Gazelle's Horns Print E-mail
Written by Nada Saleh, 2006   
ImageThis Moroccan sweet is one of the most refined. Long ago it was eaten at private celebrations of the wealthy. In Arabic it’s called Kaab al-ghazal, which literally means ‘gazelle’s heel’. The French, on the other hand, called it Cornes de Gazelle. I believe the Arabic title is correct because the shape stands up and curls round like a gazelle’s heel. Here, I opted to cover the paste with sesame seeds. Sugar can be omitted and then the sweet can be dipped in a little honey after being baked.

75g (3oz) almonds, with skin on
125g (4oz) blanched almonds
1 tsp groundnut oil or clarified butter, plus oil for greasing
2 tsp orange flower water
pinch of black pepper
2 tsp icing sugar
1 tsp dark honey
pinch of ground cinnamon
pinch of ground ginger
small pinch of ground cloves
1 egg white
4 heaped tbsp sesame seeds, or as necessary

Put all the almonds in a food processor and blend to a smooth consistency. Turn out into a bowl and add the oil or butter, flower water, pepper, icing sugar, honey, cinnamon, ginger and cloves and knead to mix thoroughly. If it’s not malleable enough, add a little water.

Divide the mixture into 10 pieces, and lightly brush a baking sheet with oil, roll each piece into a small sausage and then into a crescent shape.

Beat the egg and lightly brush a baking sheet with oil. Roll each crescent in the egg white, then in the sesame seeds and place on the baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven, 180ºC (350ºF) Gas Mark 4, for 10–15 minutes or until browned.

Remove from the oven and leave to cool.

Makes 10

Per serving
678kj, 164 kcal, 6g protein, 3g carbohydrate, 3g sugars, 15g fat, 1g saturates, 3g fibre, 0.01g sodium

Healthy tip
This is the kind of dessert that you can eat without any feelings of guilt as it is valuable in E and B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, selenium, manganese, iron and zinc, that protect against premature ageing and cardiovascular diseases.

This recipe is taken from Fresh Moroccan by Nada Saleh, which features more than 80 healthy and delicious Moroccan recipes. It is published in hardback by Hamlyn and available from good bookshops, price £16.99. However, WI members can buy it for £2 off, plus free postage and packing, by calling 01903 828503 or visiting the Hamlyn website www.hamlyn.co.uk quoting reference
Ham 687.

 
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