Huffington Magazine Issue 38 | Page 74

PISTACHIO BAKLAVA CAKE From Hungry Rabbit, Yield: One 6-inch cake IN A FUSION of Middle East meets West, baklava melds with the layer cake. This is one of those desserts you make for someone you really want to impress: the inlaws you can never seem to win over, the boss who only notices you on the days you arrive late at the office, The Queen. But don’t be afraid. Though this beautiful cake looks intimidating, you can make it. You’ll find few cooks who are also rocket scientists. Take it slow, follow each instruction step-by-step, and you’ll surprise yourself with the pastry skills you never knew you had. > CAKE LAYER INGREDIENTS ■ 2  ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ cups panko or regular bread crumbs (about 4 ounces) 1 cup pistachio, whole and roasted  teaspoons baking 2 powder 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ¹/8 teaspoon nutmeg  large eggs, room 4 temperature  cup (5-¼ ¾ ounces) granulated sugar  ounces (1 stick) 4 unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly  range-scented O syrup (tap here for recipe) 1 ½ cups pistachio, toasted and ground, for decorating DIRECTIONS 1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat oven to 350˚F. Butter two 6-by-2-inch round cake pans; line each with a circle of parchment paper. Butter paper and dust pans with flour; tap out excess. Set aside. 2. In a mini food processor, add panko, pistachio, baking powder, cinnamon and nutmeg. Process until finely c