Orange Date Crescent Claws

These were the Pillsbury Bake-Off Prize winner for 1988. Simmilar to a bear claw with a moist filling.

• Ready In: 42 mins
• Serves: 8
• Yields: 8 rolls

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup  chopped walnuts or 1⁄2 cup pecans
• 1⁄4 cup sugar
• 1  teaspoon  grated  orange peel
• 1⁄2 cup  chopped dates
• 1 (8 ounce) can  refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
• 2  tablespoons margarine or 2  tablespoons butter, melted

Directions

1. Heat oven to 375°F
2. In a small bowl, combine walnuts, sugar and orange peel;blend well. Reserve 1/4 cup of mixture for topping. Stir dates into remaining mixture; set aside.
3. Separate dough into 4 rectangles; firmly press perforations to seal. Cut each rectangle in half crosswise; press or roll out each to form eight 4-inch squares. Brush each with margarine. Spoon about 2 tablespoon date mixture across center 1/3 of each square to within 1/4 inch of edges. Fold sides of dough over filling; pinch center seam and ends to seal. Place seam side down on ungreased cookie sheet.
4. Using scissors or sharp knife, make three 1/2-inch cuts in one folded edge. To form claws, separate cut sections of each roll by gently curving into crescent shape. Brush top of each claw with remining margarine; sprinkle with reserved sugar-nut mixture. Bake at 375F.for 8 to 12 minutes or until golden brown.