Honey Baklava

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 1 pound (about 4 cups) of mixed nuts (walnuts, pistachios, and almonds), finely chopped
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Baklava:

• 1 package of phyllo dough, thawed
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Nut Filling:

   • In a bowl, mix together the finely chopped nuts, sugar, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.

2. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

3. Layer the Phyllo Dough:

   • Carefully unroll the phyllo dough and cover it with a damp kitchen towel to prevent it from drying out.
   • Place one sheet of phyllo dough in a buttered baking dish. Brush it with melted butter.
   • Repeat the process, layering about 8-10 sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each layer with melted butter.

4. Add the Nut Filling:

   • Sprinkle a generous portion of the nut mixture evenly over the phyllo layers.

5. Continue Layering:

   • Add another layer of phyllo dough, brushing each sheet with melted butter.
   • Repeat the process until all the nut mixture is used.

6. Finish with Phyllo Layers:

   • Top the last layer of nuts with 8-10 more sheets of phyllo dough, making sure to brush each sheet with melted butter.

7. Cut into Diamonds:

   • With a sharp knife, carefully cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes. This is easier to do before baking.

8. Bake:

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

9. Make the Honey Syrup:

   • While the baklava is baking, combine honey and vanilla extract in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat until the mixture is well combined.

10. Pour the Syrup:

    • Once the baklava is out of the oven, immediately pour the honey syrup evenly over the hot baklava. Ensure that it covers the entire surface.

11. Cool and Serve:

    • Allow the baklava to cool completely before serving. This allows the layers to absorb the honey syrup.

12. Enjoy:

    • Serve and enjoy this sweet and nutty honey baklava!