Prepare the Kataifi Dough:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Gently pull apart the kataifi dough, loosening it to separate the strands. Place the dough in a bowl.
• Drizzle melted butter over the dough, tossing to coat evenly. If you want a slightly sweeter dough, you can mix in 2 tablespoons of sugar as well.

Make the Chocolate Bar Filling:

• In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over low heat until just warm (don’t boil).
• Break the chocolate bars into pieces and add them to the cream. Stir continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
• Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and honey (if using) to enhance the flavor. Set aside to cool slightly.

Assemble the Kataifi:

• Take small portions of the kataifi dough and form nests or bundles about 2 inches in size.
• Place each bundle on a parchment-lined baking tray. Once they’re all formed, press gently in the center to make space for the filling.
• Spoon a small amount of the melted chocolate filling into the center of each kataifi bundle.

Bake the Kataifi:

• Once all the kataifi are filled, bake them in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and crispy.

Prepare the Syrup (Optional):

• While the kataifi is baking, you can prepare a simple syrup by combining the water, sugar, and lemon juice or rosewater (if using) in a small saucepan. Bring it to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
• Let it cool to room temperature.

Serve and Enjoy:

• After baking, let the kataifi cool for a few minutes. If using the syrup, drizzle it over the crispy kataifi to add extra sweetness and flavor.
• Serve warm or at room temperature for a decadent treat.