Mqaret

Maqrut means lozenge-shaped in Arabic, from which much of the Maltese language developed, just as many of the islands’ desserts and pastries have Arab origins. Mqaret is a good example, a deep-fried pastry lozenge with a rich filling of dates scented with anis and orange flower water. You can also bake them, in which case they are a perfect winter teatime treat, or, in miniature versions, as petits fours. They are served at Ta’ Frenc restaurant on Gozo as part of a Malt