I love baklava, but my teeth ache just thinking about all the sugary syrup it’s usually soaked with. I don’t normally seek it out because the treat doesn’t seem worth the calorie hit – or the need to wash my hands after handling it.

But I was encouraged recently to ask, “What if I could have an even richer version of baklava, and not have to hit the sink afterwards?” Happily somebody here in Chicago has already figured this out. I was recently given a chance to sample  products from the Dar Baklava company. And I’m impressed.

The cashew baklava gives you an idea of how different this reimagined version is from the usual confection. You really taste the cashews, and the ghee-rich sweet pastry top and bottom is just the right thickness. The website says each “bite” is single, but it’s so rich and delicious I try to make at least 3.5 bites out of each one. One must take one’s time with luxury, right?

The date bars consist of a fruit and pistachio filling baked inside a molded shell of delicate flaky pastry that melts in your mouth while the date-sweetened filling hits just the right sweet spots on your tongue.

The nut-rich Snacklava doesn’t quite keep me from having to wash my hands, but it sure is a rich concoction. It’s different types of nuts held together with a coating that’s just-sweet-enough to set your treat sensors in gear. And you can tell by looking that these are high-quality nuts. And that might even make you feel kinda healthy, too.

These premiums treats seem to be priced fairly. You can, for example, on the Dar website get a box of six Cashew Baklava packages (18 bites) for  $23.99. Compare that to a box of  24 Snickers Pecan full size bars ($30 on Amazon). For some, this will be special occasion, but I can’t wait to give these as gifts – and will be  sure to put myself on the list occasionally.

The Dar line of treats – sold in handsome packages like all luxury items – are manufactured by a co-packer in Jordan  and shipped to the company’s warehouse here in Chicago for distribution.