I used pecans for my nuts. This recipe was great but the phyllo dough can intimidate some people. Don't be! Simply let it thaw per the instructions on the box and then cover the dough with a VERY lightly damp piece of paper towel. Over this, I put plastic wrap to further keep in the moisture (putting the plastic first and then the paper towel didn't do anything for my dough). Also, if you want to pour the sauce hot atop the hot baklava, you should make a lot more sauce b/c mine all settled to the bottom and left the top crunchy and nutty, but not very sweet. The bottom layers were very sweet and flaky and were exactly what baklava should taste like, but the top and middle layers varied in sweetness. I definitely recommend adding 1/2 more sauce than what is stated in the recipe. Make sure to cut the shape you want BEFORE you bake it because it is difficult to cut the baklava afterwards and to maintain it's appealing flaky layers and shape. You can really cut it any way you want. This recipe allows for a lot of versatility - I used way more nuts than was suggested and I also didn't layer the dough as stated in the recipe. Regardless, it STILL turned out great! One item I suggest you have on hand is a clean paintbrush purchased specifically for brushing the butter onto the dough. I would definitely try this again! It is THE genuine article!

Reviewed On: Feb. 23, 2007

This was an amazing recipe! It was so simple and it literally took mere minutes to throw together. I don't think it really matters what kind of cheese you use. I used fresh spinach and this still tasted great. It also makes for great leftovers. I made it all for myself and it was my lunch for an entire week (plus dinner once or twice - depending on serving size, of course, but a little bit will do ya!) I will definitely try this again. I might add mushrooms to it or potatoes - it was really that versatile. Didn't use phyllo dough, per se, but I used "baking pastry dough" - it's basically the same thing. Can't recommend enough!

Reviewed On: Feb. 23, 2007

Excellent! Made a few loaves to give out as Christmas presents and everyone loved them! It's so simple and the batch made 2-3 loaves of the standard 8.5 x 4 in pan (I am not sure if the measurements are exact). I added pecans instead of walnuts to mine. Made a great breakfast and was a great way to dispose of all those over-ripe bananas hanging around!

Reviewed On: Feb. 14, 2007