Little baklava bites
MAKES 30 PREP TIME 10-15 MINUTES COOK TIME 12 MINUTES
These little treats are a version of the delicious Greek or Turkish baklava dessert. A great store-cupboard standby dessert to take along to a gathering.
2 packets mini filo tart shells (available at good delis and supermarkets) 100g butter 4 tablespoons honey ½ cup sugar 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground cloves ½ cup chopped toasted walnut halves (see above right) ½ cup chopped pecans ½ cup chopped pistachios ½ cup chopped blanched almonds runny honey to serve (optional)
Preheat oven to 180°C. Place the tart shells in the holes of a mini muffin tray. This will keep them in place while they are cooking. In a medium saucepan, gently melt the butter and honey together. Add the sugar and lemon juice, and stir until sugar has dissolved. Add the spices and nuts, and stir over a medium heat for 2 minutes. Spoon the mixture into the tart shells. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the filo is golden brown. If desired, drizzle with extra honey to serve. Serve warm.
Toasted walnuts
Heat the walnuts in a dry frying pan over a medium-high heat, stirring, for 3–5 minutes until lightly coloured, smelling really fragrant and heated through. Cool before storing in a zip-lock bag or airtight container for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.