Hoşmerim

Höşmerim is a cherished Turkish dessert enjoyed in various regions such as the Aegean, Marmara, Thrace, and Central Anatolia. Also known as "peynir helva" or "cheese halva" this delicacy is typically relished as a light dessert after meals, often garnished with ice cream, honey, or nuts.

While commercially available höşmerim exists, it is usually crafted in small batches, with each region adding its unique twist to the recipe. Traditional höşmerim is made with fresh, unsalted cheese, semolina, and powdered sugar. Some commercial variations might include additional ingredients such as cream, eggs, and riboflavin.

There is a charming folklore about the name "höşmerim." According to the story, a soldier returning from war was welcomed by his wife with this dessert, and she asked, "Hoş mu erim?" which means "Is it nice, my man?" However, the actual roots of the word are Persian: "xoş" means sweet, and "maram" refers to kaymak, a type of clotted cream.