Ekmek Kadaifi (Pastry Topped With Custard And Whipped Cream)

1. 1

   Crust: Preheat oven to 350 degrees; pull apart the 'threads' of the kadaifi into a 13x9-inch glass baking dish, packing down lightly with fingertips; drizzle with butter and bake 40 minutes or until golden brown; remove from oven and cool.

2. 2

   In small pot, combine remaining crust ingredients; bring to a boil and simmer 5 minutes; remove citrus rinds (if you don't want citrus, boil syrup with a cinnamon stick and remove); spoon syrup over kadaifi and cool.

3. 3

   Custard: Combine flour, cornstarch, and sugar in small bowl; add cold milk and whisk to remove any lumps; whisk in egg yolks; strain mixture through sieve into hot milk.

4. 4

   Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens; add vanilla and place plastic wrap directly on surface to prevent skin from forming; cool for 1 1/2 hours.

5. 5

   Spread custard evenly over kadaifi crust; refrigerate 1 1/2 to 2 hours minimum; then top with layer of whipped cream and decorate with slivered, toasted almonds or pistachios.

6. 6

   Chill well before serving.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.