Citrus & Spiced Walnuts-Phyllo Rolls

Directions

Preheat oven to 300°F.

Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper, baking mats or coat with cooking spray.

For the rolls:

MIx together nuts, ⅓ cup sugar, orange zest, cinnamon and cloves in a small bowl.

Arrange one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean, dry surface.

Coat with cooking spray.

Top with another sheet of phyllo and coat with cooking spray.

Sprinkle ¼ of the walnut mixture (about ⅓ cup) evenly over the phyllo.

Using a sharp knife, cut the large phyllo rectangle lengthwise into 3 strips then in half crosswise to form 6 smaller rectangular strips.

Beginning at the short ends, loosely roll each strip into a neat log.

Repeat with the remaining phyllo and walnut mixture.

Arrange the logs about ½ inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.

Spray tops lightly with cooking spray and sprinkle with the remaining 5 teaspoons sugar.

Make about 24 logs.

Bake the logs, in batches, until golden, about 25 minutes.

Let cool completely.

For the topping (optional):

Add chocolate chips in a small microwave-safe dish.

Microwave on High for 30 seconds. Stir.

Continue to microwave for 20-second intervals until melted, stirring after each interval.

Transfer the chocolate to a plastic zip-lock bag or a pastry bag.

If using a zip-lock bag, snip off one corner, and don’t make the opening too large.

Squeeze the melted chocolate decoratively across the top of each cooled log.

Let stand at room temperature until the chocolate is completely set.

Store in an air-tight container.