Moroccan Date and Nut Candies

While rearranging the book shelves, the Moroccan cookbook caught my eye and I started browsing. It's been a while since I opened it. I've used it to make almond milk, clarified butter, and stews. I don't know if the recipes are authentic but so far most of the dishes I already cooked were delicious.

The date and nut candies are very similar to the Chinese candies I used to buy many years ago when they haven't tainted their food products yet with toxic stuff [maybe they did but we were unaware]. The candies also remind me of the Filipino cookies, Food for the Gods. The recipe is very simple, has only 5 ingredients, and no sugar added because the dates have natural sugar in them. The candies are healthy and nutritious, and extra yummy with the addition of small amount of butter.

Moroccan Date and Nut Candies
3 tablespoons water
4 cups dates, chopped
4 tablespoons butter
1 cup walnuts or blanched almonds, toasted and chopped
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

• Line a 7 x 7 inch tray or baking pan with plastic wrap leaving a 2 inch overhang on both sides. 
• Cook water and dates over low heat in a skillet for 2 minutes until dates are soft; add butter and cook for another 2 minutes. Divide in half. 
• Press one half on prepared pan; sprinkle nuts evenly pressing gently onto date paste. Using the plastic overhang, transfer onto the kitchen counter. Cut another piece of plastic wrap and press the remaining date paste. Tip over on top of paste with nuts. Press together lightly. Remove top plastic and sprinkle and pressing sesame seeds evenly. Cut into 1 inch square or diamond shape piece. [Or simply mix in nuts with dates then press on the prepared pan; sprinkle sesame seeds on top, then cut into desired shape.]