Make these sweet kataifi nests for your next dinner party. Theyre the perfect Greek dessert. Easy to assemble and they can be made ahead for stress-free entertaining.Printable recipe: https://www.dimitrasdishes.com/kataifi-nests-the-perfect-greek-make-ahead-dessert/Makes about 30 pastries1-pound (455 grams) kataifi pastry, thawed and at room temperature pound (230 grams) unsalted butter, meltedFor the Syrup:4 cups (800 g) granulated sugar4 cups (1 liter) waterHalf of a lemon peel1 tablespoon lemon juice2 teaspoons pure vanilla extractFor the topping:Toasted almondsGround salted pistachiosToasted hazelnutsSour cherry preserves, jam, your favorite preservesIce creamWhipped creamChocolate ganachePreheat the oven to 350 F, Make the Syrup: Combine the sugar, water, and lemon peel in a small pot stir together and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat once the sugar has dissolved. Add the vanilla extract and lemon juice. Mix together and set aside.Assemble the kataifi nests:Remove the kataifi from its packaging and loosen the strands of pastry. Keep the kataifi covered with a. damp kitchen towel so that it does not dry out.Pull about 1-inch thick bundles of kataifi and loosen the strands. Roll the strip of kataifi around your index finger into a spiral (see the video). Use 2 fingers (index and middle fingers) to create a larger whole for the nests.Place the nests in a baking tray next to each other.Brush them liberally with the melted butter.Bake on the center rack for about 30 minutes or until they are golden.Remove them from the oven and immediately pour the warm syrup over the nests.Set them aside to absorb the syrup. Approximately 30-45 minutes.Garnish with ground pistachios or your favorite toppings and serve with Greek coffee. Enjoy!Notes:Thaw the kataifi pastry properly: Thaw the kataifi (in its packaging) overnight in the refrigerator. Allow it to sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours before making the pastries. Do not take it out of its packaging before assembling the kataifi nests or it will dry up and crumble.Make-Ahead Freezer Instructions: Assemble the nests and brush them with butter. Wrap the tray in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then remove the plastic to bake as per the recipes instructions.Make-Ahead Instructions: Make the pastries a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator. Before serving, make a very small batch (a quarter) of syrup and drizzle it over the kataifi nests. Serve with coffee.Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/dimitrasdishes Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dimitras.dishes/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/dimitrasdis0637/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DimitrasDishes Here are links to some of my favorite cooking tools. The links take you to Amazon where I'm proud to be an affiliate partner :) My cutting board: http://amzn.to/2e2p8ED Kitchen Aid Mixer: http://amzn.to/2dQXU0b Food Processor: http://amzn.to/2eXcvZd Microplane: http://amzn.to/2eL2vTo Madeleine Pan: http://amzn.to/2dQU1sm Cheesecake Pan: http://amzn.to/2eXaGeQ Vitamix Blender: http://amzn.to/2eXcvbH Nonstick pan: http://amzn.to/2eL804t Cast iron pan: http://amzn.to/2dQYfjs Pastry Bag: http://amzn.to/2e2v0xD Half sheet baking pans: http://amzn.to/2fcv7cD Thanks for watching! I'd love to see your recreations of these dishes so please share pics with me on social media :) Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE and spread the word so that we can make the world more delicious!