Traditional Skiathos sweets

BAKLAVA

Perhaps the most famous dessert of Skiathos that is usually offered as a treat at weddings. It is made in a very large oven pan, which we call “sini” and sometimes it has diameter more than one meter. Each “sini” can hold up to more than 150 pieces of baklava known as “psares”. It has two main versions, the “blonde” with almonds and the “brown” with walnuts. The main ingredients are almonds or walnuts, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon and syrup or honey. It can also exceed 8 to 10 layers of dough sheets.

The recipe was brought to Skiathos by the people of Asia Minor around 1920.

HAMALIA

This type of sweets was, traditionally, served at wedding feasts. Their triangular shape resembled a “love charm”, designed to protect and spread joy among the newlyweds. Additionally, they were filled with honey and walnut, ingredients that, according to folklore, aided the couple in having children. The crust is handmade and fried in premium local olive oil. Finally, the sweets are served with a sprinkling of castor sugar.

AMIGDALOTA

Another delicious, traditional delicacy! These sweets are cooked with white almond kernel, which the locals knead with sugar and flower water. They are lightly baked and their shape reminds us of a small lily. As soon as the baking is over, the sweets are sprinkled with flower water and castor sugar. The special occasions for this type of sweets are, mostly, baptisms and name days.

ASPRO (White)

This exquisite sweet is, in fact, a delicious jam that was served -and is still served- on engagements. The jam is cooked with slightly-cut, white almond kernel, sugar syrup and lemon. Here is the hidden message from this sweet to the newlyweds: the stronger the ingredients’ bond, the stronger the couple’s bond! The jam is served in large pots and each guest serves themselves using a spoon.