Egyptian El Menenas (Almond Paste Cookies)
- 1/2 lb almond paste
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons orange flower water
- cinnamon
- 2/3 cup butter, melted
- 2 cups flour
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Place on a greased baking sheet and bake at 375 for 30 minutes or until nicely browned. Sprinkle with grandulated sugar.
- 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.
almond paste, sugar, orange flower, cinnamon, butter, flour
Taken from www.food.com/recipe/egyptian-el-menenas-almond-paste-cookies-375838 (may not work)