Baklava

 

Ingredients

· 1/4 cup water

· 1/2 cup sugar

· 1/2 cup rose water

· 12 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature

· 1/4 cup goat cheese

· 1 cup store-bought baklava, coarsely chopped

 

Steps

1) In a small saucepan, bring the water, sugar, and sugar, and rose water to a boil. Turn the heat to low and gently simmer for 7 to 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.

2) Combine the cream cheese, goat cheese, and 1/4 cup rose water syrup in a bowl. With an electric mixer, beat on medium speed until combined. Taste and add more rose water syrup, 1 tbsp. at a time, if you like, and beat until combined. Form the mixture into a ball and refrigerate until set.

3) About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chilled cheese ball from the fridge. Spread the baklava onto a rimmed plate. Roll the ball in the baklava, pressing it firmly into the ball, until completely covered. Let soften at room temperature for 30 minutes. Serve with almond cookies, pecan cookies, or sesame crackers.

 

From: Cheese Balls: 40 celebratory and cheese-licious recipes

By: Dena Rayess

Chronicle Books