Apple Baklava

Directions

1. 1
   Prep time: 1 hour plus cooling Baking time: 35 to 40 minutes Apples give a distinctive twist to this traditional Greek dessert.
2. 2
   Sauteing them first to let the water evaporate ensures a crisp crust.
3. 3
   APPLE LAYER: Peel and slice apples.
4. 4
   Melt butter in Dutch oven over high heat.
5. 5
   Add apples, sugar and cinnamon; cook, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender and juices are evaporated, 15 to 20 minutes.
6. 6
   Cool.
7. 7
   NUT MIXTURE: Combine all ingredients in small bowl.
8. 8
   Preheat oven to 400F (200C).
9. 9
   Trim phyllo sheets to 13x9-inch rectangles; cover with plastic wrap.
10. 10
    Brush 13x9-inch metal baking pan with butter.
11. 11
    Place 1 phyllo sheet in pan and brush with some of the melted butter (keep remaining phyllo covered).
12. 12
    Layer 5 more phyllo sheets on top, brushing each with butter.
13. 13
    Spread 2 cups nut mixture on top and repeat layering with 6 more phyllo sheets and butter.
14. 14
    Spread apple mixture on top; repeat layering with 6 more phyllo sheets and butter.
15. 15
    Sprinkle remaining nut mixture on top; sprinkle with bread crumbs and layer with the 6 remaining phyllo sheets and butter.
16. 16
    With sharp knife, cut lengthwise through pastry and filling into 1 1/2 inch-wide strips, then cut diagonally at 2-inch intervals to make diamonds.
17. 17
    Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until golden.
18. 18
    Drizzle honey on top and bake 5 minutes more.
19. 19
    Cool in pan on wire rack.
20. 20
    Serve warm or at room temperature with whipped or ice cream.
21. 21
    Makes 12 servings.