Honey-Orange and Pistachio-filled Eid Cookies

==Description==
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. During this month-long observance fasting during daylight hours is practised and when the fasting period ends, a celebration called Eid-ul-Fitr, featuring widespread feasting, commences. Because Ramadan is observed by Muslims of many nationalities — each with their own culinary traditions — there is no one set menu for this celebration. These cookies are from the Middle Eastern tradition.
==Ingredients==
=== Dough ===
* 3 cups all-purpose flour
* ½ tsp salt
* 1 tbsp granulated sugar
* 1 cup unsalted butter
* ½ tsp pure orange oil
* 6 – 8 tbsp ice water
=== Filling ===
* ¼ cup fresh orange juice
* 2 tsp honey
* 1 ½ tsp lemon juice
* 1 cup dried, pitted dates
* ½ cup raisins
* ½ cup dried apricots
* pinch cinnamon
* ½ tsp each finely grated orange and lemon peel
* ¼ cup pistachios, peeled and slightly toasted
==Directions==
# Preheat oven to 325°F.
# Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
=== Dough ===
# In a large bowl or food processor, mix flour, with sugar and salt.
# Cut or pulse butter into flour mixture until mealy looking.
# Drizzle in orange oil and, mixing, gradually, add just enough water to create a stiff dough.
# Knead gently on a lightly floured board and pat into a disc.
# Wrap and set aside while making filling (note: dough can be briefly chilled if it seems sticky or begins to look greasy).
=== Filling ===
# In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, cook the orange juice, honey, lemon juice, dates, raisins and apricots for about 5 minutes to soften.
# Add cinnamon, orange and lemon peel.
# Cook over low heat until mixture is pasty.
# Cool well then place in a food processor and process until smooth.
# Stir in the nuts.
# Roll dough out between sheets of wax paper to ¼ inch thick (5 mm) and cut into 2-inch (5 cm) rounds.
# Fill with a dollop of filling and pinch to close.
# Place formed cookies on baking sheet and bake in centre of preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes or until very lightly browned.
# Cool on a rack.
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Category:Cookie Recipes