Honey-Walnut Baklava Truffle

Preparation

• 1 Mix together the butter, walnuts, honey and salt in a small bowl until well-combined. Use a very small scoop (scoop size #100 or about 1/3 ounce) to portion 8 small scoops of walnut butter. 2 (This is easiest to do if you chill the nut butter enough to firm it slightly first.) Place the scoops of walnut butter on a large plate, cover with plastic wrap, and chill several hours, or overnight.3 When you are ready to make the truffles, fill a heavy sauce pan with 4 inches of oil and heat to 365°F, checking the temperature on a deep-fry thermometer.4  Meanwhile, open a tea ball and place some loosely packed kataifi in each side. Form a well in the phyllo in each side and place 1 scoop of the walnut butter in each well. 5 Fold the tea ball closed and use a small knife to push any excess phyllo that sticks out back into the tea ball. Repeat until all the tea balls are filled.6 Lower the tea balls into the hot oil and fry until lightly golden brown, about 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the tea balls from the oil, drain on paper towels, and allow to cool for about a minute. 7 Protecting your hands and being careful not to burn yourself, remove the truffles from the tea balls. Drizzle some honey on 4 dessert plates. 8  Put a truffle on each plate and place a scoop of ice cream next to each truffle. Serve immediately
• Source: Pastry Chef Garrett Melkonian and California Walnut Board