Nut Rolls Baklava

MAKES APPOX. 6 ROLLS

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tblsp vanilla sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 500g almonds, chopped finely (use a blender)
• 2 packets filo pastry
• 400g unsalted butter, melted

SYRUP

• 3 cups sugar
• 3 cups water
• 1 tblsp honey
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 cloves
• 1/2 lemon

METHOD

1. To prepare the syrup, heat all ingredients in a saucepan. Dissolve the sugar, bring to boil then simmer for 10-12 minutes. Remove from the heat and stain. Pour over the baklava after baking.

2. Combine the vanilla sugar, cinnamon and almonds. Roll out one sheet of filo and brush with melted butter. Repeat until there are seven layers of filo with butter. Spoon a good portion of the almond mixture on the edge of the filo leaving enough room to start rolling.

3. Align a long stick (approx. 1 cm thick) next to the filling and roll up the filo, encasing the filling and stick. Roll to the end, then scrunch the pastry together while carefully removing the stick. Place the baklava inside a buttered dish (24 x 34 cm). Repeat with the remaining pastry and filling.

4. Bush the tops with melted butter and gently slice into approximately 6-7cm segments. Bake in the oven (180ºC, fan forced) for approx. 30-40mins or until golden brown.

5. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before pouring the syrup over the baklava.