* Exported from MasterCook *

Bird's Nest Pastries (Kadaif)

Recipe By :Tavolo Healthy Kitchen
Serving Size : 12 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Cookies Formed

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 3/4 cup 1%% lowfat milk
1 teaspoon butter
1 cinnamon stick
1 lemon zest strip -- 1 by 2 inches
6 shredded wheat cereal rectangles -- cut in half
3 tablespoon sugar
1/3 cup walnuts
1/3 cup pistachios
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup water
2 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

In a small saucepan, bring milk, butter, cinnamon stick and lemon zest to a
simmer over low heat. Remove from heat, cover and let steep for 15 minutes.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet with sides or coat
it with nonstick spray.
Dip cereal pieces, one at a time, into the warm milk mixture, soaking just
until softened. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to the prepared baking
sheet. Use your fingers to shape each piece into a round nest, 3 inches in
diameter. Place 1 inch apart.
Drizzle remaining milk mixture over the nests.
Place sugar, walnuts, pistachios and cinnamon in a food processor and pulse
until finely chopped. Divide mixture among hollows of nests.
Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
To make syrup: In a small saucepan, combine all syrup ingredients. Bring to
a boil over medium heat. Remove from heat and drizzle hot syrup over warm
bird's nests. Serve warm or at room temperature shortly after baking.
Kadaif is a classic Middle Eastern pastry, traditionally tossed with lots
of butter, filled with cheese or nuts and drenched with a heavy sugar
syrup-too much of too many good things, actually. Our version uses Shredded
Wheat cereal to replicate authentic kadaif dough, which resembles thin
shreds of phyllo. We replaced most of the butter with cinnamon- and
lemon-infused milk, added a mixture of pistachios and walnuts and drizzled
the warm pastries with a honeyed syrup. The result: A harmonious accord
between crunchy textures and rich flavors, ancient ingredients and modern
sensibilities.