Baklava Symphony

Background and Description

Baklava is a rich, sweet dessert pastry made of layers of phyllo dough, filled with chopped nuts, and sweetened with syrup or honey. This decadent dessert is thought to have originated in the imperial kitchens of the Topkapı Palace in Istanbul. However, many regions, including Greece, Turkey, and the Middle East, claim baklava as their creation, each with their own special twist.

The beauty of baklava lies in its perfect layers, blending the crispy texture of phyllo with the sweet and nutty center, soaked with aromatic syrup. The symphony of flavors and textures makes it a delightful dessert, often served on special occasions.

Ingredients

• Phyllo dough (16 ounces)
• Butter (1 cup, melted)
• Nuts (2 cups, assorted - walnuts, pistachios, almonds)
• Sugar (1 cup)
• Cinnamon (1 tsp)
• Syrup (water, sugar, lemon, and honey)
• Lemon (1, juiced)
• Honey (1/2 cup)

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. On a large clean surface, lay out the phyllo dough and cover with a slightly damp towel to prevent drying out.
3. Melt the butter and use a brush to coat the bottom of a baking dish with the melted butter.
4. In a food processor, pulse the nuts until finely chopped. Add sugar and cinnamon, mixing well.

Layering the Baklava

1. Place a layer of phyllo in the dish, brush with butter, and repeat until you have 8 sheets layered.
2. Spread a layer of the nut mixture evenly across the last phyllo sheet.
3. Continue layering phyllo and nuts, brushing each sheet with butter, until all nuts mixture is used up. Finish with 8 more phyllo sheets, ensuring each is brushed with butter.

Baking Process

1. Before baking, cut the baklava into diamond shapes with a sharp knife.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, until the baklava is golden brown and crisp.
3. While the baklava is baking, make the syrup by combining water, sugar, lemon juice, and honey in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer until thickened slightly (about 15 minutes).

For optimal timing, ensure the syrup is cooled before pouring over the hot baklava.

Serving and Enjoyment

Allow the baklava to cool completely and soak up the syrup before serving. The flavors blend beautifully over a day, enhancing the taste. Traditionally, baklava is served at room temperature, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for festive occasions.

Pair your Baklava Symphony with a strong cup of coffee or tea to balance its sweetness.