kahk

Kahk, also known as Ka'ak or Kahkeh, is a traditional Middle Eastern cookie. It is most commonly associated with the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, and is also enjoyed during other festive occasions. These sweet biscuits are typically made from a dough of flour, butter or ghee, and sugar, often flavored with ingredients like orange blossom water or mahlab, a spice derived from the seeds of the St Lucie cherry. Kahk can be prepared in various shapes and sizes, with a common characteristic being a decorative imprint pressed onto the surface, often using a special wooden mold called a "tabe". Fillings are also a popular variation, with most common ones including dates, walnuts, or pistachios. The texture of kahk is usually crumbly and melt-in-your-mouth. While widely consumed across the Levant and North Africa, regional variations in ingredients and preparation methods exist. Its preparation is often a family affair, passed down through generations, and it holds significant cultural and sentimental value.