Recipe - Tamr Bil Mush Mush (Dates Wapricot Pistachio Stuffing)

1 One fourth pound Ripe dates; pitted
Fine granulated sugar

STUFFING
One half cup Pistachios
6 Dried apricots OR a 3"x4"
piece of amradeen*
One fourth cup Sugar
1 teaspoon Rosewater

"Following the example of the prophet Muhammad, Muslims break their fast
with dates every Ramadan evening as the call to prayer echoes across the
desert. In Saudi Arabia and the Gulf States, the bedouin heritage lingers
in the dates that are offered as a welcome to guests, along with a tiny
handless cup of green cardamom coffee. Varieties known as Red Sugar,
Bride's Finger, Mother of Perfume, and Pure Daughter are served whole or
stuffed with nuts and other fruits. Among the multitude of traditional
foods prepared from dates are date syrup and preserves, date bread and
doughnuts, puddings, breakfast porridges, sweet rice, and meat and fish
dishes. The date palm has become a symbol of Arab hospitality and culture
and forms part of the national emblem of Saudi Arabia as well as the symbol
of the national airline, Saudia."

* thin sheets of sundried apricots

1. Cut apricots into pieces. With oiled hands, knead the pistachios with
the apricots, sugar, and rosewater, until a pasty dough is formed.

2. Stuff each date with a spoonful of the apricot pistachio mixture. Roll
in sugar.

Source: "The Arabian Delights Cookbook" by Anne Marie WeissArmush
Posted to MMRecipes Digest V3 #347

From: Linda Place placel@worldnet.att.net

Date: Thu, 19 Dec 1996 04:25:29 +0000