Maamoul madd bil tamar - Lebanese semolina dessert with dates - ????? ?? ??????

Maamoul is a traditional Lebanese sweet, served all year round - but especially popular at Eid. i have previously made pistachio and walnut maamoul: http://www.nosaibasfood.com/2012/10/pistachio-walnut-maamoul.html but this one is easier, it uses dates and you place it in a tray, making it quite simple.

1. In a bowl, add the coarse semolina, fine semolina and sugar. Mix well
2. Add the melted ghee and butter to the bowl, and mix with your fingers
3. Add the yeast, mahlab, rose water and orange blossom water and mix with your fingers until it comes together
4. Cover and leave in a warm place for around 3 hours
5. Meanwhile, make the date filling by melting the butter in a pot over medium heat. Add the dates, cinnamon and rose water and keep mixing until the dates soften (can take around 10 mins). Remove into a bowl and set aside to cool
6. Once ready to assemble, rub butter onto a deep oven tray. Divide the maamoul mixture in half, and use first half to spread on the tray. Push down to ensure the mixture is well compressed and keep it as uniform as possible
7. Spread the date filling over this layer, also pressing down and keeping it as uniform as possible
8. Spread the other half of the maamoul mixture on top, pressing down to compress the mixture and keeping it uniform and as equal as possible
9. Cut the maamoul in the desired shape and size, place into a hot oven at 200 degrees for 20 mins or until lightly golden/brown. Remove and allow to cool, before cutting and serving

An absolute treat for Eid, nice and easy - and super delicious! Enjoy :)