Tell Kadahif (Armenian)

Ingredients

Syrup

• 4 cups granulated sugar
• 3 cups water
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Dough

• 2 pounds Kataifi*
• 1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 3/4 pound butter, melted

* Ktaifi dough can be found in the freezer section of specialty markets. It comes in a 1-pound box marked kataifi, shredded pastry dough.

Instructions

1. Boil water and sugar for 10 minutes.
2. Add 1 teaspoon lemon juice and cool.
3. Loosen the shreds of kataifi, removing coarse particles. Spread half of the dough in a buttered 10 x 14-inch pan.
4. Mix nuts, cinnamon and sugar and spread over the kataifi.
5. Top with remaining kadayif.
6. Pour hot melted butter evenly over dough.
7. Bake at 350 degrees F for 1 hour (or until golden brown).
8. Pour 6 cups of the cooled syrup over the hot kadayif with a soup ladle, reserving 1 cup syrup for later.
9. Cover kadayif and let it moisten in its own steam for 1/2 hour.
10. Cut into squares and serve.
11. May be served with whipped cream. Sprinkle with saved syrup.