Aegean Bliss: Honey-Infused Baklava with Spiced Nectar Drizzle

Allergens

Nuts (walnuts), Wheat (phyllo)

Ingredients

• 30 phyllo sheets 1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts 1 cup unsalted butter, melted 2 cups honey 1 cinnamon stick 3 whole cloves 1 star anise Zest of 1 lemon 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. Place 8 phyllo sheets in the prepared dish, brushing each layer with melted butter and gently pressing down to eliminate air bubbles. Repeat with 8 more sheets, forming a total of 16 layers.
3. Sprinkle half of the walnuts evenly over the top layer of phyllo.
4. Add another 8 sheets, brushing each layer with butter, and repeat with 8 more sheets. Sprinkle the remaining walnuts evenly over the top layer.
5. Cut into diamonds or squares and bake for 25 30 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
6. In a small saucepan, combine honey, cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and let it cook for 5 minutes. Strain the syrup into a bowl.
7. Combine ground cinnamon and powdered sugar in another bowl. Drizzle half of the spiced honey syrup over the baklava and sprinkle with half of the cinnamon sugar mixture.
8. Serve immediately, topping each piece with more drizzled syrup and cinnamon sugar if desired.

Chef’s Insight

Aegean Bliss captures the essence of Greece with its warm spices, fragrant honey, and crunchy walnuts.

Notes

Serve with a steaming cup of Greek coffee or tea to complement the flavors and experience.