Christmas Baklava

Instructions

Prepare the Nut Mixture

1. Mix chopped pecans, walnuts, and ground cinnamon in a bowl. Set aside.

Layer the Baklava

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

2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with melted butter.

3. Unroll the phyllo dough. Keep it covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying.

4. Place one sheet of phyllo dough in the dish and brush with melted butter. Repeat, layering 8 sheets total, buttering each layer.

5. Spread 2-3 tablespoons of the nut mixture over the phyllo layers.

6. Add 4 more sheets of phyllo, buttering each layer, then sprinkle more nut mixture.

7. Repeat until all the nut mixture is used. Finish with 6-8 layers of phyllo on top, buttering each layer generously.

Cut and Bake

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

2. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden and crisp.

Make the Syrup

1. While the baklava is baking, combine water, sugar, honey, vanilla extract, and cinnamon stick in a saucepan.

2. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the cinnamon stick.

Assemble

1. Once the baklava is out of the oven, pour the hot syrup evenly over it.

2. Let it sit for at least 4-6 hours (overnight is best) to absorb the syrup fully.

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Tips

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