Mamoul cookies and Cinnamon Tea

The melt-in-the-mouth delicious mamoul cookies are one of the most popular middle eastern cookie.I used to buy a box every time I shopped at the middle store ,besides dates these are available in variety of fillings with fruits and nuts.But when yours truly turned a health nut and started scrutinizing the processed foods nutrition labels,the mamoul were sadly out listed from my choice of cookies.Until I found Kate's recipe, simple enough to bake some of my own with desired amount of fat and sugar.Amazingly the recipe worked quite well even after reducing sugar and fat quantities ,and the Orange blossom water used imparts the lovely fragrance and hint of refreshing flavor.Traditionally wooden molds are used to shape the cookies,in her recipe kate shows a very easy method to make mamoul without the molds.Thanks to Kate,I can enjoy these delectable cookies again without guilt.

Makes about 12 cookies (3-inch long-oval cookies)
Ingredients:
1 cup fine semolina(sooji rava)
1/2 cup all purpose flour
2 tablespoon melted butter or ghee
2 teaspoon sugar
2 tablespoon Orange blossom water or rose water
1/2 cup reduced fat Milk(a little more if needed)
1/4 teaspoon powdered anise or ground anise seed(optional)
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
pinch of salt

For filling
1 cup(4 ounce) about 6-8 dates,pitted and pressed to make a paste
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
For rolling
1/4 cup Walnuts or pistachios,chopped

Method
In a large bowl combine all the dry ingredients.Mix butter\ghee ,sugar,orange blossom water and milk in another bowl. Gradually add this in to the flour mixture,knead the dough until evenly mixed.The dough should be smooth and moist,add little more milk if needed.Cover and let rest for one hour.
Prepare the filling by combining the pressed dates and cinnamon .make 2 inch long rolls of the mixture and Set aside.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Make walnut-sized balls of the dough. Press down each of the balls using a thumb to form a cup to place the filling.place the date roll.Close the open end and roll between the palms to form a cylindrical shape.Place on a baking sheet and finish making the rest.
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until bottom is lightly brown. Completely cool on a rack.Store in an air tight container.Tastes best if consumed within 4-5 days since its low in fat and could dry out sooner.
These Mamoul cookies are off to Srivalli's Mithai Mela and Ria's Let's Celebrate.My Sweet Potato chocolate Bundt cake and Nutella cake are also joining in Ria's Celebration.

Nutrition and Calories
Nutrition is in the core with mineral rich dates,also a good source of fiber and vitamins.The crust is pretty much all carbs.The fat calories are reduced to about 2 grams per cookie ,compared to about 9 grams in the original recipe.

Cinnamon Tea

The flavor of light Cinnamon Tea complements really well with mamoul.
Ingredients
3 cups water
1 teaspoon herbal tea mix or tea powder
2 cinnamon sticks(use ceylon variety)
1 teaspoon sugar

Method
Brew all the ingredients for about 15 minutes ;strain and serve hot.

Click - Cookies

This cookie Cookie click is my entry for Click Photography event at Jugalbandi,Cookies are the theme of this month.