Open the apricots into two halves (like a figure eight). Place in a medium bowl and pour in the brandy and water. Let the apricots steep for one hour, then drain.
Brush an 18” x 12” shallow baking pan with melted butter. Spread 8 sheets of fillo on bottom, brushing each with melted butter. Spread half the apricots evenly over the fillo. Top with 5-6 more sheets, brushing each with melted butter. Spread the remaining apricots over the fillo, and top with 7-8 more sheets, brushing each with butter. Score into rectangular or diamond shaped pieces and bake in a low oven (325ºF) for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until golden and crisp.
Make syrup and let cool before pouring over pastry. Let stand for 2-3 hours and serve with a dollop of strained Greek yogurt on each piece.
Yield: 15-24 servings
SYRUP: Basic syrup recipe for baklava, galaktoboureko and melomakarona.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups sugar - 4 cups water - 2 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 1 cinnamon stick
Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan and heat over medium heat. As soon as the sugar dissolves, add the lemon juice and the cinnamon stick. Bring syrup to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Let the syrup cool completely before pouring over pastry. Yields: 6-7 cups.
