MANGIA COOKIES

Lower Left: Date cookie
Upper Right: Pistachio

Not cheap, but dense and delicious, and not easy to make yourself.
I think these are versions of Ma'amoul, made often in the winter, in preparation for Eid and Easter.
It it thought to have existed in Egypt in one form, and is also served during Purim, making it an ancient recipe beloved by many cultures and religions. Here is a recipe from Chef in Disguise to try, maybe in muffin tins. Without fancy ingredients, but also worth a try is Amanda's Plate version.

Maamoul Date Cookies

Author: Amanda

Prep time:  45 mins

Cook time:  20 mins

Total time:  1 hour 5 mins

Serves: 2 dozen

Ingredients

• 3 cups farina (milled wheat flour/ can be found at middle eastern stores)
• ½ cup All Purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup ghee, clarified butter (regular butter works too)
• ½ teaspoon active dry yeast
• ½ cup lukewarm water
• ⅓ cup whole milk

Filling

• 3 cups dates, pitted
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 teaspoon orange blossom water
• 1-2 tablespoons coconut oil (other vegetable oils work)

Instructions

Filing

1. Blend dates together in a food processor with spices and 1 tablespoon oil until smooth. Add orange blossom water. Roll 1 tablespoon dates into 24 small balls.

Dough

1. In a small bowl, mix yeast in water and allow to stand for 3 minutes.
2. In a stand mixer with paddle attachment, mix together farina, AP flour, salt, sugar and butter.
3. Add the yeast and water and milk to the bowl and mix until dough forms.
4. Allow dough to rest for 10 minutes.
5. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
6. Using mold, press dough into the center, place date ball in the center of the dough. Place a second smaller piece of dough over the top of the date, cover the filling.
7. Tap the mold until the dough releases.
8. Place on parchment lined baking sheet.
9. Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. Enjoy