As the holiday season approaches, one of the most anticipated moments in my family is the preparation of our cherished Christmas Baklava. This exquisite dessert, deeply rooted in the traditions of the Mediterranean, holds a special place in our hearts. Its creation is not merely a culinary endeavor but a ritual that brings together generations, weaving stories and flavors into each delicate layer of phyllo pastry.
Ingredients
1/2 pound chopped pecans
1/2 pound chopped walnuts
2-3 tbsp ground cinnamon
1 pound package of Phyllo dough
1-1/2 cups butter, melted
2-1/2 cups honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp grated lemon zest
Instructions
Prepare the Nut Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the chopped pecans and walnuts. Sprinkle ground cinnamon over the nuts and toss well to coat evenly. Set aside while you prepare the other components.
Prepare the Phyllo Layers: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish generously to prevent sticking.
Layering the Baklava: Lay two sheets of phyllo dough in the prepared baking dish. Brush the phyllo sheets thoroughly with melted butter. Sprinkle a handful (about 2-3 tablespoons) of the nut mixture evenly over the buttered phyllo.
Repeat the Layers: Continue layering phyllo sheets, brushing each layer generously with melted butter and sprinkling with the nut mixture. Aim for about 6 layers of nuts and phyllo on the top.
Final Layers and Cutting: Once all layers are assembled, finish with a final 6 layers of phyllo on top. Brush the top layer with any remaining melted butter. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut through all layers of the baklava. Start by making lengthwise cuts, then diagonal cuts to create diamond-shaped pieces.
Bake to Perfection: Place the baklava in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
Prepare the Syrup: While the baklava is baking, prepare the honey syrup. In a saucepan, heat the honey until it is just about to boil. Stir in the vanilla extract and grated lemon zest, mixing well.
Pour the Syrup: Once the baklava is done baking and still hot from the oven, immediately pour the hot honey syrup evenly over the top. The baklava will sizzle and soak up the syrup, adding moisture and sweetness to every layer.
Cooling and Serving: Allow the baklava to cool completely in the pan, allowing time for the flavors to meld together and the pastry to absorb the syrup fully. Once cooled, cut along the pre-made lines into individual diamond-shaped pieces.
Variations and Substitutions
Nut Variations: Feel free to substitute or mix different nuts according to your preference. Almonds or pistachios can also be used or combined with the pecans and walnuts.
Flavor Enhancements: Experiment with adding a touch of orange blossom water or rose water to the honey syrup for a floral twist.
Dietary Modifications: For a lighter version, reduce the amount of butter used between the layers or substitute with clarified butter (ghee). Agave syrup can also be used instead of honey for a vegan alternative.
Why Christmas Baklava is Worth the Effort
Crafting Christmas Baklava is not just about creating a dessert; it’s about weaving memories and traditions into every delicate layer. The process of layering the buttery phyllo with a rich nut mixture, baking it to golden perfection, and drenching it in fragrant honey syrup is a labor of love that yields a dessert unlike any other. The crispness of the phyllo gives way to tender, syrup-soaked layers, creating a harmony of textures and flavors that celebrate the festive season.
Whether shared with loved ones around a holiday table or gifted to friends as a token of goodwill, Christmas Baklava embodies the warmth and generosity of the season. Its sweet allure and intricate preparation make it a standout dessert that promises not just satisfaction but also a connection to culinary traditions that transcend time and place.
This year, as you embark on the journey of making Christmas Baklava, savor each moment—from the aromatic nut filling to the final drizzle of honey syrup. Let this dessert become a part of your own holiday tradition, a reminder of the joy found in creating something beautiful and delicious to share with those you cherish.
THE BEST CHRISTMAS BAKLAVA
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound chopped pecans
- 1/2 pound chopped walnuts
- 2-3 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 pound phyllo dough thawed
- 1-1/2 cups butter melted
- 2-1/2 cups honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp grated lemon zest
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped pecans, walnuts, and ground cinnamon. Toss well to coat the nuts evenly. Set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously butter a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Lay two sheets of phyllo dough in the prepared dish. Brush with melted butter. Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of the nut mixture over the buttered phyllo.
- Continue layering phyllo, brushing each layer with butter and sprinkling with the nut mixture. Use about 6 layers of nuts and phyllo, finishing with 6 layers of phyllo on top.
- Brush the top phyllo layer with any remaining butter. Carefully cut through all layers to create diamond-shaped pieces.
- Bake the baklava for approximately 45 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
- While the baklava bakes, heat the honey in a saucepan until nearly boiling. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest.
- Once baked, immediately pour the hot honey syrup evenly over the baklava. Allow it to sizzle and absorb the syrup.
- Let the baklava cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut along the pre-made lines and serve.
Notes
Flavor Enhancements: Add orange blossom water or rose water to the syrup for a floral note.
Dietary Modifications: Use ghee for a lighter version or agave syrup for a vegan option.
