Middle East Yemen Honey Pie

Bint as-Sahan Honey Pie: Makes two pies:

In Yemen, on special occasions in the homes of the affluent, bint as-sahn is always served as a first course; at other times it is eaten during the meal. However, it makes an excellent dessert.

4 cups flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 package yeast, dissolved in

1/2 cup of warm water

5 eggs, beaten

2 tablespoons milk

1 cup butter, melted

1 cup honey

Thoroughly mix flour and salt in a mixing bowl; then make a well in the middle. In a separate bowl, combine yeast, eggs, and milk. then pour into the flour. Knead into dough, adding more milk or flour if necessary. Cover and allow to stand in warm place for one hour.

12 balls and place on a floured surface; cover with damp cloth and allow to stand for 30 minutes. Roll balls into rounds the size of a pie plate; set aside.

Place a round in a buttered pie plate; then brush with butter. Add five more rounds, brushing each with butter. In a second pie plate, repeat with the other six rounds.

Mix remaining butter with honey; then brush generously.

350 degrees F., for 25 minutes or until the tops turn golden brown. Remove from oven; immediately pour half the remaining butter-honey mixture over tops of both pies. Allow to stand for 20 minutes; then cut into wedges. Serve with the remaining butter-honey mixture on the side for diners to add according to taste.