It’s that time of the year when the fragrant scents of warm spices and sweet treats fill our homes, marking the festive season with joy and cheer. Greek Christmas baking holds a special place in holiday traditions, bringing families together to create delicious memories. Today, we’ll be diving into a delightful recipe that encapsulates the essence of Greek holiday gatherings – Karithakia Me Gliko Karithi, also known as Mini Walnut Pies.
**Karithakia Me Gliko Karithi Mini Walnut Pies**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups chopped walnuts
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground cloves
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 package of phyllo dough (approximately 16 sheets)
– 1 cup melted butter
– Powdered sugar for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Filling:**
– In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, sugar, honey, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Stir well until the filling is evenly mixed and aromatic.
2. **Prepare the Phyllo Dough:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
– Carefully unroll the phyllo dough on a clean surface and cover it with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out.
3. **Assemble the Mini Walnut Pies:**
– Place one sheet of phyllo dough on a flat surface and brush it generously with melted butter.
– Repeat this process with three more phyllo sheets, stacking them on top of each other with butter in between.
– Cut the layered phyllo dough into squares or rectangles, depending on the desired size for your mini pies.
4. **Fill and Shape the Pies:**
– Spoon a small amount of the walnut filling onto each phyllo square.
– Gently fold the phyllo around the filling to form mini pies, sealing the edges with a brush of melted butter.
5. **Bake the Mini Walnut Pies:**
– Transfer the prepared mini pies to the baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. **Serve and Enjoy:**
– Once baked, remove the mini walnut pies from the oven and let them cool slightly.
– Dust the pies with powdered sugar for a snowy finish before serving.
– These delightful mini walnut pies are perfect for sharing with loved ones or as a festive treat to enjoy with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
May your kitchen be filled with warmth and the sweet aroma of holiday baking as you whip up these Karithakia Me Gliko Karithi Mini Walnut Pies. Whether as a delightful dessert after a festive feast or a lovely gift for friends and family, these little treats are bound to bring smiles all around. Happy baking and Merry Christmas!
