Kwarezimal recipe, make your own Maltese traditional lenten biscuits

The name of this bisquits refers to the fourty days of Lent, which is the traditional moment when Maltese housewives used to prepare it. Kwarezimal does not contain any fat or eggs, and is best served topped with true Maltese Honey, flavoured with thyme, although this is quite hard to find nowadays.

Ingredients to make your own Kwarezimal:

    1 lb almonds ground
    3/4 lb flour
    1/4 lb wholemeal flour
    8 oz sugar
    4 oz candied peel
    1 tbsp cocoa
    1 tsp cinnamom
    1 oz roasted nuts, chopped
    1 tsp mixed spices
    1 lemon rind, grated
    1 orange rind, grated
    2 oz margarine
    2 tbsp orange flower water
    1 tsp honey (possibly Maltese Honey, which is flavoured with thyme)

Don't worry, it's easy making Kwarezimal:

Sift both flours in a bowl and add the bran from wholemeal flour back in the bowl.You will then need to heat and melt margarine in a saucepan. Stir in the bowl the melted margarine and add some orange flower water.
Add remaining ingredients to the flour mixture and add enough water to knead into a stiff dough.
Form dough into shapes 16" X 3" & 1" thick and lay them out on a baking pan.
Bake in 350 oven for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.
While still hot, brush on honey and sprinkle with chopped nuts.

View our list more tasty Maltese specialities such as Pastizzi and Rabbit!