Bacon Baklava

[nverland]

Bacon Baklava

Prep time: 50 min
Bake: 35 min + chilling
Yield: About 3 dozen

1 1/2 pounds bacon
1 cup toasted chopped almonds
3/4 chopped dates
10 Tbsp butter, melted
20 sheets phyllo dough (14”x9”)
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup water
2 Tbsp Bourbon (optional)
2 tsp grated orange peel

1.In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels to drain.
2.Crumble bacon into a food processor; add almonds and dates. Cover and process until finely chopped. Brush 13”x 9” baking pan with some of the butter. Unroll
Phyllo dough; trim to fit into pan.
3. Layer five sheet of phyllo dough in prepared pan, brushing each with butter.
(Keep remaining dough covered with plastic wrap and a damp towel to prevent it from drying out.) Sprinkle with 1/3 of the bacon mixture. Repeat layers twice.
Top with remaining phyllo dough, brushing each sheet with butter.
4.Using a sharp knife, cut into 1 1/2 inch diamond shapes. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Meanwhile, in a small sauce pan, combine the remaining ingredients; bring to
A boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Pour over warm baklava.
Cool completely on a wire rack. Cover and refrigerate overnight.