Albanian Date Cookies Recipes

Steps:

• Cream shortening; gradually add the sugar, beating well. Add eggs and vanilla; beat well.
• Combine flour, salt and soda. Add to creamed mixture, mixing well. Stir in the uncooked oats and chopped dates.
• Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls onto lightly greased cookie sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes (centers will be slightly soft). Remove from cookie sheets while still warm; complete cooling on wire racks.

Steps:

• Put the orange juice, oil and vanilla extract into a large bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients, then add to the orange juice mixture until a soft dough forms.
• Break off pieces of the dough and roll into 1 1/2 inch balls. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet, and press one date into the center of each cookie.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool.
• After the cookies have cooled, spread the crushed walnuts out on a plate. Mix together the water, sugar and lemon juice in a small saucepan and bring just to a boil over the stove.
• Dip each cookie into the syrup, then press the bottom of the cookie into the walnuts. Repeat until all the cookies are done.

Steps:

• With an electric mixer, beat butter, egg and vanilla until smooth.
• In separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt.
• Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture, beating until blended.
• Stir in dates, coconut and walnuts.
• Form dough into two 1-1/2-inch rolls; wrap in wax paper or foil.
• Chill in freezer until firm enough to slice easily (about 2 hours) or for as long as 1 month.
• When ready to make, preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Lightly grease several cookie sheets.
• With sharp knife, cut rolls into 3/8-inch slices.
• Place slices on prepared cookie sheets.
• Bake about 12 minutes or until golden.
• Cool on wire rack.

Steps:

• Mix the flour, salt and water together and knead for five minutes. Let sit for 10 minutes, then divide in half. Roll out one half until thin and then butter. fold the sides toward the center, then butter again. Fold the dough in half lengthwise, then butter again. Keep going until you have a five-inch square. Then butter the top and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 15 minutes. Repeat with second ball of dough.
• Grease a standard sized pie-pan. After 15 minutes in the fridge, bring the dough out and roll it until it is the size of a pie the pan. Lay it on the bottom, leaving about a half inch hanging over the edges. Now you are ready to make the filling.
• Wash and thinly slice the leeks (white and light green parts only). Set aside.
• In a large bowl, mix the cottage cheese, feta cheese, eggs, salt, yogurt and melted butter. Then add the leeks and mix until everything is well incorporated.
• Pour the filling into the prepared pie plate. Roll out the other piece of dough and top the pie with it. Crimp the edges or just roll the top up with the dough on the bottom. Brush with butter.
• Bake at 400 degrees for 45 minutes, or until top of pie is golden.