Bakllava (Baklava)

Ingredients:

• For the baklava:

  • 16 ounces phyllo dough (thawed by package instructions)
  • 1 ¼ cups unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1 pound walnuts (finely chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• For the syrup:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup water
  • ½ cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Prepare the baklava:

   • Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
   • Butter a 9x13 inch baking dish.
   • In a bowl, mix the chopped walnuts with ground cinnamon.
   • Unroll the phyllo dough and cut it to fit the baking dish. Cover with a damp cloth to keep it from drying out.
   • Place two sheets of phyllo in the baking dish and brush with melted butter. Repeat this process until you have 8 sheets layered.
   • Sprinkle a thin layer of the walnut mixture over the phyllo.
   • Add two more sheets of phyllo, brush with butter, and sprinkle with nuts. Repeat the layers until all the nuts are used.
   • Finish with 8 layers of phyllo, brushing each with butter.
   • Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes.

2. Bake:

   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until the baklava is golden and crisp.

3. Prepare the syrup:

   • While the baklava is baking, combine the sugar, water, honey, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a saucepan.
   • Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

4. Combine:

   • Remove the baklava from the oven and immediately pour the hot syrup over it.
   • Let it cool completely before serving.