Christmas Baklava

Christmas Baklava

Baklava is a rich, sweet pastry popular in many cultures, with origins deeply rooted in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. This delicious dessert consists of layers of filo dough filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey. It is often garnished with pistachios, walnuts or ground almonds. While baklava is enjoyed year-round, it takes on special meaning for many people around the world during the holidays, becoming a festive treat that brings a touch of Middle Eastern
style to the holiday table.

Think warmth, comfort and enjoyment when serving Christmas baklava.This dessert is perfectly complemented by a cup of your favorite hot drink. Consider a spiced Christmas tea or strong coffee to cut through the sweetness. If you prefer a cold contrast, a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream can be an excellent accompaniment. After a hearty holiday meal, baklava serves as a delicious ending that can be enjoyed in small, filling portions.

Christmas Baklava

Ingredients:

– 1 package of filo dough, thawed if frozen

– 2 cups mixed nuts (such as pistachios, walnuts and almonds), finely chopped

– 1 cup melted butter without salt

– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

– 1 cup granulated sugar

– 1 cup water

– 1 cup honey

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– zest of one orange

Instructions:

1.Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).

2. Butter the bottom and sides of a 9 x 13 inch baking pan.

3. Mix the chopped walnuts with the cinnamon and ground cloves and set aside.4. Roll out the filo dough. Cover the sheets with a damp cloth to keep them from drying out while you work.

5. Place two sheets of filo dough on the bottom of the prepared pan and brush generously with melted butter.Repeat this process until you have about eight layered sheets.

6. Sprinkle a thin layer of the nut mixture over the phyllo. Next, place two more filo pastry sheets on top, brush them with butter and sprinkle with another layer of walnuts. Continue this pattern until the nut mixture is gone and finish with a layer of phyllo.7. Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into diamonds or squares. Drizzle the rest of the melted butter over the top.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until the baklava is golden brown and crispy.9. While the baklava is baking, prepare the syrup. Mix sugar, water, honey, vanilla extract and orange peel in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes.
10.Once the baklava comes out of the oven and is still hot, pour the syrup evenly over it. Let it soak uncovered and at room temperature for several hours.

11. Once completely cool, cut the pieces again along the lines you made before baking and serve. Enjoy your festive Christmas baklava