Ingredients

• 8 ounces dates, pitted
• 1/2 lb unsalted butter, room temperature, divided
• 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup warm water, divided
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 teaspoon anise seed
• 1 egg yolk, beaten

Instructions

1. Put dates in a food processor & process until coarsely chopped, then add 4 tablespoons butter & continue processing until there is a smooth paste.

2. Divide into 4 equal parts, then cover with plastic wrap & refrigerate.

3. Stir yeast into 1/4 cup of the warm water & set aside for 10 minutes in a warm place.

4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, seeds & rest of the butter, working the butter into the flour with your hands.

5. Add yeast water & 1/4 cup of the warm water & knead until the dough is supple & firm.

6. Divide dough into 4 equal parts, roll into balls & let rest for 15 minutes.

7. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

8. When dough has rested, roll out each ball of dough into a disk about 7 1/2 inches across & 1/2 inch thick.

9. With your hands flatten one portion of the date paste into a smaller disk about 4 1/2 inches across, then lay it in the middle of the dough.

10. Turn the edges of the dough over the filling & seal the dough, then turn the dough over & lay it on the prepared baking sheet. Pat with your hands to make as perfect a circle as you can.

11. Make the other breads in the same way, then cover with plastic wrap & let rest for another 15 minutes.

12. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

13. Brush breads with egg yolk & bake 25-30 minutes or until golden, then remove to a wire rack to cool, before serving.