Chocolate Baklava Recipe

 Baklava, the iconic dessert hailing from the Middle East, is renowned for its layers of flaky pastry, rich nut filling, and fragrant syrup. But what happens when you infuse this timeless treat with the irresistible allure of chocolate? Enter chocolate baklava, a delectable fusion of tradition and innovation.

Ingredients:

• For the Nut Filling:
• 1 cup finely chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup finely chopped almonds
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• For the Phyllo Dough:
• 1 pound phyllo dough, thawed
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• For the Syrup:
• 1 cup honey
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1 lemon peel, thinly sliced
• 1 cinnamon stick

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. Combine all nut filling ingredients in a bowl.
3. Brush a sheet of phyllo dough with melted butter and lay it flat in the pan. Repeat with 4-5 sheets, layering and brushing with butter in between.
4. Sprinkle half the nut filling over the phyllo dough. Top with another 4-5 sheets of buttered phyllo.
5. Add the remaining nut filling and cover with another 4-5 sheets of buttered phyllo. Brush the top sheet with butter.
6. Score the baklava into diamond shapes with a sharp knife.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
8. While the baklava bakes, prepare the syrup. Combine honey, water, orange juice, lemon peel, and cinnamon stick in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boiling point, then decrease the heat and let it simmer for a duration of 10 minutes.
9. Remove cinnamon stick and lemon peel. Pour the hot syrup over the warm baklava, allowing it to soak in.
10. Let cool completely before serving.

Nutritional Information:

(Per serving, based on 12 servings)

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Sugar: 25g
• Protein: 4g

Tips for a Perfect Baklava:

• Use good quality phyllo dough for best results. Thaw it completely before using to avoid tearing.
• Brush the phyllo dough generously with melted butter to ensure flakiness.
• Don't overbake the baklava, or it will become dry.
• Allow the syrup to cool slightly before pouring it over the baklava to prevent sogginess.

Conclusion:

Chocolate baklava is a testament to the endless possibilities of culinary creativity. It's a dessert that is both familiar and exciting, combining the cherished traditions of baklava with the irresistible allure of chocolate. Whip up a batch of chocolate baklava, and share the magic of this modern twist on a classic with your loved ones. You won't regret it!