Robo-Prep!

Gooey and Nutty Baklava Recipe!

Ingredients:
-1-1/2 cups butter (3 sticks)
-4 cups of chopped walnuts
-3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
-1 teaspoons cinnamon
-1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
-24-30 sheets of phyllo dough
-2 cups of honey

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat.

3. In a medium bowl mix together the walnuts, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

4. Grease a 9X13 inch baking pan.

5. Unroll the phyllo dough and cover with a damp cloth to keep it from drying out.

6. Place 2 sheets of phyllo dough in the bottom of the greased pan.

7. Spread 1/3 of the melted butter on the dough.

8. Sprinkle 1/3 of the nut mixture on top.

9. Place two more sheets of phyllo dough on top, butter and sprinkle with another 1/3 of the nut mixture.

10. Continue layering the phyllo dough, butter, and nuts until all of the ingredients are used, ending with 2 sheets of phyllo dough on top.

11. Cut the dough into diamond shapes with a sharp knife before baking.

12. Bake in preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until golden brown.

13. When nearing completion, heat the honey in a small saucepan over the low heat, stirring frequently.

14. When the finished baklava is out of the oven, drizzle with the warm honey.

Wine: Zinfandel

Descriptive Paragraph:

What is Baklava?

Baklava is a rich, sweet pastry made with layers of filo pastry filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with a honey syrup. It first appeared in the Ottoman Empire in the Middle Ages and is now enjoyed around the world. It is especially popular in the Middle East, the Balkans, Greece and Turkey.

History of Gooey and Nutty Baklava

Gooey and Nutty Baklava is a classic recipe handed down through the generations that combines gooey honey, creamy butter, and crunchy nuts to create a deliciously sweet treat. The recipe originates in the Ottoman Empire of the Middle Ages, from where it spread to other parts of the Middle East, the Balkans and Greece. The exact combination of nuts and honey vary from region to region, but it usually contains walnuts, pistachios and/or almonds, combined with a syrup of honey, lemon juice and/or sugar syrup.

How is Baklava prepared?

Baklava is usually prepared with 36 or more layers of filo dough, with alternating layers of chopped nuts and then drenched with the syrup mixture. The baking time will depend on the number of layers and the type of oven, but it generally takes around 20-30 minutes. Sweet, gooey and nutty Baklava is traditionally cut into diamond shapes and then served with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of Greek yoghurt.

Where is Baklava Popular?

Baklava is very popular throughout the Middle East, the Balkans, and in Greece and Turkey. The popularity of this sweet pastry has spread across the world and can now be found in many bakeries and patisseries. It is also an increasingly popular choice of dessert and can be found on many restaurant menus.

Interesting Facts about Baklava

Baklava has been enjoyed for centuries and has been mentioned in many different kinds of literature throughout the years, even in the writings of Homer. It is also believed to be the oldest pastry on record, believed to have been first made almost 4,000 years ago. Baklava is also known for its long shelf life. When stored properly in an airtight container or wrapped in foil, it can last for up to 1 month.

Links

For more information on Baklava, please visit the following Wikipedia pages:

• Baklava
• Gooey and Nutty Baklava