Shelly's Recipe

LUSCIOUSLY NUTTY HOLIDAY LOGS

Category: Cookies

Logs
1 cup finely chopped walnuts
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1 tbsp freshly grated orange zest
8 sheets phyllo dough, thawed according to pkg directions
Canola oil cooking spray
1 tbsp plus 2 tsp sugar for sprinkling

Topping
1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 300. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat. To prepare logs: Combine nuts, 1/3 cup sugar, cinnamon, cloves and orange zest in a small bowl.

Place one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean, dry surface or large cutting board. Coat thoroughly with cooking spray. Top with another sheet of phyllo and coat with cooking spray. Sprinkle 1/4 of the walnut mixture evenly over the phyllo. Cut the large phyllo rectangle lengthwise into 3 strips using a sharp knife.

Cut each long strip in half crosswise to form 6 smaller rectangular strips. Beginning at short ends, loosely roll each strip into a neat log. Repeat with the remaining phyllo and walnut mixture. Place the logs about 1/2 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet. Spray tops lightly with cooking spray and sprinkle with the 1 tbsp plus 2 tsp sugar. Bake the logs until golden, about 25 minutes. Let cool completely.

To prepare topping: Place chocolate chips in a small microwave safe dish. Microwave on High power for 30 seconds. Stir. Continue to microwave at 20 second intervals until melted, stirring after each interval. Transfer the chocolate to an inside corner of a plastic sandwich bag. Snip off on corner of the bag, making a small opening in bag, being cautious not to make opening too large. Squeeze melted chocolate in a curvy pattern across the top of each cooled log. Let stand at room temperature until the chocolate is completely set.

TO MAKE AHEAD: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze without the chocolate drizzle (Step 8) for up to 1 month. Defrost at room temperature before decorating with the chocolate drizzle.