Knafeh: Arabic Cheese Dessert

Step 1

Make sugar syrup by adding sugar and a cup of water to a pan. Bring to boil without stirring, once sugar dissolves squeeze lemon juice and add rose water. Bring down to a simmer. Do not stir. The syrup is ready once it thickens. Set aside to cool.

Step 2

In a bowl, toss Knafeh pastry, break it apart, mix with ghee or melted butter. Layer the Knafeh pastry in a pan and pack down tightly, top with mascarpone and over that sprinkle crushed nuts, desiccated coconut and sultanas, adding the second layer of Knafeh and pack down tightly.

Step 3

Place pan in a pre-heated oven — 350 to 375 degrees — and bake until golden brown, for approximately 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from oven and pour syrup. Cool, sprinkle crushed pistachios and rose petals, and serve.