Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1530801
8 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 20 DECEMBER 2024 FOOD Il-Qala is the easternmost village in Gozo and boasts fabulous views over the sea to Comino and Malta as well as a long history of settlement since earliest times – through the present settlement dates back to the second half of the seventeenth century. Il-Qala means port and probably refers to the nearby bay and landing stage of Hondoq ir-Rummien, now a popular swimming place. Breathtaking views can be enjoyed from the il-Qala Belvedere and from the small courtyard in front of the little church known as Il-Madonna tal-Blat (Saint Mary of the Rocks). This church faces Comino and legend has it that it was built so that the people of this neighboring island could follow Holy Mass from across the sea when the weather was too rough for a priest to cross to them. Except for a few sheltered inlets, like the popular Hondoq Ir-Rummien, il-Qala's coastline is rough and rocky. There are several interesting caves, the prettiest of which is Ghar Minka, which is accessible by boat. Did you know? 1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside. 2. Combine the butter and sugar in a large bowl. Mix for one minute, or until fluff y. 3. Add in the egg and beat until smooth. Add in the treacle and beat until well combined. 4. Place the flour, baking soda, cin- namon, ginger, cloves and salt into a sifter (if you don't have a sifter, whisk in a bowl), and then add to the butter mixture. Mix until combined. 5. Roll the cookie dough into balls. Place the granulated sugar into a shallow bowl and roll the dough balls into the sugar. Place on the baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. 6. Bake for 8-10 minutes and let cool on the pan for 5 minutes before moving to a cooling rack. 7. Serve when cooled to room tem- perature. Christmas cookies • ¾ cup salted butter, soened • 1 cup brown sugar • 1 large egg • ¼ cup black treacle • 2 ¼ cups fl our • 2tsps baking soda • 1tsps cinnamon • 1tsp ground ginger • ½ tsp ground cloves • ¼ tsp Salt • ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling the cookies) Ingredients Method