Moroccan-Date Bonbons - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 1/2 ounces sliced almonds (1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons)
1/2 cup shelled pistachios (2 ounces)
3/4 cup chopped walnuts (3 ounces)
1 lb moist pitted dates, chopped
4 pitted kalamata olives, chopped (or dry-cured Moroccan)
1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated fresh ginger
1/2 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/8 teaspoon orange flower water
1/8 teaspoon salt

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 350*F.
Spread the sliced almonds on a baking sheet and toast for about 4 minutes, until golden. Let the almonds cool completely.
In a food processor, grind the pistachios to a coarse powder. Transfer the pistachio powder to a plate. Add the toasted almonds to the processor and grind to a coarse powder. Add the walnuts, dates, olives, ginger, honey, orange zest, cinnamon, cardamom, orange flower water and salt and process to a paste.
Scoop up scant tablespoons of the date mixture and roll into balls. Roll the balls in the pistachio powder to coat them completely and serve.
Make Ahead:
The bonbons can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.