Halloween Nutty Kataifi Monsters

Directions

1. Combine the sugar, water, and citrus peel in a small saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar fully dissolves. Once boiling, take the pot off the burner and let the syrup cool down completely.
2. Place the walnuts, cinnamon, optional clove, and orange juice into a food processor. Pulse the machine a few times until the nuts break down into coarse pieces, being careful not to turn them into a fine powder. Pour the mixture into a separate bowl.
3. Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or saucepan. Use a pastry brush to coat the interior of a 9x13-inch baking dish thoroughly with the melted butter.
4. Open the package of kataifi dough and lay the strands out on a clean surface. Use your fingers to gently separate the tangled threads, fluffing them up until they are loose and free of clumps.
5. Take a portion of the prepared dough and stretch it out on your counter or palm into a long, narrow strip measuring roughly 6 by 2 inches. Brush the strip with melted butter, then spoon one tablespoon of the nut mixture onto one end. Fold the sides of the dough over the filling and roll it up tightly to create a small log shape.
6. Lay the first roll into the prepared pan. Brush the top with more melted butter and use the brush to adjust its shape slightly. Continue this process with the remaining dough and filling, arranging the rolls side-by-side in the pan with minimal space between them. Drizzle any leftover butter over the top.
7. Place the pan in the center of an oven preheated to 350°F. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, watching closely until the pastries turn a deep golden brown and become crisp.
8. Take the pan out of the oven. Immediately pour about three-quarters of the cooled syrup over the hot pastries, allowing each ladle to soak in before adding more. Cover the dish with a kitchen towel and let it rest for 10 minutes. Then, pour the remaining syrup over the top. Allow the pastries to sit for 30 to 60 minutes until the liquid is fully absorbed.
9. Garnish the cooled pastries with chopped pistachios to resemble teeth. Attach the candy eyes using a small dot of melted white chocolate if desired. Your spooky treats are ready to serve!