocoa Powder
• Honey and almonds to decorate
Method:
Toast the almonds and chop them into small pieces.
Place in a large bowl along with the rest of the ingredients and stir.
Add some water to turn the ingredients into a stiff dough.
Cut the dough into strips around 2 cm thick and place the strips on well greased baking sheets.
Bake on gas mark 5 for around 20 minutes.
When done, remove from the oven and cover with honey and scatter some almonds on top.
Serve when cool.