ORANGE-PECAN BAKLAVA

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Orange-Pecan Baklava image

Provided by Damaris Phillips

Categories     dessert

Time 5h40m

Yield 30 pieces

Number Of Ingredients 16

12 ounces pecans
12 ounces walnuts
1 tablespoon Sweet Wintery Spice Blend, recipe follows
4 sticks (2 cups) unsalted butter, melted
1 pound frozen phyllo dough, thawed, unrolled and covered with a damp towel
3 cups Orange-Honey Syrup, recipe follows
1/2 cup sugar
3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons ground allspice
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cardamom
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves
2 cups honey
2 cups sugar
2 cinnamon sticks
Zest and juice of 1 orange
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
  • Chop the pecans and walnuts in a food processor until coarsely ground. Add the Sweet Wintery Spice Blend and pulse to combine.
  • Using a pastry brush, brush the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with some melted butter. Add 2 sheets of phyllo, then brush with more butter. Continue in this manner until you have stacked 10 sheets of phyllo. Cover with a quarter of the nut mixture.
  • Add 5 sheets of phyllo, brushing with butter after the second and the fourth sheets. After the fifth sheet, add another quarter of the nut mixture. Repeat adding 5 sheets and a quarter of the nut mixture two more times.
  • Top with the remaining phyllo sheets, brushing with butter every 2 sheets. Brush extra butter on the top. Cut diagonal strips about 1 inch apart. Cut another row of diagonal strips in the opposite direction.
  • Bake until golden and crispy, 75 to 90 minutes. Check for doneness after 1 hour by lifting the top layers of phyllo from the center to reveal the nut mixture--the phyllo should look dry-ish and crisp.
  • As soon as the baklava comes out of the oven, pour the Orange-Honey Syrup over the top. Let sit for at least 5 hours to allow the syrup to soak in.
  • Cut the baklava into diamonds. It will keep for 5 days covered with plastic wrap.
  • Mix together the sugar, cinnamon, allspice, cardamom and cloves in a small bowl until well combined. Store in a small, airtight container.
  • Add the honey, sugar, cinnamon sticks, orange zest and 2 cups water to a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook until thickened slightly, 12 to 15 minutes. Add the orange juice and vanilla extract; cook another 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Yeboah Clement
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I've never made baklava before, but this recipe made it easy. The baklava turned out great and I'll definitely be making it again.


Alhassan Jalloh
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I'm not a big fan of nuts, but I loved this baklava. The orange flavor really shines through.


Ali Johar
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This baklava is a little bit time-consuming to make, but it's worth it. It's so delicious and decadent.


Lura Don
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I've been making this baklava for years and it's always a crowd-pleaser. It's the perfect dessert for any occasion.


MD FOYSAL
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This is my favorite baklava recipe! It's so easy to make and it always turns out perfect.


Faheem Ali Laghari
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The baklava was good, but it wasn't as good as I had hoped. I think I'll try a different recipe next time.


Ghulam Qader Chohan
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I didn't have any problems making this baklava and it turned out delicious. I'll definitely be making it again.


Ssennoga Frank
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The baklava was dry and crumbly. I think I overcooked it.


Saife Islam
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I thought the orange and pecan flavors were a little too strong. I might try using less orange zest next time.


Richard West
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I had some trouble getting the phyllo dough to stick together, but other than that the baklava turned out great.


Arafa trevor
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The baklava was a little too sweet for my taste, but it was still good.


cabdi Caziiz
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This baklava is so easy to make and it tastes like it came from a bakery. I'm so glad I found this recipe.


Jannatulfardousjui
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I followed the recipe exactly and the baklava turned out amazing. I'm definitely making this again.


Skyley Saunders
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I've made this baklava several times now and it's always a hit. It's my go-to dessert for special occasions.


Isaiah Pietersen
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I made this for a potluck and it was a huge success. Everyone loved it!


Nujhat Shawon
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This was the best baklava I've ever had. The orange and pecan flavors were perfectly balanced.


Walter Woods
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I'm not a huge fan of baklava, but this recipe changed my mind. It was so good!


star muheet07
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The baklava turned out perfect! The phyllo dough was crispy and flaky, and the filling was sweet and nutty.


Morgan John
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This baklava was a hit at my party! The combination of oranges and pecans was unique and delicious.