From Naples, Florida: Savor the Authentic with Old World Market

Poppy seeds with their nutty flavor are great for filling. You can use them in baklava, strudel, muffins even bread.   Ingredients (for about 10-12 triangles): 6 large sheets phyllo dough, thawed 1 stick unsalted butter, melted 1/2 cup sugar mixed with 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder sugar, optional For the filling: 3/4 cup poppy seeds 1/3 cup almonds, coarsely chopped 1/2 cup honey 1/4 cup raisins 1/8 tsp cinnamon 1/2 cup sour cream 1 egg Mix all the ingredients for the filling in a bowl. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Defrost phyllo dough according to the directions on the package. Brush every sheet with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Cut the sheets into strips. Place a tablespoon of filling near one end of each strip. Fold the corner of the strip across the filling, and con­tinue folding to form a triangle.  Place the triangles on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 min. or until golden brown . You can also sprinkle the triangles ...

Baklava is easy to make and is so delightful, crunchy and sweet. No doubt it's one of the most popular desserts in the Middle Eastern and Mediterranean regions. I t's simple but fabulous recipe - l ayers of phyllo dough filled with honey and walnuts. In our family my grandmother used to make this traditional baklava on special occasions as Christmas and Easter. Traditional Baklava (makes 24 pieces) Ingredients: 1 pack phyllo dough (9" x 14"), thawed 1 pound walnuts, chopped 1 cup butter, melted 1/3 cup sugar 1/2 cup honey 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves Zest of 1 lemon In a medium bowl, combine walnuts, sugar, honey, cinnamon, cloves and lemon zest. Butter the bottoms and sides of a 9x13 inch pan. Place sheets in the pan, butter thoroughly each sheet using a pastry brush . Repeat until you have 5-6 sheets layered. Spoon on a thin layer of the nut mixture. Cover with 2-3 more sheets of phyllo, brushi...