Ethnic Sweets From Nazareth

## What is Katayef?

Qatayef is an Arab dessert commonly served during the month of Ramadan, a sort of sweet dumpling filled with cream or nuts. Katayef is of Fatimid origin. Katayef was traditionally prepared by street vendors as well as households in the Levant and Egypt. It is usually prepared using Akkawi cheese as a filling. Preparation Katayef is the general name of the dessert as a whole, but more specifically, the batter. The result of the batter being poured onto a round hot plate appears similar to pancakes, except only one side is cooked, then folded. The pastry is filled with either unsalted cheese or a mixture of any of hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds, pistachios, raisins, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. It is then deep-fried or, less commonly, baked and served with a hot syrup or sometimes honey.