Deep Fried Sweet Wontons (Jar Wonton)

You can also prepare these crispy, deep-fried treats with canned lotus nut filling which can be found in most Asian specialty stores.

Recipe Ingredients:

8 ounces pitted dates
1/4 cup chopped walnuts, cashews or almonds
Rind of 1 large lemon, finely grated
1 tablespoon orange juice, or as needed
1 (8-ounce) package wonton wrappers
Vegetable oil for deep frying
Powdered sugar for dusting

Cooking Directions:

1. Chop dates finely and combine with the chopped nuts, lemon rind and orange juice, mixing well. Add a little more orange juice if mixture is too dry to hold together.
2. Form the date mixture into small 1-inch cylinders (about the width of you little finger). Place it diagonally onto a square of wonton pastry. Pick up corner of pastry and place it over the filling, tucking point under. Roll up the wonton into a tube so that the filling is completely enclosed, then twist the ends of the pastry tube, putting a finger in the end to keep the shape like a Christmas firecracker. Continue this procedure until all are made.
3. Heat oil in a wok or deep fryer until very hot (about 375°F or 190°C). When hot, fry a few wontons at a time until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a layer of paper towels to absorb excess oil.
4. When cool, sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Makes about 30 jar wonton.