Traditional Maltese Ice Cream Served with Halva Spread French Toast Recipe
If you are looking for an authentic taste of Maltese culture, this traditional Maltese ice cream recipe is the perfect dessert to cool down on a hot day. Made with evaporated milk, cinnamon sticks, and a hint of lemon peel, this ice cream will bring the flavors of Malta right to your kitchen. Add candied peel and chopped nuts for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
Ingredients:
- 1 large can of full-fat evaporated milk
- 770ml water
- 300g sugar
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- Half the peel of a lemon (avoid using zest)
- 500ml heavy cream
- Candied peel (to taste)
- Chopped nuts (optional)
Method:
1. Prepare the sugar and spice mixture:
- In a medium saucepan, combine 770ml of water, 300g of sugar, 3 cinnamon sticks, and half of the lemon peel.
- Place the saucepan on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar fully dissolves.
- Once the sugar has dissolved, turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
- Strain the liquid to remove the lemon peel and cinnamon sticks.
2. Mix the cream base:
- In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine the 500ml of heavy cream and the large can of evaporated milk.
- Mix for about 2 minutes until the consistency is smooth and slightly thickened.
3. Combine both mixtures:
- Gradually add the cooled water and sugar mixture into the cream and evaporated milk blend.
- Continue mixing until everything is fully incorporated.
4. Churn the ice cream:
- Transfer the mixture to an ice cream machine and churn it until it reaches a creamy texture.
- During the churning process, you can also add candied peel for a burst of citrusy sweetness and a bit of chopped nuts for extra crunch, but these are optional.
5. Freeze and enjoy:
- Once the ice cream has thickened, transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best texture.
Tips for the Perfect Traditional Maltese Ice Cream:
- For a more intense flavor, let the cinnamon sticks and lemon peel steep in the water mixture for a few minutes longer before straining.
- If you prefer a smoother ice cream without the addition of texture, feel free to skip the candied peel and nuts.
- This recipe works best with an ice cream maker, but if you don’t have one, simply place the mixture in a freezer-safe container and stir every 30 minutes for about 3-4 hours until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
Why This Recipe is a Maltese Classic:
Maltese desserts often incorporate Mediterranean flavors like lemon, cinnamon, and candied peel, which is why this ice cream is a true reflection of the islands' culinary heritage. Whether served at a family gathering or enjoyed on a quiet afternoon, this ice cream brings a little piece of Malta to your table.
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This traditional Maltese ice cream recipe is not just a treat, but a celebration of authentic Maltese flavors. The combination of evaporated milk, cinnamon, and lemon creates a deliciously rich and creamy ice cream, perfect for warm Mediterranean evenings or any summer day.
Delicious French Toast Recipe with Halva Spread
Looking for a delicious breakfast or dessert pairing for your Maltese traditional ice cream? This French toast recipe with a unique twist of halva spread is the perfect complement. With its golden, crispy exterior and soft, flavorful filling, this French toast will satisfy your sweet cravings. Serve it with a dusting of brown sugar or caramelized top for a delightful treat.
Ingredients:
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp honey
- 100 ml milk
- Sandwich bread (white or whole wheat)
- Filling of your choice (for this recipe, I used halva spread)
- Brown sugar (for decoration)
Method:
1. Prepare the egg mixture:
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk 3 whole eggs together.
- Add 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and 100 ml of milk to the eggs, and whisk until smooth.
2. Prepare the sandwich:
- Remove the outer crust from the sandwich bread slices to create a soft, even texture.
- Spread a generous amount of your favorite filling onto one slice of bread. For this recipe, I used halva spread, which adds a nutty, sweet flavor to the French toast.
- Close the sandwich by placing another slice of bread on top.
3. Dip the sandwich:
- Gently dip the prepared sandwich into the egg mixture, ensuring that both sides are well-coated.
- Let the bread absorb the mixture but avoid making it too soggy.
4. Cook the French toast:
- Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the egg-coated sandwich in the pan and cook until golden brown on all sides, ensuring the egg mixture is fully cooked through.
5. Serve and decorate:
- Once cooked, transfer the French toast to a plate.
- Sprinkle with brown sugar for a touch of sweetness and extra flavor.
- For an extra special finish, you can add more brown sugar on top of the French toast and caramelize it using a cooking torch, creating a crunchy, brûlée-style crust.
Tips for the Perfect French Toast:
- Feel free to experiment with different spreads for the filling. Nutella, peanut butter, or even fruit jams make great alternatives.
- Use slightly stale bread for better results, as it absorbs the egg mixture without becoming too soft.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey to the egg mixture based on your preference.
Why This French Toast Pairs Perfectly with Maltese Ice Cream:
The warm, crispy French toast with its creamy halva filling contrasts beautifully with the cold and creamy texture of traditional Maltese ice cream. The cinnamon and honey in the French toast also complement the cinnamon and lemon flavors of the ice cream, making this an ideal combination for any dessert lover.
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This easy French toast recipe with halva spread is not only simple to make but also bursting with flavor. Whether you serve it for breakfast or as a dessert paired with Maltese ice cream, this dish is sure to impress. Perfect for any occasion, this French toast is a great way to bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your kitchen.
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