Favourite Dalmatian Desserts

"Šećer na kraju" is a Croatian saying that corresponds to English ‘save the best for last’. Literally it means ‘sugar comes in the end’ and it perfectly illustrates what a dessert is all about, that is, it instructs people how to finish off a good meal with a great final touch. While Dalmatian cuisine is famous for its healthy ingredients and specialties which are even better when accompanied by a glass of fine wine, traditional Dalmatian desserts invite you to enjoy the moment, and treat your palate to a sweet taste.

Can’t live without … fritule

A doughnut-like pastry, fritule are one of the most favourite Dalmatian desserts. They used to be popular treats during the holiday season to accompany events such as Christmas and Easter, but they are just so delicious that people started preparing them for no special reason throughout the entire year. They are now a must-have sweet on any occasion - from festivals and other events to simple Sunday lunch, and they are no longer just limited to the seaside. Unlike doughnuts, which are often filled with jam or chocolate, fritule are just coated in vanilla sugar. Even though they are rather small, it’s very difficult to have enough of them.

Touch of heaven … kroštule

A ribbon of puff pastry tied in a knot, which then looks like angel’s wings, is what kroštule look like. They are then fried and, finally, covered in sugar. The most important thing is that they turn out crispy and make that crunching sound as you enjoy the flavour of this traditional Dalmatian dessert, which often contains a few drops of alcohol, usually a liqueur.

Cream of the cream … rožata and paradižot

Fans of creamy desserts will be delighted to try paradižot - an excellent choice for refreshment in the summer heat. Similar to the English so-called floating island dessert, it’s an egg-based cream that magnificently combines with biscuits. Simply finger-licking, just as is rožata - a centuries-old dessert that spread in the entire Dalmatia, but is particularly popular in Dubrovnik. Similar to French creme caramel, it’s an egg cream topped with delicious caramel.

Fruity desserts

The most important fruit in Dalmatia? Without a doubt - the fig. Taken fresh, just picked from any given tree, dried or in a cake or biscuit, it truly is difficult to miss figs in the summer or any other part of the year. Smokvenjak is just one example of a traditional dessert made of dried figs, almond and a bit of rakija, and served as a dry biscuit. A similar type of snack/dessert are arancini - candied orange zest, traditionally prepared in Dalmatia, since it’s a region where citrus fruits are grown.

Sweet ending

A holiday usually feels short and sweet, just as are the desserts that bring to an end any meal. Whether it's fritule, paradižot and smokvenjak, traditional Dalmatian desserts represent wonderfully the region they are mostly served in - they are sweet, delicious and simply irresistible.

Image source: http://goo.gl/z3sV3H