Christmas Baklava
Ingredients :
1/2 pound chopped pecans
1/2 pound chopped walnuts
2-3 tbsp. ground cinnamon
1 pound package of Phyllo dough
1-1/2 cups butter, melted
2-1/2 cups honey
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. grated lemon zest
Mix nuts together in a large bowl and toss with the ground cinnamon. Set aside.
Directions :
Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Place 2 sheets of phyllo in the bottom of prepared dish. Brush generously with melted butter.
Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of nut mixture on top. Repeat layers until all the nuts, butter, and phyllo are used.
End with about 6 layers of phyllo on the top. If you still have some butter left, brush it over the top layer.
Using a very sharp knife, cut through all layers of the baklava.
Cut 3-4 sliced length-wise.
Then make diagonal cuts to make diamond shapes.
Bake in heated 350 degree oven for about 45 minutes, until golden and crisp.
While baklava is baking, heat honey in a sauce pan until close to boiling. Stir in vanilla and lemon zest.
When baklava is done baking, immediately pour the honey mixture over the top.
Let cool completely in the pan.
Christmas Baklava is a classic festive dessert that perfectly blends crunchy nuts, aromatic cinnamon, and sweet honey, making it a wonderful addition to any holiday feast. This recipe showcases the traditional use of chopped pecans and walnuts mixed with ground cinnamon to infuse a warm, spicy flavor throughout the layers. When preparing baklava, the choice and handling of phyllo dough are essential. It’s important to work quickly and keep the phyllo dough covered with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out and breaking. Brushing each layer generously with melted butter ensures a rich taste and helps achieve the characteristic golden, crispy texture after baking. Cutting the baklava before baking into diamond shapes not only gives a beautiful presentation but also allows the syrup to penetrate each piece evenly once poured over the hot pastry. The honey syrup, gently heated and infused with vanilla and grated lemon zest, adds a delicate sweetness and a hint of citrus that cuts through the richness of the nuts and butter. For best results, allow the baklava to cool completely in the pan so that the syrup fully absorbs, and the layers set properly, giving a perfect balance of crunch and sticky sweetness. This dessert also stores well and often tastes better the next day when the flavors have melded. Tips for customization include swapping nuts according to preference or adding a touch of orange zest to the syrup for a slightly different citrus note. This Christmas Baklava pairs beautifully with coffee or tea, offering a festive end to your holiday meals. Incorporating baking essentials like a sharp knife for precise cutting and a well-buttered baking dish prevents sticking and helps with easy serving of the delicate layers. The end result is a visually appealing and flavorful treat that will impress your guests and family alike during the holidays.
