Valamar Blog

Christmas is the most joyful Christian holiday with a long tradition in Istria. The customs here date way back to the ancient times: a specific type of pasta (posutice) and codfish (bakalar na bijelo) are eaten alongside a fireplace (Istrian ognjisce) on Christmas Eve.

The entire family gathers around the lavishly prepared Christmas table after all members have participated in its long preparation. The meal must consist of several courses including soup with homemade pasta, roasted meat, stuffed cabbage rolls, homemade cheese and sliced smoked ham (prsut) as well as many different types of cakes and pastry. Good wine is also a part of the pleasure: malvasia, teran or refosk.

Cakes, frittered pastry (fritule) and a special type of dry pastry (krostule) are patiently awaited around the fireplace where it is nice and warm. Fritule is a very simple and delicious type of pastry easy to make. This traditional delicacy is prepared in several different ways and we will single out fritule with yoghurt and raisins. In order to prepare them, you will need the following ingredients:

4 eggs
100 g of sugar
50 g of raisins
a touch of rum
grated lemon peel
a pinch of salt
frying oil
600 g of flour
2 small bags of baking powder
2 yoghurts

Preparation: mix the eggs and sugar, add a pinch of salt, raisins soaked in rum, grated lemon peel, flour, baking powder and yoghurt and mix it all together. Give it all a good stir, shape the pastry with a spoon and fry it in hot oil. Finally, sweeten the pastry by adding powdered sugar on top of it.

We wish you happy holidays spent with your family in the warmth of your home. Enjoy!