KNAFEH WITH CRISPY HONEY KATAIFI

Knafeh is a traditional Middle Eastern cheese dessert that works beautifully with the honey. It's a little bit different but a whole lot of tasty.

INGREDIENTS

• 80g unsalted butter, chopped
• 500g fresh ricotta
• 1 1/4 cups (125g) finely grated mozzarella
• 1/3 cup (75g) caster sugar
• 200g kataifi (shredded pastry – from Middle Eastern food shops) or 20 sheets filo pastry, finely shredded
• 1/4 cup (90g) honey
• 200g fresh honeycomb (from selected grocers – optional)
• 2 tsp rosewater (from gourmet food shops)
• Pistachios and dried rose petals (from gourmet food shops), to serve

• METHOD

  • 1
    Preheat oven to 200°C.
  • 2
    Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until foaming. Skim off any foam using a spoon, then pour through a sieve lined with paper towel or a clean Chux into a large bowl (this will clarify the butter). Set aside.
  • 3
    Combine the ricotta, mozzarella and sugar in a bowl. Divide among 4 x 12cm (1-cup-capacity) ovenproof skillets or frypans. Separate kataifi into long strands and bunch into 4 bundles. Brush all over with clarified butter and arrange on top of the ricotta mixture. Place pans on a baking tray and bake for 40 minutes or until golden.
  • 4
    To make the honeycomb drizzle, place the honey, honeycomb, if using, rosewater and 1 tbs water in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, then remove from the heat and spoon over warm knafeh.
  • 5
    Scatter with pistachios and rose petals, and serve immediately.