Ingredients
1-1/2 pounds bacon strips1 cup toasted chopped almonds3/4 cup chopped dates10 tablespoons butter, melted20 sheets phyllo dough (14 inches x 9 inches)1-1/2 cups sugar1 cup maple syrup1/2 cup water2 tablespoons bourbon2 teaspoons grated orange zest
Preparation
In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels to drain.
Coarsely crumble bacon into a food processor; add almonds and dates. Cover and process until finely chopped.
Brush a 13x9-in. baking pan with some of the butter. Unroll phyllo dough; trim to fit into pan.
Layer five sheets of phyllo dough in prepared pan, brushing each with butter. (Keep remaining dough covered with plastic wrap and a damp towel to prevent it from drying out.) Sprinkle with a third of the bacon mixture. Repeat layers twice. Top with remaining phyllo dough, brushing each sheet with butter.
Using a sharp knife, cut into 1-1/2-in. diamond shapes. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine the remaining ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Pour over warm baklava. Cool completely on a wire rack. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
