Raz ib Adjwah (Date Cakes)

Desserts

INGREDIENTS

4-1/2 cups flour
1/2 cups smeed (semolina)
3 sticks plus 1 tablespoon butter or margarine
2 pounds pitted dates
1/4 cups chopped walnuts
Cinnamon
1 tablespoon margarine

DIRECTIONS

1. Mix flour, smeed and 3 sticks butter well.

2. Add a small amount of water gradually and continue mixing until smooth dough is formed. Set aside.

3. Grind the dates in a food processor fitted with the metal blade.

4. In a small saucepan, combine the dates with about 6 tablespoons of water and one tablespoon of margarine. Cook on low flame stirring frequently until softened (mixture should be thick).

5. Stir in nuts and cinnamon.

6. Cut dough into pieces and roll into balls (about 4 inches in diameter).

7. Roll the dough into a rectangle about 1/8-inch thick.

8. Spread with some of the date mixture and roll.

9. Slice one inch and pinch using metal decorating tweezers.

10. Bake at 350° until lightly browned, about 20 minutes. When they are cool, sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve.