httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4llDQZJIqdI
Hey, Dessert Friends!
My fellow bakers from Episode 3, Fiona and Menka, had so much fun with the dessert pizza, they came back!
This time, you’ll see Menka teach Fiona and me how her Mom makes Baklava. Baklava is layers upon layers of phyllo pastry that is sandwiched between two layers of chopped nuts (ground walnuts, ground almonds) then sweetened with a sugary syrup.
I’ve eaten Baklava before and even purchased it for a couple of my parties, but I have never made it (or assisted, as in this case). I always thought that it would be difficult to do, but nowadays you can buy pre-made phyllo pastry so that makes it much easier. For the pan, you can use a 10″ x 15″ jelly roll pan which is a good size for the phyllo pastry. Naturally, Menka had a proper Baklava pan from Macedonia.
I have often consumed Baklava in the past that was too sweet for my liking so, for me, this recipe was perfect!
Till next time … “Life’s sweet treats are best enjoyed with friends!”
Dig in and Enjoy!!
B =;)
Recipe: Baklava
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 package of store bought Phyllo pastry (if you make your own, you will need about 25 sheets)
- 1 cup ground Walnuts
- 4 cups ground Almonds
- 3 tbsp Cinnamon
- 1 pound Butter
Syrup
-
6 cups Water
-
4 cups Sugar
-
2 tbsp Honey (unpasteurized)
-
1 Cinnamon stick
Directions
Preparation
Preheat oven to 375F.
In a pot, melt 1 pound of butter.
Step 1:
Place one layer of the phyllo pastry on the bottom of a baking dish (a Baklava pan is ideal). Brush butter over each layer and repeat until you’ve laid down 10 sheets.
Step 2:
Pour half the Walnuts and Almonds over the layer, then repeat step 1.
Step 3:
Pour the remainder of the nuts over the phyllo pastry.
Step 4:
Over the nuts, place another five sheets of phyllo pastry, brushing butter over each layer (as done in step 1).
Step 5:
Using a very sharp knife, cut the Baklava into the appropriately sized pieces (use diagram below as a guide).
Step 6:
Bake Baklava in oven for 15 minutes at 375F, then lower temperature to 350F for another 15 minutes. The pastry should be a golden colour all over, so your time may vary.
Step 7:
Let pastry cool completely for about 30 minutes to one hour.
Baklava Diagram
Syrup
In a pot set on high, boil water, sugar, honey and cinnamon stick for about 30 minutes. Do not stir the mixture.
Pour the syrup as evenly as possible over the pastry. Let it sit at least overnight, cut it and – finally – enjoy it!
