Baklava Recipe with Black Tea BBQ Seasoning

Ingredients:

• 6g black tea BBQ seasoning
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 pound phyllo dough, thawed if frozen
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 1/2 cups chopped nuts (pistachios, walnuts, or almonds)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup sugar (for syrup)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for syrup)

Instructions:

Prepare the Black Tea Marinade:

• In a small bowl, mix the black tea BBQ seasoning with the boiling water. Allow the tea to steep for 3-4 minutes, then strain and let it cool. This mixture will be used to add a unique flavor to the baklava.

Prepare the Nut Filling:

• In a food processor, pulse the chopped nuts until they are finely ground but not turned into a paste.

Assemble the Baklava:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush a 9x13-inch baking pan with some of the melted butter.
• Lay a sheet of phyllo dough in the prepared pan and brush it with melted butter. Repeat this process with 5 more sheets of phyllo, brushing each sheet with butter.
• Spread half of the nut mixture evenly over the phyllo layers.
• Place 6 more sheets of phyllo dough on top, brushing each with butter. Spread the remaining nut mixture on top.
• Finish with another 6 sheets of phyllo, brushing each with butter. Make sure the top layer is well buttered.
• Score the baklava into diamond shapes without cutting all the way through.
• Bake the baklava in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown.

Make the Syrup:

• In a small saucepan, combine the water, honey, sugar, lemon juice, and ground cinnamon. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in the cooled black tea marinade.

Soak the Baklava:

• Remove the baklava from the oven and immediately pour the hot syrup over it, making sure to saturate all the layers.
• Let the baklava cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the syrup to be absorbed.

Serve:

• Cut the baklava into the scored pieces and serve chilled, enjoying the unique combination of the traditional dessert with a hint of black tea BBQ seasoning.
• Enjoy your Baklava with a twist of black tea BBQ seasoning, perfect for a special dessert that combines the rich, sweet flavors of baklava with the unique aroma of black tea and a touch of smokiness from the BBQ seasoning.