By YASEMIN TALAT
THE Maltese Cook-Off is back, celebrating its third year and with 10 new teams taking on the challenge.
The annual competition comprises teams of three which are made up of Maltese descendants, with some teams incorporating several generations.
Nisga, a group of Australian-Maltese descendants, put together the event every year in an attempt to nurture the Maltese culture in Australia.
Nisga president Sandra Mooney said the event was a way to share the rich cultural heritage of Maltese immigrants with the wider community.
“I think it’s important to share the culture of our Maltese heritage and pass the recipes on to the next generation,” Mrs Mooney said.
Mrs Mooney said the event was a way for treasured family recipes to be passed down from parent to child to grandchild.
“I used to go around to my parents’ place and eat this beautiful Maltese food but I never actually spent the time with my mother to learn how to cook it,” she said.
“So I decided that I wanted to learn and then it turned out to be an event,” she said.
“And I have friends who have lost their parents and could not get their parents’ recipes and I thought it was important we share it all.”
Ms Mooney said everyone was welcome to come along.
“We are a fun-loving and humble community that want to share their culture and recipes,” she said.
Guests will enjoy a rich Maltese cuisine which includes rabbit, fish, octopus, lots of ricotta and pastizzis.
“We have a bit of a crazy cuisine,” Ms Mooney said.
Maltese performers will also entertain guests on the day.
Bookings are essential. For more information email info@nisga.org or call 0499 077 920.
