Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1528437
12 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 25 OCTOBER 2024 FOOD Located between Malta and Gozo, one can find the charming Island of Comino. Just a short 10-minute boat ride from Gozo and home to only one family! Other services to Comino abound from private charter boats to day trip specials leaving mostly from Sliema, Malta. The seas around Comino are wonderful, with the famed Blue Lagoon and the Crystal Lagoon being the top attractions. The fantastic sea visibility has also led to Comino being one of the top diving destinations, with all sites being boat dives. A 17th Century watchtower is the highest landmark on the island, aptly named the Santa Marija Tower. This tower was built by the Knights of St. John and was used as a prison by the Knights! This watchtower was constructed in the 16th Century. When the Ottoman Turks attacked the Maltese Islands, they first completely wiped out all the inhabitants on Gozo and Comino. Therefore, this tower added a level of security. After visiting the tower, one may meander towards the Isolation hospital, which as per its name, was used in the 19th and 20th Centuries to isolate any person who was diagnosed with the plague or cholera. This hospital was always used to house German prisoners during World War I. Comino is mostly uninhabited, with just one permanent residence, and a few campers throughout the year. This adds to the exotic and adventurous feel of this island. Did you know? 1. Start by blending the dates into a paste then add in the nuts and oats, blend to achieve a crumbly consistency. 2. In a 9 inch pan spread the mixture and mold it into the dish. You may need to press the mixture very well as to avoid the crust from crumbling later on. 3. Place the 'pie crust' in the freezer for at least an hour. 4. Add in all the pumpkin ingredients to a food processor and blend. 5. In a pan over low / medium heat, add in the pumpkin mix and cook it (whilst constantly stirring) for around 20 minutes or until you achieve a caramel like consistency - set aside and allow the mixture to cool down. 6. Once cooled down add the mixture to the pie crusty and allow to settle overnight. is pie freezes very well, so you might as well cut the slices before- hand and enjoy a slice when you are craving something sweet Sweet pumpkin pie Pumpkin mix • 2 carrots • 900g sweet pumpkin puree (marrowhealth.com) • 50ml thick coconut milk • 100ml oat milk • 40g arrow root powder • 2 tbsp coconut sugar • 20ml maple syrup • 1 pinch of ground cloves • 1 pinch salt Raw pie crust • 200g wholegrain oats • 200g medjool dates • 50g cashews • 50g almonds Ingredients - Makes 12 slices Method