Maltese Almond Cake (Kwarezimal)
Kwarezimal is one of the few Maltese desserts that can be eaten during lent!
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EmailIngredients:
400g plain flour
1 tsp baking powder
300g sugar
200g blanched almonds
4 tbsp almond essence
100g cherries cut
2 tbsp golden syrup
2 tsp mixed spice
half a teaspoon ground cloves
2 tbsp rose water
1 lemon rind
1 orange rind
spoon cocoa powder
3 tbsp water
For the coating:
a jar and a half golden syrup
200g blanched almonds, finely cut
Procedure:
Preheat oven to 180°C
1. Butter two trays and dust with some flour.
2. Combine the flour, baking and cocoa powder in a bowl.
3. Add the sugar, the blanched almonds, the almond essence, the mixed spice and the ground cloves.
3. Mix everything together and then add the cherries, the lemon and orange rinds. Stir and add the rose water and the golden syrup.
4. Stir and carefully add enough water, spoon by spoon to create a pastry that is not too dry nor too soft.
5. Water your hands and form sausage-like shapes with the mixture. Place on the trays and flatten them slightly (leave enough space between each one since they tend to melt while in the oven) Bake for 22 minutes.
6. Remove from oven and let them stand for 2 minutes. Whilst hot, coat the kwarezimal with golden syrup and then the finely cut almonds.
