Iraq Date Cookies: Klaycha at-Tamar Makes 45 cookies.

Dates are one of the world's most complete foods. They contain carbohydrates; fat; protein; vitamins A, B, D, and G; and the minerals iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and copper. Their sugars are not acid forming and they have enough fiber to provide needed roughage. To the bedouins of the Arabia Peninsula, dates are truly a miracle food. It is no wonder they call them the "bread of the desert."

Arabs who eat dates on a daily basis do not suffer from high blood pressure or many of the common digestive ailments of the West.

In addition to the fruit, which is much valued as a food, the date palm yields products that are of great economic importance. Its fiber is utilized for ropes and mats; its wood for building material and furniture; its leaves for roofs, baskets, and hats; and the stones of the fruit are crushed for animal food. The sap, called the "drink of life" by the early inhabitants of the Middle East, is made into sugar, vinegar, and the tree acts as an umbrella for other fruits and vegetables growing in its shade. It is said that there are at least 800 uses for the date palm and its by-products.

2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup butter, melted
1 cup sugar
3 eggs, beaten
1 cup chopped dates
1 cup chopped walnuts

Sift together flour, baking powder, cardamom, and salt; set aside.

Thoroughly combine butter, sugar, and eggs; then gradually stir in dry ingredients until a soft dough is formed, adding a little water if necessary. Stir in dates and walnuts; then place heaping teaspoons of the dough an inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Place in an oven preheated to 350 degrees F and bake for 15 minutes or until cookies turn golden brown. Remove and allow to cool before serving.