Doing something different: Apple Pie Baklava with Walnuts

I needed something sweet for the Mezze and to be hones the usuall Baklava is just to sweet.

So what to do. I think Walnuts and Apples are a killer combination and if you like I did use some really tart apples it will help cut the sweetness of the dish.

Try it and maybe you will fall in love.

I served this billions of calories with a tablespoon fresh cold yogurt.

Apple Pie Baklava with Walnuts

 

1 lb.  chopped Walnuts

1 lb of phyllo dough

1 cup of butter, melted

1/3 cup of sugar

2 cups shredded tart apples

1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

syrup:

1 cup of water

1 cup of sugar

1/2 cup of honey

1/4 cup lemon juice

Lightly grease a 9x13 pan and set the oven to 175°C. 

If needed thaw the dough. Roll out the dough and cut it into half's. 

Don`t forget to always cover the dough with a damp towel or plastic wrap.

Process the walnuts until you have small even sized pieces. Combine with the sugar and apples.

Place a sheet of phyllo dough into the pan. Using a pastry brush, brush the phyllo sheet with melted butter. For the bottom you should have 5 layers of dough each buttered.

Spoon a layer of the nut mixture onto the buttered dough. Cover with more dough, always brushing with the butter.

Continue to repeat the nut mixture and two buttered sheets of phyllo until the nut mixture is all used up. The top layer should be 5 phyllo sheets thick, each sheet being individually buttered.

Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes or until lightly golden brown, and edges appear slightly crisp.

Make the syrup.

Combine the sugar, lemon juice, honey, and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium low heat and let simmer until the sirup slightly thickens.

Allow to cool.

Spoon the cooled syrup over the hot baklava and let cool for at least 12 hours.

Cut into little squares.