Simple Moroccan Spiced Butter Recipes

Steps:

• Mix first 3 ingredients in small bowl. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in heavy medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add 2 teaspoons spice mixture and sauté 30 seconds. Stir in 21/2 cups vegetable broth and lentils. Bring to boil; reduce heat to medium and simmer until lentils are tender, adding more broth by tablespoonfuls if dry and stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Stir in 1/4 cup cilantro; season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon oil in heavy large skillet over high heat. Sprinkle scallops with salt, pepper, and remaining spice mixture; add to skillet and cook until browned on both sides and just opaque in centers, about 2 minutes per side. Top lentil mixture with scallops and sprinkle with additional cilantro.
• Also known as masoor dal; sold at some supermarkets and at natural foods stores and Indian markets. If unavailable, use green lentils and increase cooking time to about 30 minutes.

Steps:

• In large bowl, beat butter with electric mixer on medium speed until creamy. Add powdered sugar; beat until light and fluffy. Add egg and 1 1/2 teaspoons of the orange peel; beat well. Gradually add flour, anise and salt, beating until combined. Stir in nuts. Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate 1 hour.
• Heat oven to 350°F. On lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut with 2-inch 8-point star-shaped cookie cutter, rerolling dough once. On ungreased cookie sheets, place cutouts 1 inch apart.
• Bake 12 to 14 minutes or until firm to the touch. Immediately remove from cookie sheets to cooling racks. Cool completely.
• In small bowl, mix frosting and remaining 1/2 teaspoon orange peel. For each sandwich cookie, spread about 1 teaspoon frosting on bottom of 1 cookie. Top with second cookie, bottom side down; gently press together. Let stand until set. Store tightly covered at room temperature.