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Maamoul (Pistachio, Walnut, and Date Pastries)

Pistachio walnut and date pastries on a white tray.
Photo by Petrina Tinslay

The holidays just wouldn’t be the same without these delicate filled pastries on the table. Maamoul are made on special occasions like Eid Al-Fitr and Easter. It is one yeasted semolina dough that’s flavored with almondy mahlab and filled with three different fillings. It takes a little time to prepare these pastries, but they're well worth it. I usually bake a big batch and freeze some in an airtight container; they keep well in the freezer. I have given instructions to decorate the pastries using decorative pinchers. After a couple of attempts you’ll get the hang of it. Alternatively, you can use special molds.

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