Christmas Baklava Recipe

Baklava is a sweet pastry that is known for its flaky and crunchy texture. Originally from the Middle East, Baklava has now spread and become a popular dessert around the world. This recipe adds a festive twist to the traditional Baklava; perfect for serving during the Christmas season.

Ingredients:

1 package of phyllo dough
2 cups of unsalted butter
2 cups of walnuts, chopped
2 cups of almonds, chopped
1 cup of sugar
1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon of ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon of ground ginger
1 teaspoon of ground cloves
1 cup of honey
1 cup of water
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a mixing bowl, combine the walnuts, almonds, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove. Stir to combine the ingredients well.
Place the phyllo dough on a flat surface and cut it to fit the baking dish. Put a sheet of phyllo dough into the dish and generously brush melted butter over the top. Repeat with more dough sheets and butter until half of the phyllo dough is used.
Sprinkle half of the nut mixture over the top of the phyllo dough.
Layer more sheets of phyllo dough on top of the nut mixture and brush generous amounts of melted butter in between the layers, until all of the phyllo dough has been used.
Sprinkle the remaining nut mixture over the top.
Cut the Baklava into diamond or square shapes, depending on your preference.
In a small saucepan, mix honey, water, and vanilla extract together. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the honey is dissolved.
Pour the honey mixture over the Baklava, making sure to cover each piece completely.
Bake the Baklava in the oven for 45-50 minutes, until it is golden brown and crispy.
Remove Baklava from the oven and let it cool completely.

Serving Suggestions:

This Christmas Baklava pairs well with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Serve it as a dessert after a festive dinner, or simply enjoy it as a sweet treat with friends and family.

Verdict:

This Christmas Baklava is a delightful twist on the traditional Baklava, perfect for the holiday season. The fragrant spices give it a warm, festive feel, while the golden, crispy exterior and sweet, nutty filling make for a flavor explosion in every bite.