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Cheese-filled Bird's Nests

This sweet, savory, chewy and crispy dessert is a favorite at Armenian church festivals.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Servings 16 nests

Ingredients
  

  • ½ lb shredded phyllo dough (also known as kadaif)
  • 9 tbsp unsalted clarified butter
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese (grated)
  • 15 oz part skim ricotta cheese
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
  • ½ cup ground pistachios (optional)

Simple Syrup

  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375°F.
  • Place the dough on a stabilized cutting board. Using a serrated knife, cut kadaif dough into 2-inch pieces. Place in a large mixing bowl. With your hands, separate the dough strands, removing any clumps.
  • Drizzle the melted butter into the kadaif dough and, with your hands, gently massage the butter to coat the dough.
  • Using two 12-cup muffin tins, place some kadaif mixture on the bottom and up the sides of each cup, making sure the bottom has enough dough to support the filling.
  • Mix together the cheeses and cinnamon, if using. Place 1 or 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture in each cup. Sprinkle chopped pistachios on top of the cheese filling, if desired. 
  • Top each cup with additional shredded dough. (Note: If you prefer, you may omit the additional shredded dough on top.)
  • Bake for about 17 to 20 minutes, or until the dough is lightly golden.
  • While the kadaif is baking, prepare the simple syrup.

Simple Syrup Instructions

  • Make a simple syrup by bringing the sugar and water to a boil. Add lemon juice. Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until sugar is dissolved and liquid reduces by a third, about 10 to 12 minutes. The syrup should coat the back of a spoon.

Serving Instructions

  • As soon as the kadaif comes out of the oven, spoon some of the syrup over each while still in the muffin tin. Allow them to sit a few minutes to allow the syrup to soak through. Use a spoon to loosen and remove each kadaif cup from the muffin tin.
  • Place nests on individual serving dishes.Serve the remaining syrup to those with a sweet tooth. Best when served warm or hot.

Video

Notes

Only pour syrup on those nests which will be served immediately. Any leftover cheese nests can be covered and refrigerated for a few days. When ready to serve, heat them in a preheated (350°F) oven or toaster oven  for about 10 minutes. 
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