Christmas Baklava

 

Ingredients

1/2 pound chopped pecans

1/2 pound chopped walnuts

2-3 tbsp. ground cinnamon

1 pound package of phyllo dough

1-1/2 cups butter, melted

For the syrup:

1 cup water

1 cup white sugar

1/2 cup honey

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 cinnamon stick

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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 9x13-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

Garnish with crushed pistachios or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a festive touch!

Store at room tem

perature, covered, for up to a week.

Enjoy your Christmas Baklava—a treat everyone will love!