Fried Almond Cigars
DESCRIPTION
Moroccan almond cigars are a sweet delicacy that go perfect with mint tea.
INGREDIENTS
For the almond paste:
- 18 oz blanched almonds ((or substitute almonds and sugar with almond paste "marzipan"))
- 12 oz sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ tbsp orange blossom water (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
- 1 egg (beaten)
For the dough:
- 1 cup oil
- 1 cup water (or dry white wine )
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoon sugar
- 4 ½ - 5 cups flour
For the syrup:
- 1 ¾ cups sugar
- 1 whole lemon juice
- 1 cup water
INSTRUCTIONS
To make almond filling:
- Grind together the blanched almonds and the sugar, fold in the beaten egg, the cinnamon and the vanilla and mix thoroughly. (You may substitute almond paste "marzipan" which is sold commercially).
To make dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the oil, water (or white wine), egg, baking powder and sugar.
- Flour varies from brand to brand, so little by little, mix in the flour until you get a soft dough that is barely sticky. Knead the dough for 5 minutes then wrap in plastic and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Remove the dough and fold it over like a huge cigar. Then cut it into 2" thick circles of dough.
- Dust the counter surface with flour and then roll each circle out with a rolling pin until paper-thin. Cut 4 inch-squares into it. Scoop up 1 teaspoon of almond paste and shape it into a sausage shape and place it diagonally onto the square of dough and roll it up into a small cigar. Repeat until all the cigars are completed.
- Add ½" oil in frying pan at medium heat. Fry the cigars, turning over until evenly golden in color.
- Remove from oil with tongs and set them on parchment paper.
To make syrup:
- In a saucepan at medium heat, dissolve the sugar in the water, add the lemon juice and cook the mixture slowly, stirring often, until it starts to thicken. Keep warm.
- Dip each cigar into the syrup, remove and replace on parchment paper. Repeat until all the cigars are done. Serve warm or cold.
Notes
French: (CIGARES FRITS AUX AMANDES)
You can store them in the freezer unbaked and put them in the oven when guests knock on the door, so you can offer them something fresh, hot, and sweet.
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