Business lunches with clients can be a very boring way to spend your time. Good food is the only exception. This is exactly what happened in the business lunch I’m about to tell you about. The Middle Eastern meal was extraordinary but the Moroccan almond cigars desert was out of this world. Here is the story of the best business lunch I had.
On a balmy, sunny day in Phoenix, I had the pleasure of having a business lunch with a client at an exquisite Middle Eastern restaurant. The atmosphere was inviting and comfortable, with vivid hues and dazzling fabrics hung up on the walls. I truly felt as though someone had transported me to an exotic paradise!
After we had finished our meal, the server arrived with an unexpected and delightful surprise for dessert – Moroccan almond cigars. The chef rolled the luscious treats in filo pastry, filled them with fragrant ground almonds and honey deep-fried them, and then sprinkled them with icing sugar. We were truly excited to receive this delicious offering as a special treat at the end of our meal. Before even sampling a single bite, the sight of it was mouthwatering. The heavenly scent of almonds gave it an even more attractive presentation. Its delectable appearance and the tantalizing aroma that wafted from the dish truly mesmerized me.
Moreover, the sheer authenticity and proficiency that had gone into crafting these desserts mesmerized me as well. After a bit of gentle persuasion, I eventually decided to sample one of them. The heavenly creation overwhelmed me with delight the moment my taste buds touched it. It truly exceeded all expectations! Every single bite I took seemed to be bursting with flavor and texture, leaving me wanting more. After much persuasion, I was finally successful in convincing the Lebanese proprietress to reveal her treasured recipe. Initially, she was hesitant to part with it; however, after engaging in some amiable banter, she eventually acquiesced and provided me with access to her recipe.
The result was a scrumptious treat that was sweet, nutty, and utterly irresistible. It was incredible to observe how a mixture of a few basic components could assemble to form such a delectable dessert. The process of combining these select ingredients was certainly fascinating.
Just as the owner was completing their preparation of the dish, a customer suddenly and inadvertently caused a loud crash by breaking a plate, thus disrupting the tranquil aura previously pervading the restaurant. Despite the chaotic commotion, the owner managed to remain serene and composed. She swiftly tidied up the mess and bestowed a gracious smile upon the customer.
The recipe required cutting 20 sheets of either phyllo or brick dough into long and slender strips. You will need to use a sharp knife in order to slice the sheets of pastry into thin pieces that are about an eighth inch thick. This preparation would provide the ideal texture for the dish. The filling of the strips contains a mixture of finely ground almonds, fragrant cinnamon, sugar, and delicately scented rose water. These ingredients were combined and rolled into small cigar-shaped pieces before being deep-fried in vegetable oil until they became crunchy and golden brown on the outside.
The exotic flavor of the Moroccan almond cigars was due to a secret ingredient – rose water. Adding this fragrant liquid during the preparation process provided an unmistakable aroma and taste, making these cigars truly one-of-a-kind. The rose water gave the cigars a distinctive flavor that is impossible to achieve without it. The addition of a light, floral scent to the nutty flavor of the ground almonds provided an ideal balance. This delightful combination created a harmony that was simply exquisite. The fragrant aroma added just enough complexity and depth to perfectly complement the nutty taste. The perfect finishing touch to this dessert was the honey drizzle on top, which added a pleasant bit of sweetness.
These delicious Moroccan almond cigars are a delightful treat that can be served as an appetizer, snack, or dessert. They are absolutely delectable when served with a side of freshly-picked fruit, like raspberries or luscious strawberries. These delightful treats are most enjoyable on their own or as an accompaniment to your favorite meal and will surely tantalize your taste buds. Alternatively, you can serve them with a generous portion of whipped cream or a sizable scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. This extra addition will give the desserts an added decadence and sweetness that is sure to be appreciated by all!
Moroccan almond cigars are an excellent accompaniment to a cup of rich, strong coffee or tea. This beverage can help to offset the sweetness of the honey drizzle that is often used to top them off. Drinking either a hot cup of coffee or tea alongside your cigar provides an enjoyable and balanced experience that you won’t soon forget.
So here is the recipe for the divine Moroccan almond cigars I had that day:
Ingredients:
- 20 sheets of either phyllo or brick dough
- 3 cups ground almonds.
- 1 tbsp melted butter or margarine
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup rose water
- 1 egg white
- Vegetable oil
- Honey
How to make Moroccan almond cigars:
- Mix ground almonds, melted butter/margarine, sugar, and cinnamon in a big bowl. Gradually add rose water until the mixture is soft.
- Put a sheet of brick/egg roll wrapper on a flat surface. Spoon a small amount of the mix onto one side, and brush egg white on the other side. Roll the wrapper tightly around the mixture, pressing down on the seam to form a cigar.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan. Fry the cigars for 5-6 min on each side until golden.
- Let the cigars cool, then roll them in honey on a plate. Serve with warm Moroccan tea.
Moroccan almond cigars are a great treat for when guests arrive or as a dessert for every meal. Follow the instructions thoroughly and you receive the best result. I can guarantee that no matter how many you make, they will all be devoured to the last crumb. They are simply irresistible. Happy cooking!
