Karithakia Walnut Bites

Bring a taste of Greece to your holiday table with these delightful Karithakia Walnut Bites. A traditional Greek Christmas baking recipe, these sweet treats are perfect for sharing with loved ones or indulging in on cozy winter evenings. Made with a delicious combination of walnuts, honey, and fragrant spices, these bite-sized delights are sure to become a festive favorite in your home.

**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups finely chopped walnuts
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 package phyllo dough, thawed
– 1/2 cup melted butter
– Powdered sugar (for dusting)

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Walnut Filling:**
– In a saucepan, combine the chopped walnuts, honey, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and water.
– Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and the walnuts are coated in a sticky, fragrant syrup. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
– Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.

2. **Assemble the Walnut Bites:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
– Unroll the thawed phyllo dough and cut into strips about 2 inches wide.
– Take one strip of phyllo dough and brush it with melted butter. Place a small spoonful of the walnut filling at one end of the strip.
– Fold the phyllo dough over the filling to form a triangle. Continue folding the dough in a triangle shape until you reach the end of the strip.
– Place the walnut bite on the prepared baking sheet and brush the top with more melted butter.
– Repeat this process with the remaining phyllo dough and walnut filling.

3. **Bake the Walnut Bites:**
– Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the walnut bites for 15-20 minutes, or until the phyllo dough is golden brown and crisp.
– Remove the walnut bites from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.

4. **Serve and Enjoy:**
– Once the walnut bites are cool enough to handle, transfer them to a serving platter.
– Dust the walnut bites with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
– Serve these Karithakia Walnut Bites as a sweet ending to your holiday meal or enjoy them with a cup of hot tea for a cozy treat.

These Karithakia Walnut Bites are not only delicious but also a wonderful way to celebrate Greek Christmas traditions with a modern twist. The warm flavors of honey and spices combined with the crunchy texture of walnuts make these bites irresistible. Share these delightful treats with your family and friends or make a batch to enjoy during quiet moments of relaxation. Embrace the spirit of the holiday season with these homemade delights straight from Greece!