WALNUTS BAKLAVA

WALNUTS BAKLAVA 

Ingredients:

• 1 package phyllo dough (16 ounces)
• 2 cups walnuts, finely chopped
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

In a bowl, combine the finely chopped walnuts, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves (if using). Mix well.

Lay a sheet of phyllo dough in the greased baking dish and brush it with melted butter.

Repeat step 3, layering and buttering each sheet of phyllo dough until you have used half of the package.

Sprinkle half of the walnut mixture evenly over the layered phyllo dough.

Layer and butter the remaining phyllo sheets on top of the walnut mixture, brushing each sheet with melted butter.

Sprinkle the remaining walnut mixture over the top layer of phyllo dough.

Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into small diamond or square shapes.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the baklava turns golden brown.

While the baklava is baking, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, honey, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, until the syrup slightly thickens.

Once the baklava is baked, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the syrup evenly over the hot baklava.

Allow the baklava to cool completely in the baking dish, allowing it to absorb the syrup.

Once cooled, carefully remove the individual pieces of baklava from the dish and serve.

Enjoy this delicious and sweet Walnut Baklava as a treat for special occasions or as a delightful dessert. The layers of crispy phyllo dough and the flavorful walnut filling soaked in syrup create a delightful combination of textures and flavors.