Nut-Stuffed Semolina Pastries, Cyprus Style
Grrrrrgh!
Course : Greek
From: HungryMonster.com
Serves: 30
 

Ingredients:

1/4 pound sweet butter
1 1/4 cups fine semolina
1 package orange flower water
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons warm water -- (more if needed)
1 cup chopped unsalted pistachios
4 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons confectioners sugar
 

Preparation:

In a small, heavy saucepan, bring the butter to bubbling over medium heat and stir in the fine semolina. Transfer to a small bowl, cover, and let stand overnight at room temperature. The next day, uncover and add 2 teaspoons orange flower water, the salt, and gradually the warm water, working with your fingers to make a firm dough. Knead for 5 minutes, then cover and let rest 1 hour. Meanwhile, combine the pistachios, sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Break off pieces of dough slightly larger in size than a walnut. Work in your fingers to form a ball. Press the center with your thumb to make a large well and fill with 1 teaspoon of the nut mixture, then cover over with dough and shape into an oval. Set on a cookie sheet and continue until all pastries are shaped. Bake in a moderate oven (350F) for 30 to 35 minutes or until the yellow color has become a light, not a deep, chestnut. Remove to racks and cool for 10 minutes, then dip quickly into orange flower water and roll in confectioners' sugar. Cool before storing. Note: You may substitute blanched almonds for the pistachios and peanut oil for the butter