Sauteing the apples first to let the water evaporate ensures a crisp crust.
- 6 Golden Delicious apples
- 6 Granny Smith apples
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Nut Mixture
- 2 1/2 cups walnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 24 sheets phyllo dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons plain dry bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons honey
Apple Layer: Peel and slice apples. Melt butter in Dutch oven over high heat. Add apples, sugar and cinnamon; cook, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender and juices are evaporated, 15 to 20 minutes. Cool.
Nut Mixture: Combine all ingredients in small bowl.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Trim phyllo sheets to 13 x 9−inch rectangles; cover with plastic wrap. Brush a 13 x 9−inch metal baking pan with butter. Place 1 phyllo sheet in pan and brush with some of the melted butter (keep remaining phyllo covered). Layer 5 more phyllo sheets on top, brushing each with butter. Spread 2 cups nut mixture on top and repeat layering with 6 more phyllo sheets and butter. Spread apple mixture on top; repeat layering with 6 more phyllo sheets and butter. Sprinkle remaining nut mixture on top; sprinkle with bread crumbs and layer with the 6 remaining phyllo sheets and butter. With sharp knife, cut lengthwise through pastry and filling into 1 1/2 inch−wide strips, then cut diagonally at 2−inch intervals to make diamonds.
Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until golden. Drizzle honey on top and bake 5 minutes more. Cool in pan on wire rack.
Serve warm or at room temperature with whipped or ice cream.