Spending time with my friends is my favorite activity. If it involves good food, it’s even better. This is exactly what happened that evening in the Middle Eastern restaurant when we had maamoul date filled cookies for dessert there. Here is the story of what happened there.
On a warm summer evening, my friends and I decided to explore a Middle Eastern restaurant in Seattle that received rave reviews. We were enthusiastic to give it a try and sample some delicious foreign flavors. Although a bit apprehensive, we looked forward to experiencing something new and indulging in the unique culinary delights the restaurant had to offer.
As we entered, the warm and inviting decor filled our senses with intricate Middle Eastern art gracing the walls, spices scenting the air, and grilled meats making our mouths water. The pleasant atmosphere greeted us.
We took our seats at a charming table, conveniently located by the window. In no time, our waiter – a jovial Lebanese man in his mid-forties – came over to us with an amiable smile. He presented himself and furnished us with the menu, while simultaneously suggesting some of his favorite dishes that he thought we would enjoy.
After indulging in our delectable entrees, we eagerly anticipated dessert. To our surprise, our waiter presented us with an exquisite plate of maamoul date filled cookies. Warm and fluffy date-filled cookies that were both visually appealing and incredibly delicious. The sweet filling was so succulent it seemed to melt away on the tongue.
While we were enjoying our cookies when we spotted a scene of turmoil near the door; A customer was arguing with one of the waiters. Their tempers had flared and here we were, feeling slightly uncomfortable.
Our waiter swiftly intervened, dissipating the tension with his tranquil and composed attitude. He expressed regret for any misperceptions and reassured the customer that their grievances would be listened to and dealt with.
Our waiter’s remarkable professionalism and his extraordinary ability to manage the situation skillfully highly impressed us. We expressed our gratitude for his noble efforts, and it was then that I got an inspired idea to request him for the recipe of those delectable maamoul date filled cookies.
He smiled with pride and explained that the dish was a treasured family recipe, one that had been passed down from generation to generation. He promised he would do his best to ask the chef if he would be willing to divulge the ingredients of this special cookies.
At first, our chef was hesitant to share the recipe. However, upon witnessing my eagerness, he consented and our waiter wrote it down on a napkin. This generous gesture made me very thankful and I assured that I would attempt to create these cookies in my kitchen.
As we departed from the restaurant, I felt an immense sense of gratitude for the kindness and hospitality that had been so graciously bestowed upon us. It truly made me feel thankful for this wonderful experience. I was delighted to experience the renowned hospitality of Middle Eastern culture, especially on enjoying their tasty cuisines. Hospitality and good food-sharing are held in high esteem here, and it was a privilege to have only a hint of it.
Expressing our thanks, we paid the bill concluding an excellent meal and outstanding service by our waiter. Our appreciation was apparent when we thanked him again before leaving – delighting in the Middle Eastern cuisine and feeling warmly accepted. His polite goodbye showcase his hospitable nature making it a pleasant experience overall.
To sum up, that evening at the Middle Eastern eatery was more than just a regular dinner – it was an unforgettable experience that had an indelible impact on all of us. We savored each and every flavorful bite from our delicious dishes, while conversing and laughing together throughout the night. The sights, smells and sounds only added to this already special occasion, making it one we will always remember fondly.
As I prepared the maamoul cookies at home, I couldn’t help but smile, thinking back on the unexpected events that had led to this delicious discovery.
So here is the recipe for the wonderful maamoul date filled cookies.
Ingredients:
For the 1st stage:
- 2 cups (approx. 350g) of semolina.
- 1 cup (approx. 125g) of all purpose flour.
- 1/2 tbsp of ground mahleb (alternatively, you can use either crushed mastic or cinnamon or just skip it).
- A dash of salt.
- 1 cup (approx. 250g) ghee (alternatively, you can use either ghee, oil, butter or a combination)
For the 2nd stage:
- 1 tbsp of dry milk.
- 1/4 tsp of active dry yeast.
- 3 tbsp of simple syrup (see below how to make the simple syrup)
- 1/4-1/3 cup of warm milk.
The filling:
- 1 cup (approx. 150g) of dates.
- 1 tsp of ghee.
- 1 tbsp of either cinnamon, rose water or orange blossom water.
- 1 tbsp of roasted sesame seeds.
How to make maamoul date filled cookies?
1st stage
- Melt ghee in microwave or stovetop but do not let it get too hot or boiling.
- In a deep bowl, add semolina, flour, mahleb, and salt. Mix well.
- Add in the melted ghee and mix everything together until you get a crumbly mixture.
- Use the palms of your hands and rub the semolina mixture for a couple of minutes until it forms a soft dough.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate it overnight or up to 3 days to allow the flavors to meld together.
2nd stage:
- Bring the dough to room temperature from the refrigerator in order to soften it, as it may have hardened there.
- Add the dry milk and mix well with the yeast.
- Add in the syrup, mix and then slowly add the milk until you feel the dough is soft enough to roll nicely into a ball.
- Allow the dough to rest and rise for 1 hour, so it becomes more flavorful, covering the dough as you do so.
- After the dough has rested, divide it into 24 equal-sized balls.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F in preparation for baking the cookies.
Making the simple syrup:
Begin by adding 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water along with a ½ teaspoon of lime or lemon juice to a pot. Boil the mixture and let the syrup simmer for 10 minutes and stir in dropped ingredients such as vanilla, rose water or orange blossom water (optional) for flavor. Allow the mixture to cool.
Making the filling:
- Use your food processor to mix the ingredients of the filling until you achieve the desired texture.
- Make 24 balls out of the filling mixture.
Shaping and baking the maamoul:
- Make an indentation in the dough with your thumb and add some of the suggested stuffing.
- Close up and shape into a ball. Press into a maamoul mold or use a fork to make indentations as a decoration.
- Bake in the oven on a middle rack for an initial 10 minutes, then place the pan higher up in the oven and leave to cook for another 7-10 minutes until top is lightly golden.
- After the 3-4 minute interval on the baking sheet, transfer to a wire rack before it cools down completely.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar, and serve.
I agree that it’s not one of the easiest recipes, but it’s well worth it. These amazing maamoul date filled cookies are a great dessert for any meal or simply with your morning coffee. You need to try them and I assure you get addicted. Happy baking!
