Peynirli Kunefe (Sweet Shredded Pastry With Cheese)

Ingredients

• Sugar 2 1/4 cups 450 g
• Water 1 1/2 cups 350 g
• Lemon 2 teaspoons 10 g
• Kadayif (shredded pastry) 500 g
• Butter or margarine 1 cup 200 g
• White cheese (un-salted) 1 2/3 cups 375 g

Directions

Combine sugar and water in a saucepan. Stir over low heat until sugar is dissolved. Boil gently for 5 minutes. Add lemon juice; stir. Boil for 1 minute. Set aside. Combine kadaylf shreds and melted butter in a pan. Break kadaylf shreds in butter blending well with tips of fingers. Divide into half. Spread one half in a slightly greased baking pan 25×25 cm (9×9 inch). Press with fingers slightly. Spread cheese over kadaylf shreds. Repeat the same with the remaining half, pressing firmly this time. Bake in a moderate oven for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven. Let stand for 2 minutes. Pour warm syrup over. Cover and let stand until syrup is absorbed. Cut into 5-6 cm (2-2 1/2 inch) pieces. Arrange on a serving plate. Serve warm.
12 servings

This form of kadayif is usually served warm following a full meal. Cottage, Ricotta or cream cheese can be substituted for cheese.