As April comes to an end, this year in 2022, the end of April also marks the end of Ramadan. Ramadan is an islamic tradition that happens in the ninth month of the muslim calendar.
It’s important for children of all cultures and backgrounds to gain an understanding of differing cultures. That’s why, we think it would be great fun to bake the traditional pastry Kahk, to celebrate the end of Ramadan!
The muslim calendar is only ten months long, compared to the gregorian twelve month calendar that we are used to here in Australia. This means that Ramadan and Eid-al-fitr change dates year on year.
This year, Ramadan is set to end on May 1st. This means that Eid-al-fitr is celebrated on May 2nd. Depending on where you are located in the world, Eid-al-fitr may be celebrated on May 3rd instead.
What is Eid-al-fitr?
Eid-al-fitr is Arabic for “The Festival of Breaking Fast”. Eid al-fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting, and is celebrated during the first three days of Shawwal.
Traditionally, people celebrate by visiting family and friends, communal prayer at the mosque, giving presents, wearing new clothes, visiting the graves of relatives, and by feasting.
Many of the differing islamic countries have a traditional date pastry that is served at Eid-al-fitr. In Iraq, the Levant and Saudi Arabia, that pastry is Kleicha. In Syria and Lebanon, the pastry is Maamoul. And in Egypt and Sudan they serve Kahk.
All three of these delicious pastries have fillings of either dates or pistachios. They are fairly easy to make, and can be a great way to introduce children to other cultures as well as engaging them in a delicious treat.
We have included a delicious recipe for Kahk (courtesy of Woolworths), to celebrate Eid-al-fitr.
Kahk (serves 42):
Ingredients:
325g unsalted butter, chopped
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
4 cups plain flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
2/3 cup thickened cream
270g fresh medjool dates, pitted
2 tbs icing sugar (to serve)
Method:
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Preheat oven to 180°C/160°C fan-forced. Grease and line 3 large baking trays with baking paper.
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Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until butter starts to simmer. Stir in vanilla, then remove pan from heat.
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Place flour in a food processor and, with the motor running, gradually add the butter mixture, then the baking powder and cream, processing until dough just comes together. Transfer to a large bowl.
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In a clean food processor, process dates until a paste forms. With wet hands, roll 3/4 teaspoonfuls date paste into balls.
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Roll tablespoonfuls of biscuit dough into balls. Make a slight indent in dough with your finger. Place date balls in centre of dough balls and enclose dough around date balls. Place on trays and flatten slightly. Using a skewer or fork, mark tops of dough in a decorative pattern.
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Bake for 20 minutes or until biscuits feel dry (they shouldn’t brown). Cool completely. Dust generously with icing sugar and serve.
Enjoy your delicious date-filled pastries!
