date filled cashew cookies

date filling:

• 1 cup pitted dates
• 2/3 cup water
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
  

optional topping:

• shredded Coconut

cookie:

• 1 cup raw cashews
• 2/3 cup water
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar of your choice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tsp. maple extract (optional; if not avail. use 2 teaspoon vanilla)
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups flour (any blend will do - white, wheat, spelt, etc.)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder

prepare filling:

Place dates and water in small saucepan and cook over medium heat about 10 minutes. Add maple syrup and blend the mixture in a blender. Pour into a small bowl and set aside until needed.

cookies:

Place first 6 ingredients in blender (doesn't matter if there's some date filling residue). Blend until smooth.

Combine flour and baking powder in a large bowl. Pour blended mixture overtop and combine well.

Form small balls (roughly 1 tablespoon in size) by rolling between your hands. Place on cookie sheet. Using your fingers, make deep wells in each cookie and fill with the date filling. Top with shredded coconut if desired.

Bake @ 350 degrees for 15 minutes.

Remove from cookie sheet and allow to cool on a cooling rack.

Makes: 28+ (depends on size)

Preparation time: 30 minutes


Recipe by: Trudel