Baklava

prep time:: 1 hoiur
total time:: 2 hr

Makes 50 pieces

Barbara

Worth the Effort

ingredients

1 lb walnuts, toasted
1/2 lb blanched almonds, toasted
1/2 lb pistachios, toasted
2/3 cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp cloves
1 lb unsalted butter, melted
1 lb phyllo dough sheets
Orange Scented Syrup
2 cups sugar
2 cups water
1/2 cup honey
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 lemon, juiced amd peel
Peel strips of one orange
1 stick cinnamon
3 whole cloves

directions

1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2
Finely chop nuts in food processor. Mix in brown sugar, cinnamon and cloves.
3
Brush 13X9 cake pan with melted butter. Unroll dough and keep coverd with damp towel.
4
To build Baklava alternate 3 layers of dough with nut mixture. Start with 8 layers on bottom of pan, buttering each sheet as you go.. Spread a third of nut mixture then top with 4 layers of dough buttering each sheet. Layer until you end with at least 8 layers of dough. Drizzle any remaining butter over the top. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to make it easier to cut. Using a sharp knife cut the Baklava criss cross diagonally to make diamond shapes.
5
Bake for 40 minutes until golden brown.
6
To make syrup combine all ingredients in saucepan and bring to boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes and thickened,. Remove orange and lemon peel, cinnamon stick and whole cloves. Set aside to cool.
7
While pastry is hot pour syrup over it evenly. Allow to stand at least 3 hours before serving. Better yet, make a day ahead.

notes

I usually make this for Easter. Always get rave reviews. I use all walnuts if I don't have the other nuts but its better with the variety. Also better if the nuts are toasted as directed. Can also add pine nuts.

Source: Barbara