baklava
Stemming back to the 2nd Century BCE; related to the Roman dessert known as placenta, Baklava is often taken credit for by many groups of people such as the Greek, the Turkish and Middle Easterners. With a wide array of people claiming Baklava as their own, there are many interpretations of preparing the delicious dessert. Using rose water in this version implements a flavor that is complex, and decadent. Substituting regular, white sugar for brown sugar adds in warm notes, and rich coloring to the syrup.
- TIME: 30 minutes
- TOOLS: 1 pan
- SERVINGS: 24
SYRUP INGREDIENTS
BAKLAVA INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup of rose water
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- 1 cup of butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup of honey
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 1 cinnamon stick
BAKLAVA INGREDIENTS
- 1 lb. of chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, pistachios, or use a combination of them)
- 1 lb. of phyllo dough
- 1 cup of butter (melted)
- 1/3 cup of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/3 teaspoon of ground cloves
STEPS
1. Lightly grease a 9x13 pan and set the oven to 350°F.
2. Thaw the phyllo dough according to manufacturer's directions (this may take overnight). When thawed, roll out the dough and cut the dough in half so the sheets will fit in the pan. Cover with a damp towel to keep it from drying out.
3. Process the nuts until in small, even sized pieces. Combine with sugar, cinnamon, and cloves. In a separate bowl, melt the butter in the microwave.
4. Place a sheet of phyllo dough into the pan. Using a pastry brush, brush the phyllo sheet with melted butter. Repeat 7 more times until it is 8 sheets thick, each sheet being "painted" with the butter.
5. Spoon on a thin layer of the nut mixture. Cover with two more sheets of phyllo, brushing each one with butter. Continue to repeat the nut mixture and two buttered sheets of phyllo until the nut mixture is all used up. The top layer should be 8 phyllo sheets thick, each sheet being individually buttered. Do not worry if the sheets crinkle up a bit, it will just add more texture.
6. Cut into 24 equal sized squares using a sharp knife. Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes or until lightly golden brown, and edges appear slightly crisp.
7. While baking, make the syrup. Combine the cinnamon stick, sugar, lemon juice, honey, and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium low heat and let simmer for 7 minutes and slightly thickened. Remove the cinnamon stick and allow to cool.
8. Spoon the cooled syrup over the hot baklava and let cool for at least 4 hours. Garnish with some finely crushed pistachios of desired.