Best 2 Orange Pecan Baklava Recipes
**Orange Pecan Baklava: A Delightful Fusion of Middle Eastern and Southern Flavors**
Indulge in a culinary journey that harmoniously blends the rich heritage of Middle Eastern baklava with the vibrant flavors of the American South. Orange Pecan Baklava, a unique dessert creation, enchants the senses with its layers of crispy phyllo dough, a luscious filling of chopped pecans, and a sweet, aromatic orange syrup. This delectable pastry is a delightful treat for any occasion, whether it's a festive gathering, a special celebration, or simply a moment of indulgence.
**Dive into a Symphony of Textures and Flavors**
The Orange Pecan Baklava tantalizes the taste buds with its symphony of textures and flavors. The crisp, flaky layers of phyllo dough yield to a soft, chewy interior, while the crunchy pecans add a delightful textural contrast. The orange syrup, infused with a hint of citrus zest, seeps into every corner of the baklava, creating a burst of sweetness that perfectly complements the nutty richness of the pecans.
**A Culinary Bridge Between Cultures**
This Orange Pecan Baklava serves as a culinary bridge between the Middle East and the American South. The traditional baklava, a beloved dessert in many Middle Eastern countries, is reimagined with the addition of pecans, a quintessential ingredient in Southern cuisine. This fusion of flavors creates a unique and unforgettable dessert experience that appeals to a wide range of palates.
**Explore Variations and Adaptations**
The provided recipes offer variations and adaptations of the Orange Pecan Baklava, catering to different preferences and dietary needs. One recipe introduces a gluten-free version, using almond flour instead of traditional wheat flour, making it a delightful option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Another recipe explores a vegan version, replacing butter with coconut oil and using maple syrup instead of honey, ensuring that those following a vegan lifestyle can also enjoy this delectable treat.
**A Journey of Sweet Delights**
Embark on a culinary journey with the Orange Pecan Baklava, a fusion of Middle Eastern and Southern flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. With its crispy layers, luscious filling, and aromatic syrup, this dessert is a true masterpiece. Explore the variations and adaptations provided in the recipes to suit your dietary needs and preferences. Indulge in the sweet delights of the Orange Pecan Baklava and create a memorable dessert experience.
ORANGE-PECAN BAKLAVA
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.
PECAN-ORANGE BAKLAVA PIE
This pretty baklava with a diamond-cut top can easily take the place of pecan pie on a Thanksgiving dessert buffet. The bourbon-honey syrup and orange zest in the filling add rich, savory flavor, and keep things less sweet than the traditional Middle Eastern treat.
Provided by Katherine Sacks
Categories Thanksgiving Dessert Pecan Orange Honey Cinnamon Phyllo/Puff Pastry Dough Bourbon Butter Pie
Yield 16-20 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Bring honey, cinnamon sticks, 1 cup sugar, and 1 cup water to a boil in medium heavy saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat to medium and continue to boil until syrup is reduced to about 1 1/2 cups, 15-18 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl, stir in bourbon, and let cool.
- Meanwhile, spread pecans on large rimmed baking sheet and toast until golden brown, 13-15 minutes. Let cool. Transfer nuts to a food processor. Add ground cinnamon, 1 tsp. orange zest, and remaining 1/2 cup sugar and pulse until coarsely chopped.
- Place stack of phyllo sheets on a work surface. Keep any phyllo you're not currently working with covered under a layer of plastic wrap topped with a slightly damp kitchen towel. Using base of springform pan as a guide, and starting at edge of phyllo, carefully cut out 20 (9") circles, leaving as much phyllo remaining as possible. Cover phyllo circles. Using base of pan as a guide, cut remaining phyllo into 20 (4 1/2") half-circles.
- Insert base into pan and secure the latch. Brush base with butter. Place 1 phyllo circle in pan and brush generously with butter. Top with 2 half-circles to create a full circle, brush with butter. Top with full circle, brush again. Top with 2 more half-circles at a 90° angle from the first half-circle layer, brush with butter. Top with a full circle, and brush again. You should have 5 layers of pastry (full circle - half-circles - full circle - half circles - full circle), with butter spread between each layer. Spread one-fifth of nut mixture over phyllo. Repeat layering 4 more times. Top with the 5 remaining phyllo circles; brush top with butter.
- Using a sharp knife, score the top layer (do not cut through to bottom of pan) to divide into 4 quadrants. Working with 1 quadrant at a time, make 1 straight cut to divide the quadrant into 2 even wedges. Make 4 more straight cuts (2 each on either side of, and parallel to the quadrant division line), spacing evenly apart. Now working within each wedge, make 2 evenly-spaced cuts parallel to the outside edge of the quadrant, connecting at points with the previous cuts to form a diamond pattern. Repeat with the remaining quadrants to create a starburst pattern. Transfer pan to a rimmed baking sheet and bake until phyllo is golden brown, about 45 minutes.
- Spoon cooled syrup over hot baklava in 4 additions. Place orange curls on top. Let cool completely in pan. Remove springform ring and cut baklava along the scored lines.
- Do Ahead
- Syrup can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill. Baklava can be made 3 days ahead. Cover and store at room temperature.
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the final flavor of your baklava.
- Don't overwork the dough. Overworking the dough will make it tough and chewy.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the baklava. A sharp knife will help you get clean, even slices.
- Bake the baklava until it is golden brown. This will ensure that it is cooked through and has a crispy texture.
- Let the baklava cool completely before serving. This will allow the syrup to set and the flavors to meld together.
Conclusion:
Orange pecan baklava is a delicious and festive dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its layers of crispy filo dough, sweet and nutty filling, and tangy orange syrup, this baklava is sure to please everyone. So next time you're looking for a special dessert, give this orange pecan baklava a try. You won't be disappointed!
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