Rolled Baklava with Walnuts and Fresh Cherry Filling

Baklava is a beloved dessert known for its layers of crisp phyllo dough, rich nut filling, and sweet syrup. This recipe adds a delightful twist by incorporating fresh cherries into the traditional walnut filling, offering a burst of fruity flavor that complements the warm spices and the syrup. Perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat to share with loved ones, this rolled baklava is sure to impress.

Ingredients:

For the Baklava:

- 1 package of phyllo dough (about 1 pound, thawed if frozen)

- 2 cups finely chopped walnuts

- 1 cup fresh sour cherries, pitted and finely chopped

- 2 tbs semolina

- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Syrup:

- 500 g (2.5 cups) granulated sugar

- 600 ml (2.5 cups) water

- 1 tablespoon lemon juice

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 1 cinnamon stick

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare the Filling:

   In a medium bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, fresh cherries, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground nutmeg.

3. Layer and Roll the Phyllo:

   - Take one sheet of phyllo dough and place it on a clean, flat surface.

   - Brush the phyllo sheet lightly with melted butter.

   - Place another sheet of phyllo on top and brush with butter. Repeat this process until you have 3 sheets layered.

   - Sprinkle a thin line of the walnut and cherry mixture along one of the short edges of the phyllo dough.

   - Roll the dough tightly around the filling to form a log. Place the log seam side down in a greased baking dish.

   - Repeat this process with the remaining phyllo sheets and filling.

4. Cut and Bake:

   - Once all the logs are in the baking dish, brush the tops with the remaining melted butter.

   - Using a sharp knife, cut the logs into 1-2 inch pieces.

   - Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the baklava is golden brown and crisp.

5. Prepare the Syrup:

   While the baklava is baking, prepare the syrup. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and cinnamon stick. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

6. Soak the Baklava:

   - Once the baklava is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the warm syrup evenly over the hot baklava. Make sure to cover all pieces.

   - Allow the baklava to soak in the syrup for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to ensure it absorbs the syrup completely.

7. Serve:

   Once fully soaked, transfer the baklava to a serving platter. Serve at room temperature.

Enjoy your delicious rolled baklava with walnuts and fresh cherry filling!