Ingredients

Syrup :
3/4 cup water
3/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup orange juice
1 1/2 cups honey
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Pastry :
3/4 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 cups ground walnuts
1 package phyllo dough
1 1/2 cups melted butter
Baklava is a sweet, honey-laden pastry that is popular in Greece and the Middle East. This Grecian Baklava is made with layers of phyllo dough and walnuts, all soaked in a honey syrup. The pastry is then cut into diamond shapes, making it perfect for impressing guests at a dinner party or for enjoying as an afternoon snack. The pastry is easy to make but takes a bit of time to put together. Keep in mind that this pastry is high in calories and should be consumed in moderation.

Instructions

1.Begin by preparing the syrup. Combine water, white sugar, orange juice, honey, and cinnamon in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves then bring to a boil and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the mixture becomes syrup-like and slightly thick. Set aside to cool.
2.For the pastry, mix together sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground walnuts in a mixing bowl.
3.Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a baking dish with melted butter and set aside.
4.Unwrap the phyllo dough and cut it to fit the size of the baking dish. Cover the dough with a damp cloth to keep it from drying out.
5.Layer one pastry sheet into the baking dish then brush it with butter. Repeat this step until you have 6 layers of phyllo dough.
6.Pour half of the nut filling into the baking dish.
7.Layer another 6 phyllo sheets on top of the nut filling, buttering each layer as before.
8.Add the remaining nut filling.
9.Layer the remaining phyllo sheets in the same manner, buttering each layer.
10.Cut the baklava into diamond shapes then score the top in a diagonal pattern, being careful not to cut through the nut filling. Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour, or until the pastry is crisp.
11.Remove the baklava from the oven and pour the cooled syrup over the top. Allow it to cool at room temperature before serving.

PROS

This Grecian Baklava is a honey and cinnamon-flavored pastry that is crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside.
The combination of nuts, pastry, and syrup produces an incredible flavor that everyone will love.

CONS

This pastry may not be suitable for people who are allergic to nuts.
The phyllo dough can be difficult to work with, but the outcome is worth it.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Walnuts are an excellent source of protein and heart-healthy fats that can help lower bad cholesterol levels. The honey and cinnamon in this recipe may also have positive effects on blood sugar and insulin levels.

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