Galaktoboureko (gah-la-toh-boo-reko), or what my friends and I jokingly call, “gala-ta-booty-grow” or sometimes “galactic burrito” is a tongue twister dessert my booty has definitely enjoyed once or twice. But galaktoboureko is more than a tricky name; it’s a classic Greek dessert that is absolutely divine.

Galaktoboureko is defined by its filling of gala (milk) and wheat (most recipes use semolina, farina or cream of wheat).  Like rizogalo (rice pudding) galaktoboureko is a common treat in my house. It’s a little time consuming to make, but the result is definitely worth your time. Even the process is worth it if you’re into sweet smells and taste testing. Whenever my mom makes galaktoboureko, I linger around the kitchen like a puppy pleading for a bone because as she finishes the custard filling, she spoons out a bowl for me before she adds any raw eggs to the mixture. If you use this recipe just for the filling alone, you would still be satisfied. But continue, because the best is yet to come.

Because I always pester my mom for a sample taste of the custard, she puts me on phyllo duty as payment. This is when things get a little tedious. Galaktoboureko requires two thick layers of phyllo dough: one on the bottom and one on top, sandwiching the thick custard filling in the middle. Each sheet of phyllo dough must be coated generously with butter and lined up smoothly for the next sheet to be laid on. I am very particular about my phyllo process and that skill has actually translated to an important part of my life—baking side by side with my yiayia and other Philoptochos ladies.

The Philoptochos women (members of a service organization of the Greek Orthodox Church) selflessly spend months preparing all the galaktoboureko, baklava (a nut-filled dessert with an even more tedious phyllo process) and other pastries and dishes that are quickly devoured at local Greek festivals, weddings, and other Greek functions. It’s a cutthroat environment working in a kitchen of Philoptochos women. I’ve witnessed yelling matches, the not so discreet Greek eye roll and a lot of under the breath cursing when things aren’t made the right way—and every Greek cook has the “right way.” Thankfully I’ve made it out of the kitchen alive and I’m proud to say I’ve received compliments on my phyllo dough skills. The women, aka my new BFFs, even ask me to come back and help them make pastries year after year. I consider it my life’s greatest accomplishment.

After the phyllo dough has been meticulously layered and buttered and the custard poured into the pan and then topped with another phyllo layer, it’s time to put the galaktoboureko in the oven. I always enjoy the sweet smells that come from the pie cooking as the syrup topping is being made. Once the galaktoboureko turns to golden perfection, the finishing touch is the bath of syrup that infuses sweetness throughout the pie. Now, all that’s left to do is eat! Galaktoboureko is great both warm or cold. Some will serve galaktoboureko warm for a softer custard texture, but I prefer to let mine cool and sit over the course of a day or night to allow the custard to get more firm. Both ways are just fine and whatever you prefer your booty will be happy either way.