Baklava

Ingredients

• 1 package (16 oz) phyllo dough, thawed
• 2 cup s mixed nuts (walnuts, pistachios), finely chopped
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, melted
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp rose water, optional

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush a 9x13 baking dish with butter.

2. 2

   Toss chopped nuts with cinnamon.

3. 3

   Layer 8 sheets of phyllo in the dish, brushing each sheet with melted butter.

4. 4

   Sprinkle a thin layer of nuts over the phyllo. Top with 2 buttered sheets. Repeat nut and phyllo layers until nuts are used up.

5. 5

   Finish with 8 layers of buttered phyllo on top.

6. 6

   Using a sharp knife, cut into diamond or square shapes before baking.

7. 7

   Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

8. 8

   While baking, make the syrup: combine water, sugar, honey, vanilla, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Boil for 10 minutes. Add rose water if using.

9. 9

   Pour the hot syrup over the baklava immediately when it comes out of the oven. Let it absorb and cool completely before serving.