Article By:
Urban Dsouza,
M.A; B.Ed; Diploma in Journalism, Executive MBA
Mangalore Catholics prepare special snacks called “kuswar” for Christmas season. Kuswar contains as many as 22 different traditional recipes that form this distinct flavor of Christmas celebration.
Neuero or Neuries are puffs stuffed with plums, nuts, & fried theel & sugar
Kidyo or Kulkuls are curly concoctions dipped in sugar treacle
Simple Salted Tukdi(Diamond Cuts).
Rice laddus, prepared with jiggery, theel & dry fruits
Jaw snapping gulios(Marbles),deep fried.
The subtle flavored rose cookies are a hot favorite
The Mitais, Mandas, and Mani are well known sweet dishes and are also included in the kuswar. Chakkuli or the khara kaddis these savoury spirals provide a detour from the sweet trails that mostly defines the kuswar experience.
But it is the Rich Plum Cake which takes the better part of a week to make. Candied fruit, plums, currents, raisins are dexterously cut and soaked in rum. Flour sieved and gently warmed in the sun. Nuts shelled and chopped and the whole family comes together to make the cake.