Baklava

by Debra Savas
(Billings Montana)

Baklava Dessert is the most popular Greek Dessert and is fun to make, using sheets of the very thin phyllo dough, layering with nuts and spices, and then soaked in honey syrup.

First prepare the syrup:
4 c water
3 c sugar
1 lemon slice
2 sticks cinnamon

Boil together for approx 25 minute until thickens slightly.
Add: 1 cup honey and boil for 5 more minutes. Set aside to cool to room temperature.

Ingredients:
1 lb Phyllo
1 ½ lb walnuts coarsely chopped
½ lb blanched almonds (1 ½ cups) finely chopped
Cinnamon
1 ½ lbs melted sweet, unsalted or lightly salted butter

Directions:
Chop and combine the walnuts and almonds. Melt butter. Brush bottom of 13x9 inch pan with melted butter. Line the bottom with 10 sheets of phyllo, each sheet being brushed with melted butter and lightly sprinkled cinnamon before applying the next sheet.

The phyllo dough must be kept covered or it will dry out. Use wax paper and place towel on top to keep covered as snug as possible. I use a heavy cookie sheet placed on top of the towel.

Start alternating sheets of phyllo with layers of nuts, making sure to brush each phyllo sheet with butter and sprinkle of cinnamon. Continue in this manner until you have 6 sheets of dough left.

Preheat oven to 350°F

Top layer of 6 phyllo sheets are brush with just butter, no cinnamon or nuts.

Cut in diamond or square shaped pieces cutting all the way through to the bottom. Bake at 350°F for 1 hour and 15 minutes, until golden brown.

Immediately, slowly pour or ladle 4 cups of cooled syrup over hot Baklava. This must be done slowly so the syrup can be absorbed into the layers evenly. The trick is to use just enough syrup so it is not dry or not too soggy. If the syrup is pooling, stop and let it rest a minute or so and then continue ladling the syrup if more is needed.

Baklava is best served the next day to give the pastry time for flavors to mellow together. Keep in cool place, but not the refrigerator. Serve at room temperature.

For other Greek recipes visit Cooking Recipes Collection