Loz Almond Sweetmeats Recipes

LOZ (ALMOND SWEETMEATS)

Steps:

• Combine the finely chopped pistachio nuts and caster sugar, and set aside.
• Combine the ground almonds and icing sugar with enough orange-blossom water to form a stiff paste.
• Knead until smooth and allow to rest for about 10 minutes.
• Shape the paste into small balls the size of a walnut, and using a teaspoon handle, make a small hole in each ball and fill it with the combined pistachio nuts and caster sugar; close the hole over the filling and reshape to a round shape.
• Roll the balls in icing sugar and place in small paper cups or on a serving plate. Decorate the top of each ball with a peeled pistachio nut.
• Serve with coffee.
• Note: To peel pistachio nuts, simmer for 3 minutes, drain and slip off skins; dry on a paper towel before use.

MA'AMOUL (LEBANESE DATE STUFFED PASTRIES)

Steps:

• Combine the dates and 1/4 cup water in a jsmall pan over a gentle heat and cook until softened, then set aside to cool.
• Sift the flour into a bowl, and add the diced, chilled butter and rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
• Combine the orange-blossom water or rose water with the 2 tablespoons of water and sprinkle over the flour; then mix into the flour using a round-bladed knife. Cover the dough and rest for approximately 30 minutes.
• Take a spoonful of dough and shape into a round, make a hollow with your finger and spoon a little of the date stuffing into the hollow, then seal the opening and reshape into a round.
• Continue until the dough runs out.
• Place the pastries on a lightly greased baking sheet, cover loosely with foil and bake in a pre-heated moderate oven (180°C; 350°F) for 20-25 minutes. Remove the foil about halfway through the cooking, but keep an eye on them to ensure that they do not brown.
• Remove and cool on wire racks until firm.
• When thoroughly cooled, roll in sifted icing sugar.

SWEETMEATS

Steps:

• Crust: Preheat oven to 350*.
• Grease a 9x12 inch baking pan.
• Cream butter and brown sugar together.
• Add flour and mix well.
• Pat mixture into the prepared baking pan.
• Bake for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Remove from oven.
• Topping: Mix sugar and eggs.
• Add flour; stir well.
• Fold in walnuts and coconut.
• Pour topping onto crust.
• Bake for 20 to 25 minutes longer, until topping is set.
• Cool in pan and cut into squares.
• Makes 30 squares.