Egyptian El Menenas (Almond Paste Cookies)

Submitted by Debbie R.

"This is from "Best of African Cooking". I haven't made it yet. A date variation is included below."

 

• Ready In: 50mins
• Ingredients: 6
• Yields: 1 batch

ingredients

• 1⁄2 lb almond paste
• 3⁄4 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons orange flower water
• cinnamon
• 2⁄3 cup butter, melted
• 2 cups flour

directions

1. Add sugar to the almond paste; mix well. Add 1 teaspoons orange flower water and cinnamon to taste (at least 1/2 tsp). Blend well into a smooth paste.
2. In a bowl, combine melted butter with flour. Add the other teaspoons of orange flower water. Knead into a dough that holds together. Do not add any water unless absolutely necessary.
3. Form balls about 1.5 - 2 inches round. Make a depression in the center of each ball with your thumb. Fill hole with almond paste.
4. Place on a greased baking sheet and bake at 375 for 30 minutes or until nicely browned. Sprinkle with grandulated sugar.
5. VARIATION: A date filling can be substituted for the almond one. Chop 1/2 lb. pitted dates and combine into a paste with 4 T. soft butter.