I don’t know if baklava is typically considered a holiday goodie but it’s always been one in my mind. My mom told me once many years ago that she only makes it around the holidays because it’s such a pain in the butt.
But anyway, baklava is my husband’s all time favorite treat and I make it every year around the holidays because it’s also around this time that Greek Fest happens in our city and I would rather make him a huge pan of it than watch him fork over $6 for 5 small bites at the festival.
I’ve made it a few times for him now and tried a different recipe each time. This one was by far the best I’ve tried yet. It was soft where it was supposed to be and crunchy where appropriate, which is something I’ve had trouble with when trying out other recipes. It was delicious. So delicious that I might actually make it more than once next year. ;)
Baklava
- 1 16 ounce package frozen phyllo pastry, thawed
- 1 cup butter (melted)
- 3 cups finely chopped or ground pecans (walnuts, pistachios, or almonds)
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the syrup:
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup honey
- Butter a 13 x 9 inch pan. Set aside.
- Cut phyllo in half crosswise, and cut each half to fit prepared pan; discard trimmings. Cover phyllo with a slightly damp towel.
- Layer 10 sheets of phyllo in pan, brushing each sheet with melted butter. Set aside.
- Combine nuts and next 3 ingredients; stir well. Sprinkle one-third of mixture over phyllo in pan; drizzle with melted butter.
- Top nut mixture with 11 sheets of phyllo, brushing each sheet with butter. Repeat twice with remaining nut mixture, phyllo, and butter, ending with buttered phyllo.
- Cut stack into diamond shapes, using a sharp knife. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes or until golden. Cool completely.
- For syrup, combine sugar, water, and honey in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 4 minutes. Pour over baklava.
- Cover and let stand at room temperature for 24 hours.
jayne says
Oh yum. I love baklava but haven’t tried making it. Now I think I will!
Aunt Micki says
This looks and sounds like the one I tried making many years ago…..I believe I got the recipe from your mom. She had made it for Christmas one year, and it was so good that I HAD to make it the next year for my in-laws!
Nicole says
I was always a fan of baklava but I have been hooked since ging to greece in March. I def have to make this. Thanks for sharing the best!
Dawn Hutchins says
I’ve never had it but your photo makes me want to try some!
.-= Dawn Hutchins´s last blog ..Happy Toast and my Great Weekend =-.
paulette says
Thank you for this wonderful recipe!
I gave pieces of it away in my goodie bag at Christmas.
It was a great hit and I am now making a tray for our January birthdays.
Veronica says
Oh thank you! Baklava is also a favorite of my husband’s, but I have yet to make it for him. I needed a good recipe, and I think I’ve found it. He will be forever thankful, I’m sure. :)