Dates Stuffed with Rose-Almond Paste

Ingredients

Directions

Slit the dates open lengthwise and remove the pits.

In a food processor, pulse the almond paste with the rose water and food coloring, adding the coloring 1 drop at a time until the paste is a delicate shade of pink.

Transfer the almond paste to a work surface and roll into a 10-inch log. Cut into 20 equal pieces. Roll each piece into an oval shape and slip into a date; slice in half so that the ingredients are visible.

To serve, place each stuffed date on a candied rose petal and sprinkle with chopped pistachios. Makes 20.

Adapted from Williams-Sonoma TASTE Magazine, "Sweet Gems," by Deborah Madison (Holiday 2001).