Sweets for the Holiday Season | Julie Taboulie's Lebanese Kitchen (HUNGRY CHRISTMAS SPECIAL)

phyllo dough

🥗Healthier: whole wheat phyllo

💰Cheaper: homemade pastry dough

Whole wheat phyllo adds fiber, while homemade dough can be more economical.

nuts

🥗Healthier: seeds

💰Cheaper: oats

Seeds provide similar crunch, while oats can be a budget-friendly filler.

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil is dairy-free and healthier, while margarine is often less expensive.

honey

🥗Healthier: agave syrup

💰Cheaper: corn syrup

Agave syrup is lower on the glycemic index, while corn syrup is more affordable.

Prepare to make baklava by gathering all essential ingredients.

In a food processor, add 5 cups of whole raw unsalted walnuts and 1 cup of white granulated sugar, then grind until a coarse meal is achieved.

Transfer the walnut mixture to a mixing bowl and add 2 tablespoons of clarified butter and 2 tablespoons of orange blossom water, mixing well.

Grease a 12 by 17 sheet pan with clarified butter.

Layer 14 sheets of phyllo dough in the pan, brushing each sheet with clarified butter.

Spread half of the walnut filling evenly over the phyllo layers.

Layer another 14 sheets of phyllo dough over the filling, brushing each with clarified butter.

Score the top layer into eight vertical rows and then diagonally to create diamond shapes.

Drizzle additional clarified butter on top before baking.

Preheat the oven to 370°F and bake for approximately 40 to 45 minutes until golden brown.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens