Recipe: Baklava cake

If you love Baklava, this recipe is for you. Enjoy the flavours of fine Persian cuisine in the form of a cake, without having to fuss over the phyllo dough.

For the cake:



For the syrup:



Method

For the cake:

•  In a bowl, beat the butter and sugar thoroughly.

•  One by one, add the eggs to the mixture and beat.

•  Add rose water and cardamom.

•  Gradually, sift in the flour and baking powder into the mixture.

•  Bake the batter in a pre-heated oven for about 30 to 40 minutes.

•  Once baked, allow the cake to cool before further application.

For the syrup:

•  Mix the remaining sugar and ½one cup of water together and boil until it becomes thick.

•  Stir rose water, saffron and honey in a cup.

•  Cut the cake into small squares or triangles and pour the hot syrup over it.

•  Set the cakes aside for 10 minutes to allow the syrup to sink in.

•  Garnish each piece with ground almonds or pistachios and serve. Your desert is now ready.

Gulnaz Mondegarian is an expert in Iranian cuisine who has co-hosted Food Diaries alongside Zarnak Sidhwa to celebrate Community Food Week

Published in The Express Tribune, Ms T, March 23^rd, 2014.