Recipe: Hays (Date-Nut Balls)

HAYS (DATE-NUT BALLS)

Makes 35 balls.

Note: According to the authors, these no-bake morsels are one of the oldest sweets recorded in Arab history and were a stepping stone for the desserts enjoyed in the Middle East today. The recipe requires a food processor.

• 3/4 lb. fresh, pitted dates, chopped

• 2 c. finely ground bread crumbs

• 1 c. ground almonds

• 1 c. chopped pistachios

• Powdered sugar for rolling

Directions

Place the dates, bread crumbs, almonds and pistachios in a food processor and process for 2 minutes.

Pour the sesame oil evenly over the mixture and process for about 5 minutes. Press a small amount of the mixture in the palm of your hand to make sure it sticks together. If it doesn't, process the mixture a little longer until it begins to bind.

Form the mixture into balls that are each about the size of a walnut. Roll the balls in the powdered sugar and place on a serving plate.

Calories120Fat7 gSodium45 mg

Carbohydrates14 gSaturated fat1 gCalcium26 mg

Protein2 gCholesterol0 mgDietary fiber2 g