Almond Sesame Pastries

Description
Samsa from Tunisia
 * makes about 24

Ingredients

 * ⅔ cup sugar
 * 1¼ cup water
 * 1 tablespoon lemon juice
 * orange-flower water
 * 1½ cups blanched almonds, lightly toasted and ground
 * 1½ teaspoon finely grated orange zest
 * 1½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, if liked
 * about 4 oz filo pastry
 * olive oil, for brushing
 * lightly toasted sesame seeds for sprinkling

Directions

 * 1) Put the water and ½ cup of the sugar in a saucepan and heat gently, stirring until dissolved.
 * 2) Add the lemon juice and boil until syrupy.
 * 3) Remove from the heat and add the orange-flower water.
 * 4) Leave to cool.
 * 5) Preheat the oven to 350°F degrees.
 * 6) In a mixing bowl,stir together the ground almonds, orange zest, cinnamon if using and remaining sugar, then knead together the ingredients.
 * 7) Brush one sheet of filo with olive oil, keep the other sheets covered with a damp cloth.
 * 8) Cut the oiled sheet into 3 lengthwise strips.
 * 9) Place a small spoonful of filling at the bottom of each strip.
 * 10) Fold the sides over the filling then roll the pastry up along the length.
 * 11) Brush inside the end of the pastry with oil and seal it to the roll.
 * 12) Brush with oil and put on a baking sheet.
 * 13) Repeat with the remaining pastry and filling.
 * 14) Bake the pastries for 15-20 minutes until crisp and golden.
 * 15) Lower the pastries a few at a time into the hot syrup, leave for about 3 minutes so the syrup penetrates the pastries.
 * 16) The remove to a plate and sprinkle generously with sesame seeds.
 * 17) Leave until cold before serving.