Snacking Maltese Style
My first trip to Malta was quite an experience: family, food, culture, history... what more would you want in a vacation? I cried when the trip was over, but I knew I'd have pictures and of course my memories to get me through the separation. That was almost nine years ago, and I can't wait until I can go back.
When pictures and memories aren't enough to sustain my Malta cravings, I turn to food. Of course I have plenty of recipes to rely on, but when I'm lucky enough, I have Galetti, Kinnie, and Twisties. These snack foods were introduced to me by my mom and other Maltese relatives while visiting the small isle. Since these are items that can't be found in the U.S., I am only able to get them when loving Maltese relatives, like my beautiful cousin Marisa, come and visit with their luggage brimming with such treats. I inevitably hoard my supply, trying to make my stash of goodies last longer.
Though crackers and soda sound like simple fare that can be found all over the world, these are distinctive. Kinnie especially -- the soda is fairly bitter, made out of a combination of bitter oranges and aromatic herbs, making it a refreshing change from the tooth-achingly sweet sodas I'm more accustomed to drinking. Galetti are a clean, crisp cracker that is well accompanied by cheese and olives.
Nanna even has a recipe for Galetti, but I never remember her making them. Since I am on my last bag, trying my hand at that recipe will need to be a future project.
When pictures and memories aren't enough to sustain my Malta cravings, I turn to food. Of course I have plenty of recipes to rely on, but when I'm lucky enough, I have Galetti, Kinnie, and Twisties. These snack foods were introduced to me by my mom and other Maltese relatives while visiting the small isle. Since these are items that can't be found in the U.S., I am only able to get them when loving Maltese relatives, like my beautiful cousin Marisa, come and visit with their luggage brimming with such treats. I inevitably hoard my supply, trying to make my stash of goodies last longer.
Though crackers and soda sound like simple fare that can be found all over the world, these are distinctive. Kinnie especially -- the soda is fairly bitter, made out of a combination of bitter oranges and aromatic herbs, making it a refreshing change from the tooth-achingly sweet sodas I'm more accustomed to drinking. Galetti are a clean, crisp cracker that is well accompanied by cheese and olives.
Nanna even has a recipe for Galetti, but I never remember her making them. Since I am on my last bag, trying my hand at that recipe will need to be a future project.
Have you ever had Carr's Table Crackers? (I like the cracked pepper ones) They are lighter than Galleti, but if in a fix, might be able to stand in as a circular substitution. :)
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