Ħobża ta' San Martin

Ħobża ta' San Martin is a traditional sweet bun originating from Malta. These sweet and soft buns are spiced with aniseed and have a sugar glaze on the exterior. A small licorice candy is stuck on top in the center. The dough is usually made with a combination of flour, butter, sugar, milk, yeast, aniseed, and vanilla, while the sugar glaze consists of water, sugar, and sesame seeds. Once baked and golden brown, the licorice candy is stuck in the center and the buns are then left to rest a bit before they're enjoyed on St. Martin's Day, when the children are given a bag full of fruits, nuts, sweets, and Ħobża ta' San Martin buns.