Baklava Croustade

Baklava is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert known for its layers of crispy phyllo, sweetened with syrup, and filled with a mixture of nuts. This Baklava Croustade is a unique take on the classic treat, presenting it as a crisp, open-faced pastry drizzled with the heavenly combination of honey and cinnamon.

History of Baklava

The origins of baklava trace back to the Byzantine Empire, though many countries in the Middle East and Eastern Europe claim this delicious dessert as their own. With its rich layers of walnuts, almonds, and pistachios, all ensconced within a crisp phyllo shell, baklava has become an indispensable part of celebratory meals across various cultures.

Ingredients

• Phyllo dough - 1 package
• Walnuts - 1 cup, finely chopped
• Almonds - 1 cup, finely chopped
• Pistachios - 1 cup, finely chopped
• Honey - 1 cup
• Butter - 1/2 cup, melted
• Sugar - 1/2 cup
• Cinnamon - 1 teaspoon
• Lemon - 1, juiced
• Cloves - 1/4 teaspoon, ground

Preparation

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. While the oven warms, mix together the walnuts, almonds, pistachios, sugar, cinnamon, and cloves in a large bowl. This nutty mixture will form the crust base of our croustade.

Layering the Phyllo

To begin assembling your Baklava Croustade, lay a sheet of phyllo dough on a greased baking tray. Brush lightly with butter. Repeat this process until you have about ten layers of phyllo. Make sure to cover any unused phyllo with a damp towel, as it dries out very quickly.

Assembling and Baking

Spread the nut mixture evenly over the layered phyllo, then fold the edges of the dough in to form a rustic edge around the croustade. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden and crisp.

Preparing the Syrup

While the croustade bakes, combine honey, lemon juice, and a little water in a saucepan. Simmer this mixture until it's slightly thickened. Using a cooking timer will ensure that you boil it just the right amount.

Finishing Touches

Once your baklava croustade is out of the oven, immediately pour the hot syrup over the top. Allow it to rest until it absorbs most of the syrup and reaches room temperature.

Enjoying Your Baklava Croustade

To fully enjoy the flavors of the Baklava Croustade, pair it with a cup of strong black coffee or a fragrant mint tea. The slight bitterness of these beverages complements the syrup's sweetness, balancing out the bold flavors of the sweet, nutty pastry.