Kataifi Sweets

A sweet very similar to the famous Greek sweet baklava, is calledI actually prefer it over baklava every single time. I like phyllo just but kataifi is made with shredded phyllo; I actually think it looks like phyllo hair. The inside is typically the same, made with a mixture of walnuts, almonds, and pistachios blended with a cinnamon and sugar to make it quite unbelievable. All of this is then rolled into the hairy phyllo, baked, and like all Greek sweets is topped with a simple syrup. 

I wouldn’t say the process was difficult, but I think it is definitely a recipe that you perfect and become better at over time. This was not my par best in the looks category, but I think the flavors hit a birdie (and I don’t even play golf)! 

I can’t even really give you an official recipe because I kinda just winged it. I added a handful of toasted almonds and walnuts, about 1 T. cinnamon + 2 T. sugar + 1 egg + ~1/4 cup bread crumbs + 1 tsp. vanilla powder. I then poured some melted butter over the kataifi hair and proceeded to roll the filling up tight. Cut them into 2″ pieces and baked them until golden brown. While they were cooking I made the syrup with 2 cups water + 1 1/2 – 2 cups sugar + 1/2 cup honey + 1 cinnamon stick + a few cloves + some lemon zest (and a squirt of lemon juice) and let this cool. When the kataifi came out hot, I poured the cool syrup on top and let soak. I don’t like mine overly sweet or drinking the syrup so I have a light hand when pouring, even having some left over. 

Viola =Kataifi

I will be making this again when we are expecting some guests, it is a bit dangerous to leave around the house when there are only two of you!

I also have a great recipe for baklava coming soon made with dried fruits!!! Keep your eyes open and your RSS feeds tuned in!