Ceten-halva, cetenija, or pismaniye are well-known names to lovers of Bosnian and Turkish cuisine for a dessert described as sweet wool, cotton, or airy foam made of sugar threads that melts in the mouth. Even foreigners are becoming more familiar with this special sweet, some say the successor to Dubai chocolate, also known as angel hair. In Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), a special story is tied to the custom of preparing this treat, which no one can make alone. Namely, cetenija requires several pairs of diligent hands.
First, the flour is roasted until it darkens, and during that time, the sugar is heated on the stove with a bit of water and lemon to create caramel. The caramel is carefully poured into a greased baking mold. When it cools enough to be handled, it is kneaded into a “sausage” and then into a circle shape. It is placed in flour and folded into figure eights until it turns white and sugar threads appear. The whole process takes about two hours. In the Turkish version, pistachios are added, and just like in BiH, it is served with coffee.
“Cetenija is traditionally prepared in winter, and while it would cool outside, the girls would guard it so that the boys wouldn’t take it. It also served as a ‘test’ for couples. If the wreath of sugar and flour remained whole after being thrown over their heads – a happy fate awaited them,” said a few years ago Tahira Mehanovic, one of the keepers of the tradition who, along with several other women, wants to save it from being forgotten. The recipe is passed from generation to generation through fun and socializing. While diligent hands shaped that fluffy dessert, there would be singing and dancing and then shared enjoyment in sweet bites.
Just as Dubai chocolate wins over with its crunchy kadaif filling, angel hair owes its sweetness to the Turkish dessert (pismaniye), in combination with chocolate, pistachio cream, and notes of vanilla, pomegranate, and raspberry.
When broken, the chocolate reveals delicate threads – which is what gives it its recognizable name. Although it looks like an edible masterpiece, angel hair in the background doesn’t have such a special story as cetenija, which reminds us of the importance of togetherness and preserving tradition from being forgotten, N1 writes.
Photo: Klix.ba
