Date and Pistachio Cigars
A favourite of the Queen of Sheba, the pistachio is believed by some to be an aphrodisiac, making these the perfect treats to share with your Valentine.
1/2 cup (125 mL) pitted dates
1/2 tsp (2 mL) orange flower water
1/2 tsp (2 mL) ground cinnamon
Pinch ground clove
1/2 cup (125 mL) pistachios, coarsely chopped
3 sheets of phyllo pastry
1 Tbsp (15 mL) extra-virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp (30 mL) honey
1 tsp (5 mL) toasted sesame seeds
Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C).
Place dates in small bowl and pour boiling water over to cover. Let sit for 5 minutes; drain and put in bowl of food processor along with orange flower water, cinnamon, and clove. Pulse until a paste forms, but don’t worry if it is not smooth. Transfer to bowl and stir in pistachios.
Cut phyllo sheets in half lengthwise, then again crossways. To prevent pastry from drying out, cover with plastic wrap and then a damp towel.
Working with one phyllo rectangle at a time, brush phyllo lightly with olive oil. Place 1 Tbsp (15 mL) pistachio mixture along short end of phyllo rectangle, leaving about 1 in (2.5 cm) on either side. Roll to enclose mixture, folding in sides after first complete turn.
Place seam side down on parchment-lined baking sheet and brush again lightly with olive oil. Repeat with remaining phyllo rectangles. Bake until golden brown and crisp, about 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, warm honey in small saucepan over low heat. Brush warm pastries with warm honey and sprinkle with sesame seeds and transfer to wire rack to cool.
Serve warm or at room temperature alongside orange slices, if desired.
Makes 12 pastries.
Each serving contains: 166 calories; 3 g protein; 8 g total fat (1 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 23 g carbohydrates; 2 g fibre; 47 mg sodium
source: "Be Mine, Vegetarian Valentine", alive #352, February 2012
Date and Pistachio Cigars
Directions
READ THIS NEXT
SEE MORE »
Smoky Lentil Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers
This hearty version of traditional sloppy joes has a tidy helping of sleep-aiding dietary fibre, thanks to its payload of smoky lentils. Swapping out the doughy bun for sweet bell pepper ups the nutritional ante and visual appeal. It’s also superb as leftovers. Smoke and fire Chipotle peppers are ripened red jalapeno chiles that have been smoked and dried. In stores, they’re typically sold in a rich, smoky flavoured adobo sauce. They add fiery, complex flavour to sauces used for pasta dishes, tacos, and any version of sloppy joes.
Yogurt Bowl with Tart Cherry Compote
If you’re hungry for a nighttime snack, then spoon up this creamy, sweet-tart yogurt bowl to help promote some sweet dreams. It’s also a great breakfast option with a little granola tossed on top. The cherry compote can be made up to 5 days in advance. Less is more Many people would be surprised by the amount of added sugar that can be found in flavoured yogurts, including vanilla. A healthier option is to select products that are labelled “plain” and then let natural sweetness come from fruit toppings.
Turkey Tarragon Stew
For many of us, turkey is a comfort food that recalls happy memories. This stew is one that is comforting both to make and to eat. Simmered slowly over a few hours, turkey drumsticks deliver rich flavour as well as a huge punch of protein. Tarragon gives it a fresh, bright pop of flavour that balances the earthy richness of the stew. Turkey contains high levels of B vitamins and selenium, as well as tryptophan, which has been explored in recent research for its role in the formation of the mood regulator serotonin. Leftover turkey You can also make this dish with leftover cooked turkey. Simply start the recipe by browning the leek and onion and adding stock, carrots, and parsnips. When the vegetables are tender, add cooked turkey and continue with the recipe [object Object]