Are you looking to add a touch of Greek tradition and sweetness to your Christmas baking this year? Look no further than the delightful recipe for Baklava Me Gliko Karidi, also known as Baklava With Sweet Walnuts. This classic Greek dessert is a perfect combination of flaky phyllo dough, crunchy walnuts, and sweet honey syrup. Let’s dive into making this heavenly treat that will impress your family and guests during the holiday season.
Baklava Me Gliko Karidi – Baklava With Sweet Walnuts
Ingredients:
– 1 pound phyllo dough, thawed
– 2 cups walnuts, finely chopped
– 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup water
– 1 cup honey
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Zest of one lemon
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped walnuts with the cinnamon and set aside. This will be the flavorful filling for your Baklava.
3. Unroll the thawed phyllo dough on a clean surface. Keep a damp towel over the sheets to prevent them from drying out.
4. Place a sheet of phyllo dough in the greased baking dish and brush it lightly with melted butter. Repeat this process, layering and buttering each sheet until you have used about half of the phyllo dough.
5. Sprinkle half of the walnut mixture evenly over the layered phyllo sheets.
6. Continue layering phyllo dough sheets over the walnut mixture, buttering each layer as before.
7. Once you have used up all the phyllo dough, make sure to brush the top layer generously with butter.
8. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the Baklava into diamond or square shapes. This will allow the honey syrup to seep through the layers evenly while baking.
9. Bake the Baklava in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until it turns golden brown and crispy.
10. While the Baklava is baking, prepare the honey syrup. In a saucepan, combine the sugar, water, honey, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
11. When the Baklava is done baking, carefully pour the warm honey syrup over the hot pastry. Ensure the syrup covers all the cut lines to infuse sweetness throughout the dessert.
12. Allow the Baklava to cool completely before serving, giving it time for the flavors to meld together.
Indulge in a piece of this Baklava Me Gliko Karidi with a warm cup of Greek coffee or spiced tea for a truly special holiday treat. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature, savoring the deliciousness for the days to come. Enjoy the festive spirit of Christmas with this Greek-inspired dessert that will surely become a family favorite.
