Baklava is a time-honored dessert that originates from the Middle East and Mediterranean regions, celebrated for its rich, sweet flavor and unmistakable texture.
Its allure lies in the delicate balance of ingredients and the meticulous preparation that goes into making this delectable treat.
At its core, the best baklava consists of layers of phyllo dough, which is paper-thin sheets of pastry that create a wonderfully flaky texture once baked.
Traditionally, high-quality phyllo is essential, as it must be light and crisp while also being robust enough to hold up against the rich fillings and syrup.
The layering process is crucial; expert bakers often use a generous amount of melted butter between the sheets to ensure a golden, crispy result.
Whether enjoyed on its own, paired with coffee or tea, baklava’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its irresistible combination of flavors and textures,
making it one of the most loved desserts worldwide. From the intricate preparation process to the delightful first bite, the best baklava truly embodies the artistry of traditional baking and the joy of sharing delicious food.
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
Methods:
THE BEST BAKLAVA
1 ) Mix nuts together in a large bowl and toss with the ground cinnamon. Set aside.
2 ) Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Place 2 sheets of phyllo in the bottom of prepared dish. Brush generously with melted butter.
3 ) Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of nut mixture on top. Repeat layers until all the nuts, butter, and phyllo are used.
4 ) End with about 6 layers of phyllo on the top.
If you still have some butter left, brush it over the top layer.
5 ) Using a very sharp knife, cut through all layers of the baklava. Cut 3-4 sliced length-wise.
6 ) Then make diagonal cuts to make diamond shapes.
7 ) Bake in a heated 350-degree oven for about 45 minutes, until golden and crisp.
8 ) While baklava is baking, heat honey in a saucepan until close to boiling.
Stir in vanilla and lemon zest.
9 ) When baklava is done baking, immediately pour the honey mixture over the top.