BANNITZA

In old times and now every Bulgarian family eats BANITZA on holidays as a dessert. In the BANITZA, prepared for Christmas, one puts wishes for happy, healty, and successful year.
12 fillo sheets (leaves)
8 oz. crumbled feta cheese
5 eggs, divided
1 stick butter or margarine or 1/2 stick butter and 1/2 stick margarine melted
1 1/2 cup Seltzer soda (or other type, but colorless)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (optionally)

Preheat oven to 375. Grease 9X13X1 1/2" pan. In a small bowl put 4 eggs and feta cheese, mix well. Put the first Fillo sheet on the bottom of the pan, sprinkle with one tbsp melted butter, repeat with 3 more sheets. On the 4th sheet put 1/2 of the egg-cheese mixture, spread it on the sheet. Order the same way the next 4 sheets, put the other half of the egg-cheese mixture, cover with the last 4 Fillo sheets. Cut the BANNITZA into squares with sharp knife. Pour the rest of the butter on the cuttings. Combine egg and soda, mix well and pour on the top of the BANNITZA. Bake 20-25 min. or until golden-brown. Take out of the oven, sprinkle with cold water, cover with paper towel and kitchen fabric towel, and let stay for 10 min. Serve hot. If desired, before serving sift with granulated sugar.
Makes 12 servings. You can reheat the BANNITZA in a microwave for 3 min. or in a regular oven for 10 min. at 375. Serve for breakfast with plain yogurt.