Ba'ba Beh Tamur

==Description==
Iraqi filled pastries
* Yield: about 48 cheese- or almond-filled pastries; about 30 date-filled pastries.
==Ingredients==
* 1 package active dry yeast
* 1 cup lukewarm water (105 to 115°F)
* 4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
* ½ teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 tablespoon ground fennel
* ½ cup (1 stick) plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
* cheese, almond or date filling
* 1 egg white, beaten (if using date filling)
* sesame seeds (if using date filling)
=== Cheese filling ===
* ½ cup shredded Jarlsberg cheese
* ½ cup shredded Muenster cheese
* 1 egg
=== Almond filling ===
* 1 cup ground almonds (or walnuts)
* ⅓ cup granulated sugar
* 1 tablespoon rose water (see note)
* 1 tablespoon orange blossom water (see note)
* 1 teaspoon ground cardamom (if using walnuts)
=== Date filling ===
* 8 ounces pitted dates, cut into small pieces
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
* 1 tablespoon milk
==Directions==
# Combine yeast and water; set aside 10 minutes.
# Mix together flour, salt, baking powder, fennel, yeast mixture and melted butter in bowl of electric mixer until everything comes together (don't overbeat).
# Cover with damp cloth.
# Let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
=== For cheese and almond fillings ===
# Roll out dough about ¼ inch thick; cut into 3-inch rounds.
# Place 1 teaspoon filling in center.
# Brush edge with water; fold to make a half-moon shape.
# Seal edges with tines of fork.
# Bake in a preheated 425°F oven 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
=== For date filling ===
# Roll out dough about 1/8 inch thick; cut into 3-inch rounds.
# Place 1 teaspoon date filling in center.
# Gather dough up around filling; pinch to seal.
# Roll into a ball; flatten with flat-bottom glass.
# Brush with egg white.
# Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
# Pierce surface with a fork.
# Bake in a preheated 425°F oven 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
=== Cheese filling ===
# Combine cheeses and egg in medium bowl; mix well.
# Use as directed for Iraqi filled pastries.
# Yield: 1 cup; enough for about 24 pastries.
=== Almond filling ===
# Mix almonds with sugar, rose water and orange blossom water in small bowl.
# Add cardamom if using walnuts.
# Use as directed for Iraqi filled pastries.
# Yield: 1¼ cups, or enough for about 30 pastries.
# Note: Rose and orange blossom waters are available at pharmacies.
=== Date filling ===
# Place dates, butter and milk in top of double boiler; set over simmering water.
# Cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mixture is soft and doughy.
# Let cool.
# Form into small balls.
# Use as directed in Iraqi filled pastries.
# Yield: about 1¼ cups; or enough for about 30 pastries.
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Category:Pastry Recipes