Rather like we refer to the Eid that follows Ramzan as “meethi” or sweet Eid, in Turkey, Eid-ul-fitr is called Þeker Bayramı (literally translated as sweet holiday). With good reason, says Dr. Sebnem Akcapar, wife of Burak Akcapar, The ambassador of Turkey to India.
“After a full month of fasting, it is time for feasting and we like to cook a lot of sweet dishes to consume with extended family members, friends and neighbours. Usually small children go from door to door that day to collect candy or pieces of baklava,” says Sebnem. “The most favourite dishes are baklava and güllaç (starch wafers soaked with warm milk and topped with nuts)”
However, since these are difficult to make at home, Sebnem shares the recipe of an easy and light Turkish dessert for a special occasion.
Apricots with clotted cream
250 grams large dried apricots
1 1/4 cups sugar
2 cups water
250 grams clotted cream or whipped cream
To decorate: whole or ground pistachio nuts
Method
Soak the dried apricots in plenty of cold water overnight. Boil up the water and sugar to a syrup. Drain the apricots, place in the syrup and cook for at most 15 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Split open the apricots, stuff with cream and close.
Arrange on a service dish with the cream upwards in neat rows.
Sprinkle whole or ground pistachio nuts over them and serve.
Meanwhile, if novelty is on your menu this Eid, Tops has come out with “flavoured Vermicelli”, apart from the traditional plain and roasted vermicelli. The three new flavours on offer are chocolate, strawberry and kesar elaichi. Priced at Rs.22 for a 200-gm pack, the product is available at grocery stores and leading hypermarkets and supermarkets.
