Ma'amoul

Directions

1. 1
   First make the pastry, by rubbing the butter into the flour and sugar until it resembles fine breadcrumbs, then add the rose water and milk.
2. 2
   This should now be a smooth dough.
3. 3
   Make the filling by chopping the pistachios into small pieces and mixing with the sugar and rose water.
4. 4
   Take a small piece of pastry dough and flatten into a 3mm thick circle, using your hands (not a rolling pin).
5. 5
   Pull three sides up and seel into a small bowl shape, put into the 'bowl' 1 tsp of the pistachio mixture.
6. 6
   Then pull up the sides and seal in a 'twist' and the top - like a little bag.
7. 7
   Turn over and lightly press down to flatten slightly into a circle, then using a tooth pick make a flower shape on the top.
8. 8
   (or just a few small holes if you want.
9. 9
   ).
10. 10
    Repeat step 3 with remaining dough and mixture.
11. 11
    Bake at about 180C for about 10 - 15 minutes until VERY light brown.
12. 12
    (they should still be soft and will harden up as they cool.
13. 13
    ).