Embark on a culinary journey with our Old-Fashioned Baklava, a delectable dessert dating back to the Ottoman Empire. Layers upon layers of thin, buttered phyllo sheets are filled with a rich mixture of finely chopped nuts and cinnamon and then baked to golden perfection.
Once out of the oven, this delicate pastry is immediately drenched in a fragrant honey syrup, ensuring each bite is a harmonious blend of crunchy, chewy, and sweet. Not only is this dessert incredibly delicious, but it also offers a fascinating glimpse into a rich history and culture, making it more than just a dish, but an experience to savor.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 package of phyllo dough
- 4 cups finely chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup of butter, melted
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Butter the bottoms and sides of a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Toss together the chopped nuts and cinnamon, set aside.
- Unroll the phyllo dough, and cut the stack in half to fit the pan.
- Place two sheets of dough into the pan, butter thoroughly, repeat until you have 8 sheets layered.
- Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of nut mixture on top.
- Top with two sheets of dough, butter, and nuts, layering as you go. The top layer should be about 6-8 sheets deep.
- Using a sharp knife, cut into diamond or square shapes all the way to the bottom of the pan.
- Bake for about 50 minutes until the baklava is golden and crisp.
- While baking, make the sauce by boiling sugar and water until the sugar is melted. Add the vanilla and honey, and simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Remove the baklava from the oven and immediately spoon sauce over it. Let cool.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 80 minutes
Kcal: 342 kcal | Servings: 20 servings
