Baklava Recipe

**Ingredients:**

– 1 package of phyllo dough (16 oz)
– 1 cup of melted butter
– 2 cups of finely chopped nuts (walnuts, pistachios, or a mix)
– 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
– 1 cup of sugar
– 1 cup of water
– 1/2 cup of honey
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Filling:**
– In a bowl, mix the finely chopped nuts with ground cinnamon. Set aside.

2. **Prepare the Syrup:**
– In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil until the sugar is dissolved.
– Add honey, vanilla extract, and lemon juice.
– Reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool.

3. **Assemble the Baklava:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Brush a baking pan with melted butter.
– Lay a sheet of phyllo dough in the pan and brush with melted butter. Repeat this process for about 8 sheets.
– Spread a thin layer of the nut mixture over the phyllo dough.
– Continue layering sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each with melted butter, and sprinkling the nut mixture in between every 5 sheets until all the nut mixture is used.
– Finish with about 8 to 10 layers of phyllo dough on top, brushing each with melted butter.

4. **Cutting and Baking:**
– Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes.
– Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

5. **Finishing:**
– Remove the baklava from the oven and immediately pour the cooled syrup evenly over the hot baklava.
– Let it cool completely and absorb the syrup for several hours or overnight.

6. **Serving:**
– Once the baklava is completely cooled and the syrup is absorbed, it is ready to be served.

Enjoy your homemade baklava!