INGREDIENTS

1. 1 package active dry yeast
2. 1 cup lukewarm water
3. 3 cups all-purpose flour
4. 1/2 teaspoon salt
5. 1 teaspoon baking powder
6. 1 tablespoon ground fennel
7. 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for dough)
8. 8 ounces pitted dates, chopped into small pieces
9. 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for filling)
10. 1 tablespoon milk
11. 1 egg white, beaten
12. Sesame seeds

Method:

1. Mix yeast and water. Set aside for 10 minutes.
2. Combine flour, salt, baking powder, fennel, melted butter, and yeast mixture in a bowl or electric mixer. Mix well. Cover with damp cloth. Let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
3. While dough is rising, prepare the filling by mixing the dates, butter, and milk in the top half of a double boiler. Set over simmering water and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mixture is soft and doughy. Let cool. Form into small balls.
4. Roll dough in circles about 1/4 inch thick and 3 inches in diameter. Place 1 teaspoon date filling in the center of the dough. Gather dough around the filling and pinch to seal. Roll into a ball and flatten with rolling pin.
5. Brush with egg white and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Pierce surface with a fork.
6. Bake in a preheated 425°F oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown.