Spicy Baklava Bites with Honey-Chili Syrup

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

   ~5 min
2. 2

   In a large bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, almonds, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and red pepper flakes. Mix well.

   ~5 min
3. 3

   Lay out one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean surface. Brush generously with melted butter. Layer another sheet on top and brush with butter. Repeat until you have 6 layers of phyllo.

   ~10 min
4. 4

   Spread about 1/6 of the nut mixture evenly over the phyllo dough. Roll up the phyllo tightly, like a jelly roll.

   ~5 min
5. 5

   Cut the roll into bite-sized pieces, about 2.5 cm (1 inch) thick. Place the pieces cut-side up on the prepared baking tray.

   ~10 min
6. 6

   Repeat steps 3-5 with the remaining phyllo dough and nut mixture until all ingredients are used.

   ~40 min
7. 7

   Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the baklava is golden brown and crisp.

   ~35 min
8. 8

   While the baklava is baking, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine honey, water, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and chopped dried chili (if using).

   ~5 min
9. 9

   Bring the syrup to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Let it simmer gently for 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it steep.

   ~10 min
10. 10

    Once the baklava is out of the oven, immediately pour the warm syrup evenly over the hot baklava pieces. The syrup should soak in.

    ~2 min
11. 11

    Let the baklava cool completely on the baking tray, allowing the syrup to set. This can take at least 2 hours.

    ~120 min
12. 12

    Serve the baklava bites at room temperature.