CHIPOTLE-ORANGE BAKLAVA

Chipotle-Orange Baklava image

Citrus, cinnamon and smoky chipotle peppers make my version of this flaky, sweet pastry so unique. It's really rich, so a little goes a long way. -Christine Neary, Portland, Oregon

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 2h5m

Yield 3 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

1 package (16 ounces) shelled walnuts
2/3 cup sugar
3 tablespoons grated orange zest
1 teaspoon baking cocoa
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1-1/2 cups butter, melted
1 package (16 ounces, 14x9-inch sheets) frozen phyllo dough, thawed
SYRUP:
1-3/4 cups sugar
3/4 cup orange juice
1/2 cup honey
1/3 cup water
1 to 2 dried chipotle chiles, split lengthwise in half
2 cinnamon sticks (3 inches each)

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°. In a food processor, combine the first 5 ingredients; pulse until walnuts are finely chopped. Brush a 13x9-in. baking pan with some of the butter. Unroll phyllo dough; trim to fit into pan., Layer 3 sheets of phyllo in prepared pan, brushing each with butter. Cover the remaining phyllo with a damp towel to prevent drying. Sprinkle with 1/3 cup walnut mixture. Repeat layers 11 times. Top with remaining phyllo sheets, brushing each with butter., Cut into 36 triangles. Bake until golden brown, 35-40 minutes., Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, combine syrup ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes, stirring occasionally., Strain syrup through a fine mesh strainer; discard chiles and cinnamon sticks. Pour over warm baklava. Cool completely on a wire rack. Cover and let stand several hours or overnight.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 258 calories, Fat 16g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 20mg cholesterol, Sodium 110mg sodium, Carbohydrate 28g carbohydrate (19g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein.