Bambalouni with Dates and Walnuts Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped dates
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Special Equipment Needed:
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- Medium bowl
- Spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and salt.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the oil, sugar, eggs, yogurt, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a spatula until just combined.
5. Fold in the chopped dates and walnuts.
6. Drop the batter by the tablespoonful onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
8. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Temperature: 350°F (175°C)
Serving Size: Makes about 24 cookies

Nutritional Information:
Calories: 130
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 2g

Substitutions for Ingredients:
- Vegetable oil: canola oil or melted butter
- Plain yogurt: sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Dates: raisins or dried cranberries
- Walnuts: pecans or almonds

Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut
- Replace the dates and walnuts with 1/2 cup of chocolate chips
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to mix the wet ingredients until completely smooth before adding to the dry ingredients.
- If the batter is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk to thin it out.

Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes.

Presentation Ideas:
Serve the cookies on a platter with a bowl of chopped dates and walnuts for garnish.

Garnishes:
Chopped dates and walnuts

Pairings:
Serve with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve with a fresh fruit salad.

Troubleshooting Advice:
If the cookies are too dry, add a tablespoon of milk to the batter.

Food Safety Advice:
Make sure to store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.

Food History:
Bambalouni is a traditional Middle Eastern cookie that is usually served during special occasions.

Flavor Profiles:
This cookie has a sweet and nutty flavor, with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve as an after-dinner treat or as a snack.

Related Categories

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Region: Lebanese

Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Chewy, Sticky, Aromatic