Christmas Baklava
Indulge in the sweet delight of Christmas Baklava, a classic treat made even more special for the festive season. This nutty and honey-drizzled pastry will surely be a hit at your holiday table.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 pound chopped pecans
- 1/2 pound chopped walnuts
- 2–3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 pound package of phyllo dough
- 1–1/2 cup melted butter
- 2–1/2 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
Instructions:
- Begin by mixing the chopped walnuts and pecans in a large bowl. Add the ground cinnamon and mix well. Set this mixture aside.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Generously butter a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Lay 2 sheets of phyllo dough in the bottom of the prepared dish. Brush generously with the melted butter.
- Evenly sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of the nut mixture over the buttered phyllo.
- Repeat the layers – phyllo, butter, and nuts – until all ingredients are used up, ensuring you finish with about 6 layers of phyllo on top. If there’s any remaining butter, brush it over the top layer.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into sections. Start by cutting 3-4 slices lengthwise, then make diagonal cuts to form diamond shapes.
- Place the baklava in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes or until it turns golden brown and crisp.
- While the baklava is baking, pour the honey into a saucepan and heat until boiling. Once boiling, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and grated lemon peel.
- As soon as the baklava is removed from the oven, carefully pour the hot honey mixture over it, ensuring it seeps into all the cuts and layers.
- Allow the baklava to cool completely in the dish, ensuring the honey syrup is fully absorbed.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Enjoy this sweet and crunchy Christmas Baklava with family and friends!
