Let’s face it, these days we all have some extra time on our hands. Even I, a work from home, homeschool (not quarantine school), have a bit more time on my hands. So, while we’re confined to the four walls of our homes, why not explore new recipes? This week, go out and try to procure the ingredients to make this Honey Cheesecake with Baklava Crust.
What is the baklava?
Baklava is a sweet pastry made with phyllo dough and nuts, which is later doused in a honey-lemon syrup. Most popular in the Middle East and the Turkey, dessert.
INGREDIENTS
- ORANGE BLOSSOM HONEY SYRUP
- 100g caster sugar
- 150ml water
- 125g honey
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 20g orange blossom water
- FILLING
- 500g cream cheese, softened 175g caster sugar
- 250g sour cream
- 3 eggs, lightly beaten
- 75g walnuts, toasted and finely chopped
- 75g blanched almonds, toasted and finely chopped
- 9 sheets filo pastry 75g butter, melted
METHOD
ORANGE BLOSSOM HONEY SYRUP
1- For the Orange Blossom Honey Syrup: Place all ingredients except orange blossom water in a small saucepan and stir over medium heat until sugar has dissolved.
2- Simmer for 15-20 minutes or until syrup has reduced and thickened. Discard cinnamon stick and stir in orange blossom water. Cool
FILLING.
3- Beat cream cheese with an electric mixer (paddle attachment) on low speed until just smooth. Add sugar and beat until combined. Add sour cream, eggs and mix until just combined. Set aside.
4- Mix 90ml of honey syrup with the walnuts and almonds to combine. Set aside.
5- Layer 5 sheets of filo pastry on top of each other, brushing well between each layer with butter. Ease pastry into the base and sides of a buttered and lined 20cm x 30cm slab pan; trimming as required.
6- Pour in half of the cheesecake batter and spoon over the half the syrup nuts; repeat again. Swirl with a butter knife to roughly mix.
7- Make 2 piles of 2 sheets each with remaining filo pastry, brushing well between each layer with melted butter.
8- Cut each pile into 8 lengthwise. Scrunch the filo pastry and place in a single layer on top of the batter to cover.
9- Bake at 160°C for 40-45 minute or until just set. Remove from oven and drizzle with remaining syrup. Serve warm or cold.
