Baklava

This is the yummy Baklava Chad made for Breanna's homecoming dinner. He made his with chopped almonds.

From the kitchen of:  Chad

INGREDIENTS:

For the Baklava:

• 1 lb. chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pistachios are best, or use a combination of them)

• 1 lb. phyllo dough (found in the freezer section of the grocery store)

• 1 c. butter, melted

• 1/3 c. of sugar

• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon

• 1 tsp. ground cloves

For the syrup:   

• 1 c. water

• 1 c. sugar

• 1/2 c. honey

• 2 Tbs. lemon juice

• 1 cinnamon stick

• Finely ground pistachios for garnish (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Lightly grease a 9 x 13 pan and set the oven to 350 degrees.

2. Thaw the phyllo dough according to the 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 pain. 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 battered. Do not worry if the sheets will crinkle up a bit, it will just add more texture.

6. Cut into 24 equal-sized squares using a sharp knife. Bake at 350 degrees 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 if desired.

MAKES: 24 servings