Thea’s Baklava

May 08, 2023May 8, 20230 15
The Sweet and Nutty Delight of Thea's Baklava
in Dessert

Prep

30 min

Cook

60 min

Ready In

1 hr 30 min

Level

Difficult

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

1 lb phyllo pastry
3/4 cup unsalted butter , melted
2 cups finely chopped walnuts
1 cup finely chopped almonds
1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
2 cups sugar
2 cups water
3 whole cloves
cinnamon stick
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 strip lemon rind

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
16
Calories
391
Sugar
31g
Fat
26g
Baklava is a traditional sweet pastry that originated in the Ottoman Empire and has since spread to different parts of the world. It is typically made with layers of phyllo dough, chopped nuts, and syrup or honey. Thea's Baklava is a rendition of this classic dessert that is easy to make at home and yields a rich, sweet, and nutty delight. It is perfect to serve at parties or to enjoy as an after-dinner treat with family and friends. The use of cloves, cinnamon, and lemon in the sugar syrup adds a zesty twist that complements the richness of the nuts and buttery phyllo layers.

Instructions

1.Preheat your oven to 325°F and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter.
2.In a mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped almonds, walnuts, 1/4 cup sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves.
3.Brush the melted butter on the bottom of the prepared baking pan and begin layering the phyllo pastry, brushing each layer with melted butter as you go, until you have about 8-10 layers at the bottom.
4.Cover the phyllo with an even layer of the nut mixture (about 2-3 cups). Repeat the layering process with the phyllo and nut mixture ending with a top layer of phyllo (about 8-10 layers).
5.Cut the baklava into desired shape and size then bake it until golden brown and crisp, around 45 minutes to an hour.
6.While the baklava is in the oven, prepare the sugar syrup by combining 2 cups sugar, 2 cups water, cloves, cinnamon stick, lemon juice, and lemon rind in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar is dissolved, then increase heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer until the mixture thickens, around 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
7.Once the baklava is done, pour the sugar syrup over it, making sure to cover all areas. Let it cool completely before serving.

PROS

Thea’s Baklava is a sweet and indulgent dessert that is perfect for special occasions or just as a treat after a long day.

The blend of almonds, walnuts, cinnamon, and cloves is an explosion of flavor in each bite.

This recipe yields a generous portion that can feed a crowd.

CONS

Baklava is a high-calorie dessert that should be eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

It can be labor-intensive to make with the layering of phyllo pastry and brushing each layer with melted butter.

Only a thin slice of Thea’s Baklava can satisfy a sweet craving, which makes it easy to overindulge.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While high in calories and sugar, Thea’s Baklava does contain walnuts and almonds that are both rich in healthy fats, fiber, and protein.
These nuts, when consumed in moderation, can help lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation, and support heart health.
Cinnamon, cloves, and lemon are also known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help boost immunity.

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