Ma'amoul (Miniature Date-Nut Pastries)

1. 1

   To make the filling, combine the dates, nuts, sugar, water and cinnamon in a medium saucepan over low heat.

2. 2

   Cook until the dates are soft and the water is absorbed, about 20 minutes.

3. 3

   Let cool.

4. 4

   To make the dough, sift the flour into a bowl and mix in the salt.

5. 5

   Gently stir in the butter.

6. 6

   Add the rose water and enough milk to make the dough adhere without being crumbly, mixing just to combine.

7. 7

   Preheat the oven to 300 degrees.

8. 8

   Separate the dough into walnut-size pieces, about 1 1/4 inch long by 1 inch wide.

9. 9

   Take 1 piece and gently roll it into a ball between your palms.

10. 10

    Then make an indentation with your thumb, pinching the sides up to make a large thimble shape.

11. 11

    Repeat with the remaining dough.

12. 12

    Fill the hollows with a scant teaspoon of the filling.

13. 13

    Press the dough back over the filling to make a ball.

14. 14

    Flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand and place all of them on a greased baking sheet.

15. 15

    Decorate the top of each pastry with the tines of a fork -- straight lines are traditional.

16. 16

    Bake for about 30 minutes; do not let the pastries brown.

17. 17

    Let cool.

18. 18

    Roll them in confectioners' sugar and store in an airtight tin.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.