Baklava Sweet

Baklava is a rich and sweet pastry made from layers of filo dough, nuts, and syrup or honey. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making traditional baklava:

Ingredients:

 

• • For the Baklava:
    

     

    • • 1 package of filo dough (about 16-20 sheets)
    • • 2 cups of mixed nuts (like walnuts, pistachios, almonds) finely chopped
    • • 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
    • • 1 cup of unsalted butter, melted

• • For the Syrup:
    

     

    • • 1 cup of water
    • • 1 cup of granulated sugar
    • • ½ cup of honey
    • • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
    • • 1 teaspoon of lemon juice

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Syrup:

 

• • To prepare syrup in a saucepan, combine water, sugar, honey, and lemon juice.

• • Need to bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

• • Remove from heat, add vanilla extract, and let it cool while you prepare the baklava.

2. Prepare the Nut Filling:

 

• • Finely chop your nuts using a knife or food processor.

• • Need to mix the chopped nuts with cinnamon in a bowl. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Filo Dough:

 

• • Thaw filo dough according to the package instructions.

• • Keep it covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out while working.

4. Assemble the Baklava:

 

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

• • Need to brush a baking dish with melted butter.

• • Place one sheet of filo dough in the pan and brush it with butter. Repeat this process for 8-10 layers.

• • Spread a layer of the nut mixture evenly over the buttered filo.

• • Add 4-5 more filo sheets, brushing each with butter, followed by another layer of nuts.

• • Need to repeat the process until you’ve used up all the nuts.

• • Top with 8-10 more layers of filo, brushing each with butter.

5. Cut the Baklava:

 

• • Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the baklava into squares or diamond shapes before baking.

6. Bake:

 

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

7. Add the Syrup:

 

• • Once the baklava is baked, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the cooled syrup over the hot baklava, ensuring even coverage.

• • Let it sit for several hours (preferably overnight) to allow the syrup to soak in.

8. Serve:

• • Once the syrup is absorbed, the baklava is ready to serve. It can be stored at room temperature for several days.

Enjoy your homemade baklava!