Ingredients
1-1/2 cups chopped dates1 cup water1/2 cup sugar2 teaspoons orange juice2 teaspoons grated orange zest1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut1/2 cup ground nutsDOUGH:1 cup butter, softened1 cup sugar1/2 cup packed brown sugar3 large eggs, room temperature1/2 teaspoon almond extract1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract4 cups all-purpose flour1/2 teaspoon baking soda1/2 teaspoon saltConfectioners’ sugar, optional
Preparation
In a small saucepan, combine the first 5 ingredients; bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat; cook and stir for 8 minutes or until thickened. Cool completely. Stir in the cherries, coconut and nuts; set aside.
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in eggs and extracts. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.
Using a cookie press fitted with a bar disk, press a 12-in.-long strip of dough onto an ungreased baking sheet. Spread fruit filling over dough. Press another strip over filling. Cut into 1-in. pieces (there is no need to separate the pieces). Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
Bake at 375° for 12-15 minutes or until edges are golden. Recut into pieces if necessary. Remove to wire racks to cool. Dust with confectioners’ sugar if desired.
