Recipe: Date Cookies - Klaychah

Makes about 24

This is one of Iraq's famous sweets, which has a history that goes back to the days of the ancient Mesopotamian civilizations.

1 pound soft dates, pitted and finely chopped
1/2 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2 cups flour
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shortening
1/3 cup milk

Place dates, butter, cardamom and cloves in a saucepan, then cook over low heat, and stir occasionally until dates become a paste. Remove from the heat, then allow to thoroughly cool.

In the meantime, combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a mixing bowl, then make a well and add shortening and milk. Knead into dough, adding more milk if necessary, then divide into 4 parts. Roll one at a time to about 1/4 inch thickness.

Divide date paste into 4 parts, then roll out between 2 sheets of plastic, the same size as the dough. Remove plastic then place date layer on dough, then roll into cylinder shape, jellyroll style. Continue process with the remaining 3 parts of dough. Slice rolls into 1 inch pieces, then place on greased baking tray.

Bake in 325º F preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until klaychah begin to turn golden brown. Allow to cool, then place on serving platter.

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