Baklava

Photography by Sue Ferris

Finish off your Middle Eastern feast with some decadent, honey coated baklava.

Makes about 20 slices

Ingredients
    4 x 150g pkt walnuts, chopped
    2 1/3 cups (300g) caster sugar
    1 tsp cinnamon
    20 sheets filo
    80g butter, melted
    1 1/2 cups (375ml) water
    2 cinnamon sticks
    1 tbs lemon juice
    1/4 cup (60ml) honey

Method
Preheat oven to 180°C. Spray a 20cm x 30cm slab pan with oil. Combine 4 x 150g pkt walnuts, chopped, 1/3 cup (80g) caster sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon.

Use 20 sheets filo and 80g butter, melted. Make 4 stacks, layer 5 sheets per stack, brushing layers with butter. Put a stack in pan. Top with one-third of walnut mixture. Repeat layers, finishing with filo. Cut into four. Bake for 25-30 minutes.

Stir 2 cups (220g) caster sugar, 1 1/2 cups (375ml) water, 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 tbs lemon juice over low heat until sugar dissolves. Bring to boil, add 1/4 cup (60ml) honey. Remove sticks. Pour over hot slice and cool.

Fresh Living - 2 August 2004
Recipe by Michelle Southan