Almond paste stuffed dates are a very popular sweet treat in Algeria, usually served in small saucers or into a large copper tray. They are made with the famous Algerian dates called Deglet Nour, which grows in abundance in Algeria and especially in Biskra, located in north east of Algeria and famous for its palm grove. They are also named the Queen of the dates, for its translucent color. Their seed can even be seen right through the flesh when held to the light.

Nour in Arabic means light.

Serves 10

Ingredients:

• 15 fresh dates
• 150g of almond powder
• 150g of caster sugar
• 1 tablespoon of soft butter
• 1 tablespoon of orange water blossom
• Natural food coloring
• 1 drop of pure almond extract
• White granulated sugar for decoration

Procedure:

1. Make a vertical cut in the middle of the date and remove the pit, proceed the same way for all the dates and set aside.
2. In a bowl mix the almond powder and the sugar.
3. Add the soft butter and mix again.
4. Pour a drop of pure almond extract.
5. Pour a drop of food coloring (green for me).
6. Pour 1 tablespoon of orange water blossom and mix again with your fingers until you obtain a compact dough.
7. Put the dough into a plastic bag and store in the fridge for 15 minutes.
8. Remove the dough from the fridge.
9. Pinch a little of the almond paste, make a little roll cylinder the size of the date and fill the inside of the date.
10. Sprinkle with the white granulated sugar on top.

This almond paste can be stored for 1 month in the fridge.

It’s soft and sweet, and perfect with an aromatic mint tea on the side.

Bonne dégustation, saha ftourkoum!