Fruit and Nut Baklava
By admin Posted in: Desserts Recipes on December 21st, 2011
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes, plus cooling time
24 to 30 pieces
Fruit and Nut Baklava
- 2 (6 ounce) packages dried cranberries, coarsely chopped
- 1 (7 ounce) package figs, chopped
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated orange peel
- 1 cup chopped walnuts, toasted if desired*
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds, coarsely chopped, toasted if desired*
- 16 sheets phyllo pastry, thawed according to package directions
- 1/2 to 2/3 cup olive oil
Topping (optional)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Heat oven to 350ºF. In medium saucepan, combine cranberries, figs and water and mix well. Heat until steaming; cover and simmer over medium-low heat 5 to 6 minutes or until fruit is softened. Remove from heat; set aside to cool.**
Oil small baking sheet or jelly roll pan lightly with olive oil. Place 1 sheet phyllo in center of pan, brush lightly with oil. Top with additional sheet. Repeat using 6 sheets.
Stir nuts into cooled cranberry mixture. Spread one-half of filling on phyllo to within ½ inch of edges. Top with 4 sheets of phyllo, brushing between sheets with olive oil. Top with remaining filling to within ½ inch of edges. Top with remaining 6 sheets of phyllo, brushing between sheets with olive oil. Brush top of pastry with olive oil, taking care to brush edges evenly. Using point of thin sharp knife, score diagonally into pieces, cutting only through top layers of phyllo. Sprinkle lightly with granulated sugar, if desired. Bake 35 to 45 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven.
Meanwhile, if desired, prepare topping by blending ½ cup water and ¼ cup sugar in small saucepan. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Simmer 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; blend in honey, lemon juice and vanilla. Drizzle evenly over warm pastry. Cool on rack.
TIP: When working with phyllo sheets, follow handling directions on package.
*TIP: To toast nuts, spread on baking sheet or foil and roast 5 to 8 minutes at 350ºF. or until light golden, stirring occasionally. Watch carefully to be sure not to overbrown. Remove from oven.
**TIP: To speed cooling of hot mixture, remove from pan and spread on plate or in shallow dish.