Künefe (Turkish Sweet Cheese Pastry)

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1. 1Step 1: In a medium pot, bring the sugar and water to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook until the sugar is dissolved and the liquid is starting to thicken slightly, about 10 minutes.
2. 2Step 2: Stir in the lemon juice and simmer for another 1-2 minutes to blend the flavors.
3. 3Step 3: Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
4. 4Step 4: In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter and grape molasses.
5. 5Step 5: Generously grease 4-6 individual or one large stove-safe pans with half the butter (they will be greased again before flipping the pastries).
6. 6Step 6: Roughly chop the Kadayıf into 1 inch (2.5 centimeter) pieces and place in a large bowl.
7. 7Step 7: Pour the melted butter over the chopped Kadayıf and toss to thoroughly coat.
8. 8Step 8: Press a layer of the coated Kadayıf across the bottom and sides of the prepared pans.
9. 9Step 9: Cover each layer of pastry with a layer of the cheese, leaving about a 1/2 inch (1.25 centimeter) border around the edges.
10. 10Step 10: Cover the cheese with another layer of the Kadayif. Press down to completely enclose the layer of cheese, especially around the sides.
11. 11Step 11: Place the pan over medium low heat. Cook until the bottom is golden, adjusting the heat between medium and low as needed, for about 6 minutes.
12. 12Step 12: Carefully flip the pastry onto a plate.
13. 13Step 13: Grease the pan again with the grape molasses butter mixture and place the pastry back into the pan, golden side up.
14. 14Step 14: Place the pan back over medium low heat and cook until golden on the bottom, another 4-5 minutes.
15. 15Step 15: Remove the pan from heat and immediately pour the desired amount of cooled syrup over the pastry to soak.
16. 16Step 16: Serve the Künefe hot while the cheese is still melted and stretchy.