There’s something about the shimmering golden light of a late afternoon sun filtering through the leaves of the nearby walnut trees that inspires me to bake. It reminds me of the sweet aromas that would waft through my grandmother’s kitchen, where she effortlessly prepared delightful treats for family gatherings. One of the most cherished was her baklava, a symphony of flaky pastry, crushed nuts, and a hint of citrus that danced on the palate. Today, I’m excited to share my take on this timeless dessert, a Rustic Honey-Walnut Baklava with a Citrus Twist that captures the essence of those warm family moments.
### Ingredients
– 1 package (16 oz) phyllo dough, thawed
– 2 cups walnuts, finely chopped
– 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup honey
– 1 cup water
– Zest of 1 orange
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– A pinch of salt
### Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). As the oven warms, take a moment to enjoy the tranquility of the countryside. The rustling leaves and distant chirps of birds remind you of the simple joys in life.
In a mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped walnuts, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This nutty mixture will be the heart of your baklava, adding both texture and flavor.
Unroll the phyllo dough carefully, keeping it covered with a damp kitchen towel to prevent it from drying out. Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by brushing the bottom with melted butter.
Layer the first sheet of phyllo in the dish, gently brushing it with melted butter. Repeat this process, layering 6 sheets of phyllo, each brushed with butter. The golden, flaky layers are the foundation of your baklava.
Spread a generous portion of the walnut mixture evenly over the phyllo. Repeat the layering process, adding another 4 sheets of phyllo, each brushed with butter, followed by another layer of the nut mixture. Continue this pattern until all the nuts are used, finishing with a final layer of at least 6 sheets of phyllo, each brushed with butter.
Before baking, use a sharp knife to cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes, ensuring that the cuts go through the layers. This will allow the syrup to soak in beautifully after baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the top is a rich, golden brown. As the baklava bakes, the kitchen will fill with the most intoxicating aroma, a blend of sweet and nutty that beckons everyone to gather around.
While the baklava is baking, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, honey, water, orange zest, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, then remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
Once the baklava is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the warm syrup evenly over the cut baklava, ensuring every piece is generously soaked. The syrup will seep into the layers, creating a luscious sweetness that ties the dish together.
Allow the baklava to cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours before serving. This is the perfect time to reminisce about those family gatherings, perhaps sharing stories and laughter with loved ones, just as my grandmother would have done.
Serve your Rustic Honey-Walnut Baklava with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence. Each bite will transport you back to those cherished moments spent in the heart of the countryside, surrounded by family, love, and the comforting sweetness of homemade desserts. Enjoy!