Akanés

Akanés is a traditional sweet originating from the town of Serres. It's very similar to loukoumi, but the flavors are quite different because akanés is flavored with fresh goat butter instead of fruit essences. This sweet dates back to the Ottoman occupation in Greece – the Ottoman rulers boiled molasses with water from the Lailias springs. It is believed that the spring water gave akanés its distinct flavor. Over time, molasses was replaced with cane sugar. As the mixture developed a thick consistency, fresh butter and nuts were added to the cauldron. During the preparation, the mixture was usually stirred by slaves, as akanés needs several hours of stirring. After it has cooled down, the thick mixture was (and still is) cut into small pieces and served as a dessert.