Source: Oded Schwartz - Oded who is the author of seven books is best known for his hugely popular cookery and food-related writing. Oded's first book 'In Search Of Plenty - a history of Jewish food' (1992) was short-listed for the British Andre Simon award and won a special mention in the international "Lenghe Ceretto Prize" for food and wine culture. He now lives in Cape Town and contributes occasionally to Al'Hashulchan (a leading Israeli food & dining magazine). He is still researching and writing about the history and culture of Israeli & Jewish food.

Ingredients:
1 lb soft dry or fresh dates, stones removed 3/4 cup peeled pistachios, lightly roasted
1/4 cup - 1/3 cup ground almonds
1-2 tablespoons good, fragrant honey
2 teaspoons orange blossom or rose water optional

Preparation:
1. Place the pistachio in a food processor and process at high speed until coarsely ground.
2. Add the honey and flavoring and keep processing until well mixed.
3. Place the mass on a ground almond dusted board and kneed the rest of the ground almonds to create a soft non-sticky mass. Covered with greaseproof paper and refrigerate for a few hours.
4. Stuff each date with a little of the mixture and reshape.

Serving Suggestions:Keep refrigerated and serve as petit fours.

Date Submitted: January 23, 2004

Section:Holiday