Constantine Jewels
Heritage Sweets
Heritage Sweets

Constantine Jewels

Delicate almond and honey pastries inspired by the traditional sweets of Constantine. Crisp phyllo geometry layered with Mediterranean walnuts, handcrafted over three days.

timer Prep Time 3 Hours
local_fire_department Cook Time 35 Mins
group Servings 24 Pieces
signal_cellular_alt Difficulty Advanced
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Ingredients

For the Pastry

  • 500g all-purpose flour
  • 250g unsalted butter, cold
  • 100g powdered sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp orange blossom water
  • 1/4 tsp salt

For the Filling

  • 300g blanched almonds, finely ground
  • 200g honey
  • 50g orange blossom water
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground cardamom

For the Syrup

  • 200g honey
  • 100ml water
  • 1 tbsp orange blossom water
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
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Instructions

restaurant Prepare the Dough

1

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.

2

Cut in Butter

Add cold butter cubes and rub with fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3

Add Eggs

Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing until just combined.

4

Add Flavor

Stir in orange blossom water. Form into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

restaurant Prepare the Filling

1

Make Almond Paste

In a food processor, combine ground almonds, honey, orange blossom water, cinnamon, and cardamom until smooth.

2

Shape

Roll into small walnut-sized balls.

restaurant Assemble & Bake

1

Roll Dough

On a floured surface, roll chilled dough into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.

2

Add Filling

Place almond balls evenly across the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.

3

Fold & Chill

Roll up like a jelly roll, sealing the edges well. Refrigerate for 2 hours to firm up.

4

Bake

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Make diagonal cuts across the top. Brush with beaten egg. Bake 30-35 minutes until golden brown.

restaurant Finish

1

Glaze

While baking, heat honey, water, orange blossom water, and lemon juice. Immediately brush hot pastry with syrup.

2

Serve

Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Slice into 1-inch pieces and arrange in a circular pattern.

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Chef's Notes

These pastries represent the art of patience — the dough needs proper chilling, the filling must be perfectly balanced, and the syrup should be the right consistency. The orange blossom essence is what makes these uniquely Algerian.

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