Maltese Figoli Easter tradition, made by Helen

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil provides a dairy-free option with similar fat content.

fig jam

🥗Healthier: date paste

💰Cheaper: mixed fruit jam

Date paste offers a natural sweetness while mixed fruit jam is often less expensive.

powdered sugar

🥗Healthier: coconut sugar

💰Cheaper: granulated sugar

Coconut sugar is less processed and can be used in frosting.

almond extract

🥗Healthier: vanilla extract

💰Cheaper: imitation almond extract

Vanilla extract can provide a similar flavor profile at a lower cost.

Mix sifted flour and lemon rind with sugar.

Add margarine and work the mixture until it resembles breadcrumbs.

Make a hole in the mixture and add egg yolks, then mix together.

Make another hole and add orange juice, mixing until a dough forms.

Split the dough in half and shape each half into a ball.

Refrigerate the dough in a plastic bag for 1 hour.

Roll out one half of the dough to the desired length for shaping.

Cut the dough into the shape of a man using a cookie cutter.

Prepare a baking pan lined with parchment paper.

Mix icing sugar and ground almonds together, then make a hole and add beaten egg whites and almond extract.

Combine the almond filling until the consistency is right.

Spread the almond filling on the bottom dough shape, avoiding the edges.

Roll out the second half of the dough to match the shape of the first.

Place the top dough shape over the filled bottom shape and press the edges to seal.

Bake in the oven for 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Let the figola cool before icing.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens