posted by SueFreeman 02-03-103 9:21 AM
Apple Baklava
6 single Golden Delicious apples
6 single Granny Smith apples
2 tablespoon unsalted butter
6 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 single nut mixture:
2 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
24 single sheets phyllo dough
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoon plain dry bread crumbs
2 tablespoon honey
Prep time: 1 hour plus cooling
Baking time: 35 to 40 minutes
Apples give a distinctive twist to this traditional Greek dessert. Sauteing them first to let the water evaporate ensures a crisp crust.
Apple Layer: Peel and slice apples. Melt butter in Dutch
oven over high heat. Add apples, sugar and cinnamon; cook, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender and juices are evaporated, 15 to 20 minutes. Cool.
Nut Mixture: Combine all ingredients in small bowl.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Trim phyllo sheets to 13x9-inch rectangles; cover with plastic wrap. Brush 13x9-inch metal baking pan with butter.
Place 1 phyllo sheet in pan and brush with some of the melted butter (keep remaining phyllo covered). Layer 5 more phyllo sheets on top, brushing each with butter.
Spread 2 cups nut mixture on top and repeat layering with 6 more phyllo sheets and butter. Spread apple mixture on top; repeat layering with 6 more phyllo sheets and butter.
Sprinkle remaining nut mixture on top; sprinkle with bread crumbs and layer with the 6 remaining phyllo sheets and butter.
With sharp knife, cut lengthwise through pastry and filling into 1 1/2 inch-wide strips, then cut diagonally at 2-inch intervals to make diamonds.
Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until golden. Drizzle honey on top and bake 5 minutes more. Cool in pan on wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature with whipped or ice cream. Makes 12 servings.