Lebanese Sambusik Date Crescents Recipes

LEBANESE SAMBUSIK, DATE CRESCENTS

Steps:

• Rub the butter into the flour until it is evenly distributed.
• Heat milk& sugar, stir until dissolved and cool to lukewarm.
• Pour the milk and 1/4 cup olive oil into the flour to form a soft dough.
• Knead until smooth.
• Chop the dates and put in a pan with 1/4 cup butter, cook over medium heat, stirring until the mixture is combined and forms a paste Remove from heat and add the rose water, stir to blend.
• Roll out the dough on a lightly floured board to about 1/4" thickness.
• Cut into 2" circles, place a teasp of the date filling in the centre and fold over to form a crescent, crimp the edges with a fork to seal Place Samusik on ungreased baking sheets and bake in a 350F oven for 20-25 minutes or until lightly brown Place on a rack to cool.
• When completely cool place in cookie tins.

SAMBOUSEK (SPINACH, MEAT, CHEESE FILLINGS)

Steps:

• In a large bowl, mix together the flour, olive oil and salt. Create a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the water.
• Gradually fold the flour into the water while simultaneously rotating the bowl.
• Dough will be slightly sticky
• Knead the dough until pliable and no longer sticky
• Place in fridge for one hour allow dough to set.
• Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough into a 1/4" thick rectangle.
• Using a cookie cutter or even a large glass, cut out circles from the dough.
• Do not lift or remove the circles.
• Slowly lift the excess dough surrounding the circles and replace in the bowl to be rolled out again as a second batch.
• Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until needed
• Mix the filling ingredients. Take tablespoon of filling mixture and put on each circle. Take about a teaspoonful of mixture and place in the center of each circle
• Fold circles in half to create half-moons (semi-circles). Pinch the edges together with a fork or fingers to tightly seal
• Repeat same process with the remaining dough and filling
• Frying : Heat oil in a 6qt saucepan over medium-high heat (fill oil no more than half-way)
• Fry the Sambousek until golden brown, approximately 4 minutes, turning once.
• Remove with a slotted spoon and drain excess oil on paper towels
• Baking: Dip each piece in olive oil and put in sheet pan.
• Bake in 350 degree oven for 45 minutes till brown.
• Serve cold or warm.

LEBANESE WALNUT COOKIES

Steps:

• Line cookie sheets with parchment paper, and heat oven to 375°F.
• Cream butter and sugar in a large bowl.
• Add orange water and sifted flour, and stir until the mixture forms a thick dough.
• Set aside.
• To prepare the filling, combine the nuts, sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
• Form 1 inch balls with the dough, and press the center to form a dent for the filling.
• Fill each cookie with about a teaspoon of the filling, and place the cookies on the parchment.
• Bake 15-20 minutes or until golden.
• Cool on wire racks.