Tamr bil mush mush (dates w/apricot pistachio

Yield: 1 Servings

Ingredients:

1 1/4 lb Ripe dates; pitted Fine granulated sugar MMMMM--------------------------STUFFING-------------------------------
1/2 c Pistachios
6 Dried apricots OR a 3"x4" -piece of amradeen*
1/4 c Sugar
1 ts Rosewater

Instructions:

Following the example of the prophet Muhammad, Muslims break their

fast with dates every Ramadan evening as the call to prayer echoes

across the desert. In Saudi Arabia and the Gulf States, the bedouin

heritage lingers in the dates that are offered as a welcome to

guests, along with a tiny handless cup of green cardamom coffee.

Varieties known as Red Sugar, Bride's Finger, Mother of Perfume, and

Pure Daughter are served whole or stuffed with nuts and other fruits.

Among the multitude of traditional foods prepared from dates are date

syrup and preserves, date bread and doughnuts, puddings, breakfast

porridges, sweet rice, and meat and fish dishes. The date palm has

become a symbol of Arab hospitality and culture and forms part of the

national emblem of Saudi Arabia as well as the symbol of the national

airline, Saudia. * thin sheets of sun-dried apricots 1. Cut apricots into pieces. With oiled hands knead the pistachios with the apricots sugar and rosewater until a pasty dough is formed. 2. Stuff each date with a spoonful of the apricot pistachio mixture. Roll in sugar. Source: "The Arabian Delights Cookbook" by Anne Marie Weiss-Armush