Would you be happy if someone brought this to your dessert party?

I spent some time this morning making baklava for a wine and dessert party today and couldn't really think of a great way to decorate it to make it festive*.

Did this succeed? Maybe I need some practice making a circle from cardboard though. I'm not going to sweat it.

If you've ever made it, you've probably realized that when you cut it, you end up with all sorts of odds and ends, funky little unappetizing pieces? Ben and I made sure it was edible. My teeth are falling of of my head and my tastebuds are asking me to shake salt directly on my tongue but mmm, it was worth it.

Recipe for those who think they'd like to try it for themselves.

Baklava - fat distribution system

350 F for about 30 minutes

1 lb phyllo dough
1 lb clarifed UNSALTED butter, melted (Unsalted butter is important in this recipe - I made it with regular butter once and the salt flavor was overwhelming. When clarifying the butter, avoid tasting the whey/protein part that's left because it's suprisingly nasty given the loveliness that is real butter. Yes, I know that from experience too.)

Filling:

1 lb finely chopped walnuts
5 T sugar
1 tsp cinnamon

Mix filling items well. Smear some butter in the pan. Start layering the phyllo dough rubbing every sheet with butter. I use my hand to spread the butter and yes, it's kinda gross but it saves tons of time and works a heck of a lot better than a brush. Of course I wash my hands first! After putting down about 10 layers, spread a third of the filling. More sheets, more filling, more sheets, more filling, more sheets. Slice into pieces (yes, before baking. If you don't, you'll regret that too and yes, I can vouch for that too). Heat any remaining butter and pour it over the top of the baklava. Bake for about 30 minutes, until nicely browned.

Syrup (I use a lot less than most recipes call for so these amounts reflect how I make it. If you like your baklava running with sugar syrup, double this):

1 1/2 c sugar
3/4 c water
1 tsp lemon juice
3 whole cloves

Syrup: Mix sugar, water, lemon juice in a small sauce pan. Bring to a boil. Simmer for 15 minutes and allow to cool. Remove the cloves but I shouldn't have to tell you that.

Pour tepid syrup over the HOT baklava.

Now that I've got dessert made, I need to figure out what I'm going to wear to the party since my wardrobe is not exactly filled with festive clothes appropriate for a dessert and wine bash with live music in an art gallery. I will likely be either way overdressed or way underdressed. Notice that my priority is food over clothing? Is there anything wrong with that?

*Beth told me that in quilting, this pattern is called "Lone Star."