Maltese Almond Sweet Delight

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) ground almonds 2 cups (240g) ground almonds
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240ml) water 1 cup (240ml) water
• 1/2 cup (120ml) honey 1/2 cup (120ml) honey
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 tablespoon orange blossom water 1 tablespoon orange blossom water
• Whole almonds, for garnish Whole almonds, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 27g, 24g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.01g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and honey. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
2. 2.
   Add the ground almonds, cinnamon, and cloves to the saucepan. Stir continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
3. 3.
   Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan. This should take about 20-25 minutes.
4. 4.
   Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the orange blossom water.
5. 5.
   Grease a square baking dish and pour the mixture into it. Smooth the surface with a spatula.
6. 6.
   While the mixture is still warm, press whole almonds into the top in a decorative pattern.
7. 7.
   Allow the Ħelwa tat-tork to cool completely at room temperature.
8. 8.
   Once cooled, cut the sweet into diamond-shaped pieces and serve.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almonds — Make sure to use ground almonds for the recipe. If you can't find ground almonds, you can grind whole almonds in a food processor until they reach a fine consistency.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve a smooth texture, stir the mixture constantly while cooking to prevent lumps.
• If the mixture becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time to loosen it.
• For a more pronounced almond flavor, toast the ground almonds in a dry pan before adding them to the mixture.
• Ħelwa tat-tork can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
• Serve Ħelwa tat-tork with a cup of strong Maltese coffee for an authentic experience.

Serving advice

Serve Ħelwa tat-tork as a sweet treat after a meal or as part of a dessert platter. It pairs well with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top.

Presentation advice

Arrange the diamond-shaped pieces of Ħelwa tat-tork on a decorative platter, garnished with whole almonds. Dust the sweet with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.