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Ramadan is coming to an end, which means it’s time to plan to celebrate Eid al-Fitr. The Islamic religious holiday marks the breaking of the dawn-to-sunset fast with a wide variety of delicious dishes. It also symbolizes a time of hospitality and feasting for Muslims after a month of spiritual growth.
A number of desserts make up the table during Eid al-Fitr. Sweets are traditionally a dish people indulge in over the three-day holiday and are commonly shared amongst family, friends and visitors, said Anissa Helou, a chef and author of the cookbook “Feast: Food of the Islamic World.”
Whether it’s your first time celebrating Eid al-Fitr or you’re looking to diversify your menu, below are five sweet treats to include this year.
Ma’amoul for the cookie lover
Ma’amoul is a butter cookie that is a popular sweet treat across Arab countries such as Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and the Palestinian territories. It is like a short-crust made with semolina paste and filled with nuts and dates, with decorative patterns on the outside made using a variety of molds.
When filled with nuts, the cookie is scented with aromas of rose water, water, orange blossom, water and cinnamon. Date-filled ma’amoul is flavored with a pinch of cinnamon.
“It’s the Arabic version of mooncakes,” Helou said. She added that these butter cookies are a good option for people who are not the most experienced in baking.