Knafeh (Palestinian Sweet Cheese Pastry)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare Simple Syrup: Combine all Simple Syrup ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
3. Prepare Kataifi Dough: Gently pull apart the kataifi dough and cut it into smaller strands. Toss with the clarified butter until well coated.
4. Assemble Knafeh: Press half of the buttered kataifi dough into the bottom of a greased 9-inch baking dish.
5. Spread Cheese Filling evenly over the kataifi dough.
6. Top with the remaining kataifi dough, pressing gently to compact it.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Immediately pour the cooled Simple Syrup evenly over the hot knafeh.
9. Let the knafeh soak up the syrup for at least 15 minutes.
10. Garnish with chopped pistachios and serve warm.