Baklava recipe with walnuts

★Ingredients

For the Baklava:

1 pound (450g) phyllo dough

2 cups (450g) unsalted butter, melted

1 cup (200g) granulated sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

4 cups (400g) walnuts, finely chopped

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

For the Syrup:

2 cups (480ml) water

2 cups (400g) granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup (240ml) honey

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 strip lemon peel (optional)

Meat broth with frozen vegetables

Creamy vanilla fudge

★Instructions

Prepare the Baklava:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare Nut Mixture: In a bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, 1 cup of sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves. Mix well.
3. Layer Phyllo Dough:

• Brush a 9×13 inch baking dish with some of the melted butter.
• Layer 8 sheets of phyllo dough in the dish, brushing each sheet with melted butter before adding the next.
• Sprinkle a thin layer of the nut mixture over the phyllo.

1. Continue Layering:

• Add 4 more sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each with butter.
• Sprinkle with more nut mixture.
• Repeat the process (4 sheets of phyllo, then nuts) until you use up the nut mixture.
• Finish with a final layer of 8 sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each with butter.

1. Cut the Baklava:

• Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes.
• Cut through all the layers to ensure the pieces separate easily after baking.

1. Bake:

• Place the baklava in the preheated oven.
• Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the baklava is golden brown and crisp.

Prepare the Syrup:

1. Combine Ingredients:

• In a saucepan, combine the water, sugar, honey, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and lemon peel (if using).

1. Boil and Simmer:

• Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
• Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes.
• Remove from heat and discard the lemon peel.

Finishing the Baklava:

1. Add Syrup to Baklava:

• Once the baklava is done baking, remove it from the oven.
• Immediately pour the hot syrup evenly over the hot baklava.
• Allow the baklava to cool completely and absorb the syrup, which will take several hours.

1. Serve:

• Once cooled, re-cut the baklava along the same lines to ensure pieces are separated.
• Serve at room temperature and enjoy!

Enjoy!