1️⃣ In a food processor, pulse the slivered almonds until finely ground, about 1 minute. 🥜

2️⃣ Add the granulated sugar and pulse for 30 extra seconds. 🍬

3️⃣ Add 3 teaspoons of orange blossom water and, if using, the food coloring. Pulse for another 15 seconds. 🍊

4️⃣ If the mixture doesn’t gather into a ball, add another teaspoon of orange blossom water and pulse for 15 more seconds. 🌸

5️⃣ Transfer the almond paste into a large bowl. Roll one teaspoon of the paste into a small cylinder, then roll it in sugar. 🍥

6️⃣ Gently stuff the sugared almond paste into a pitted date. Repeat until all dates are stuffed. 🌰

7️⃣ With a paring knife, draw a cross pattern on the almond paste. 🔪

8️⃣ Arrange the stuffed dates on a platter and serve. 🍽️