Baklava is a delight, but it takes a while to get all the layers put together. This recipe doesn't completely eliminate the hassle of laminating the filo dough, but it reduces it by 50%. Start by melting down a portion of refined coconut oil. Take a sheet of thawed filo dough and brush it with the melted coconut oil. Repeat, ya know, about a dozen times. Then, using a small cookie cutter, cut circles of dough and press them into a mini-cupcake tin.
To prepare the filling, start by coarsely chopping equal portions of pistachios, almonds, walnuts and pecans. Add a pinch or two of salt to counterbalance the sweetness of the syrup. Place a spoon of the chopped nuts into each cup.
Bake at 180˚C (350˚F) until the shell is golden brown.
Then, prepare the syrup by adding turbinado sugar to a heavy medium-sized pan. Add to that, 25% by mass, water (25mL water for each 100g sugar). Then add a few cloves, a cinnamon stick and a whisper of orange blossom water - or - rose water. Bring to a boil and ensure all the sugar has melted. Then strain out the cloves and cinnamon stick.
* The syrup needs to be hot when it's poured on the tartlets, so be sure to keep it toasty.
When the shells have reached that perfect golden brown colour, remove them from the oven and immediately pour a bit of syrup on each one. It should basically cover the chopped nuts, but it shouldn't drown the pastry. About a tablespoon should be enough.
Allow them to cool and carefully remove them from the muffin tin.
Enjoy these with a piping hot cup of coffee.
