Honey, pistachio and orange flower baklava

www.uangsurga.com

These sweet and scented squares, which can be prepared a day in advance, make the perfect ending for any Mediterranean meal

In short	Preparation time: 20 mins Cooking time: 30 mins Total time: 50 mins Serves: 4 people Cuisine: Greek Course: Desserts
Nutrition (per portion)	787 calories 37g fat (16g saturates)

Method

Preheat the oven to 180ºC/ 160ºC fan/Gas 4. Lightly brush a 25cm (10in) square, deep baking tray with some of the melted butter. Place a filo sheet in the bottom of the baking tray, brush with butter, then place another sheet on top and repeat, brushing with butter, to use up half of the filo sheets.

In a bowl, mix the pistachio nuts (reserving a few) with 2tbsp of the sugar. Spread over the filo in an even layer. Brush one sheet of filo with butter, then place it, butter-side down, onto the layer of nuts. Brush the top of the filo sheet with butter, then repeat with the remaining sheets, buttering each one. Using a sharp knife, score the top of the filo stack to make 16 squares. Place in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until golden.

Meanwhile, place the remaining sugar, 200ml (7fl oz) water, the honey, lemon juice, cardamom seeds and orange flower water in a pan over a medium heat and bring to the boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until just thickened to a syrup. Pour the warm syrup over the baklava, sprinkle with the reserved pistachios and leave to cool. Cut into squares and serve.