Crete

Lychnarakia (λυχναράκια) are small, sweet cheese pastries. They originate typically from the Greek island of Crete. They are open, hand-shaped tarts in which the dough is artfully folded and pinched along the edges with the fingers (“pietes”). The name is derived from lychnari (oil lamp), due to the similarity in shape.

The filling is made with fresh, soft, and unsalted sweet mizithra cheese (or anthotyro), mixed with egg and sugar, and often flavored with cinnamon, vanilla, or lemon zest. They are traditionally baked especially at Easter, but nowadays can be found in bakeries all year round.

Pascal Brackman