Silk Moon Night – A Turkish Delight Masterpiece

Allergens

Dairy, Nuts

Ingredients

• 20 sheets filo dough
• 1 cup finely chopped pistachios
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• For the Silky Crème Anglaise:
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing the silky crème anglaise. In a medium saucepan, heat milk and sugar over low heat until warm but not boiling. Remove from heat.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks. Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the egg yolks while continuously whisking to avoid curdling. Return mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Strain into a clean bowl and mix in vanilla extract, cinnamon, and cardamom. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until cold.
3. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). In a small bowl, combine pistachios, sugar, and ground cinnamon.
4. Begin assembling the baklava by laying out one sheet of filo dough on a parchment lined baking sheet and brushing it with melted butter. Repeat with 19 more sheets, brushing each with butter and gently layering them atop the previous sheet. Sprinkle half of the pistachio mixture evenly over the top layer of filo dough.
5. Fold the top edge of the filo stack over to create a neat rectangle, then repeat with the bottom edge to form an even strip. Cut into 12 equal portions and separate them slightly for baking.
6. Bake in preheated oven for 30 35 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
7. To assemble the dessert, place one portion of baklava on each plate. Spoon a generous amount of silky crème anglaise over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides. Garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and a few pistachio slivers.

Chef’s Insight

The silky crème anglaise pairs beautifully with the crispy baklava for a luxurious, heavenly delight.

Notes

This recipe requires patience and attention to detail for a professional result.