1 c. unsalted butter - room temp.
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. brandy
1 1/2 tsp. orange-blossom water (if desired)
1 egg
3 c. all-purpose flour
1 c. fine grade samolina
Dash of salt
Powdered sugar for sprinkling

DATE FILLING:

1/2 lb. pitted dates
1 tbsp. butter

Cut up dates and mash well with a fork. Mix in the butter and set aside.

Butter baking sheets. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine butter and sugar in large bowl. Cream until light and fluffy. Stir in brandy and orange-blossom water. Beat in egg gradually. Add flour, semolina and salt until dough pulls away from side of bowl. Knead until smooth, about 5 minutes. Pinch off pieces of dough 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Shape into balls. Pat into 3 inch circle. Place 1 tablespoon date mixture in center. Pull edges of circle over filling and pinch together to enclose filling. Make a ball and place in decorative mold. (If no mold is available, just shape balls into patties or bars.) Repeat with remaining dough and filling. Bake 20 minutes or until bottom of cookies are pale golden. Cool on a rack. Sprinkle with powdered sugar while still warm. Makes 16-20 cookies.

You can use any filling.

NUT FILLING:

1 c. chopped nuts
1/4 c. sugar
Dash cinnamon or your choice