SWEET HARMONY: HONEY-KISSED BAKLAVA DELIGHTS
Baklava is a delectable Middle Eastern dessert known for its layers of flaky pastry, nuts, and sweet syrup. In this recipe, we will add a delightful twist by using GOODB Honey and a medley of seeds to create a unique and scrumptious version of this classic treat.
Ingredients:
For the Baklava:
- 1 package of phyllo pastry sheets (16 oz), thawed
- 1 cup mixed nuts (walnuts, almonds, pistachios), coarsely chopped
- 1/4 cup mixed seeds (pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted)
- GOODB Honey, for drizzling
For the Syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup GOODB Honey
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Nut and Seed Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the coarsely chopped nuts, mixed seeds, and ground cinnamon. Toss well to evenly distribute the flavors.
3. Assemble the Baklava:
- Unroll the thawed phyllo pastry sheets and cover them with a damp cloth to prevent drying out.
- Place one sheet of phyllo pastry in the prepared baking dish and brush it with melted butter using a pastry brush.
- Repeat this process, layering each sheet with butter until you have about 8-10 sheets stacked.
4. Add the Nut and Seed Filling:
- Spread half of the nut and seed mixture evenly over the layered phyllo sheets.
5. Continue Layering:
- Add another layer of phyllo pastry sheets, brushing each sheet with melted butter.
- Top with the remaining nut and seed mixture.
6. Finish with Phyllo Sheets:
- Layer the remaining phyllo pastry sheets, brushing each sheet with melted butter. Make sure to butter the topmost sheet as well.
7. Cut the Baklava:
- Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes. This will make it easier to serve later.
8. Bake:
- Place the baklava in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until it turns golden brown and crispy.
9. Prepare the Honey Syrup:
- While the baklava is baking, prepare the honey syrup. In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, GOODB Honey, and the cinnamon stick. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Once the sugar dissolves completely, reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes to allow the syrup to thicken slightly.
- Remove the saucepan from heat, and stir in the vanilla extract and lemon juice. Let the syrup cool.
10. Drizzle the Honey Syrup:
- Once the baklava is out of the oven, immediately drizzle the cooled honey syrup over the hot baklava, making sure to cover all the cut pieces.
11. Allow to Cool:
- Allow the baklava to cool completely in the baking dish. The syrup will soak into the layers, creating a rich and sweet treat.
12. Serve and Enjoy:
- Once cooled, carefully lift the individual pieces, and serve the GOODB Honey and Seeds Baklava on a dessert plate. Enjoy this delightful dessert with a drizzle of extra GOODB Honey, if desired.
Note: Baklava tastes best when it's allowed to sit for a few hours or overnight, as the flavors meld together and the syrup fully permeates the layers.
Indulge in this heavenly Honey and Seeds Baklava, embracing the pure goodness of GOODB Honey and the delightful crunch of mixed seeds!