Baklava

This is the recipe I use and it is so good and very easy.

4 cups nuts, finely chopped
2 cups sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 1/4 cup melted butter
1-16 oz phyllo dough, thawed ( each pkg makes 2 batches)
1 cup water
1/4 cup honey
1/2 tsp finely shredded lemon peel
2 tbsp lemon juice

For Filling:
In a large mixer bowl stir together chopped nuts,1/2 cup of the sugar and the  cinnamon, set aside. (I chop the nuts in small batches at a time.) Brush bottom and sides of a large baking dish (with deep sides) with melted butter. Layer 5 sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each one with melted butter.

Spread about 1/2 cup of filling over fifth layer then repeat with 5 more layers then more filling. ending with phyllo dough. Using a sharp knife cut into diamonds or squares. Bake at 325 for 35-40 minutes or until lightly browned.

Syrup:
In a medium pan stir together 1 1/2 cups sugar the water, honey, lemon peel, lemon juice and a small pinch of cinnamon. Bring to a boil to dissolve sugar then simmer on low but don't let it get
thick. Remove baklava from the oven and pour hot syrup all
over the top. I don't use  all of the syrup, just enough to cover all of it.

P.S. Keep the phyllo dough covered after using each sheet so it won't dry out, Sometimes I use 2 cups almonds,2 cups walnuts and
leave out they lemon juice and honey and add 1 tsp of almond flavoring to the syrup.


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Recipe Submitted by 'Thunderbird'