Baklava Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound phyllo dough
• 1 cup melted unsalted butter
• 1 pound chopped nuts (we recommend a mix of pistachios, walnuts, and almonds)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a medium bowl, mix the chopped nuts with cinnamon and cloves.
3. Unroll phyllo dough, and cut whole stack in half to fit your baking dish. Cover phyllo with a dampened cloth to keep it from drying out as you work.
4. Brush the bottom and sides of a 9×13 inch baking dish with melted butter.
5. Place a sheet of phyllo dough into the bottom of the baking dish. Brush with butter. Repeat until you have 8-10 sheets layered in the dish.
6. Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of nut mixture on top of the phyllo dough.
7. Add another layer of phyllo dough, and repeat the process of brushing with melted butter and adding 2-3 tablespoons of nut mixture on top of the phyllo dough. Continue layering phyllo dough and nuts until all the nut mixture is used.
8. Finish off with a final layer of phyllo dough, brushing with melted butter and cutting off the excess dough hanging over the sides of the dish with a sharp knife.
9. Before you put your baklava in the oven, cut into diamond or square shapes with a sharp knife. This will allow the syrup to penetrate through all layers of phyllo.
10. Bake in preheated oven for 50 minutes until golden brown.
11. While the baklava is baking, make the syrup. Combine sugar, water, honey, and vanilla extract in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until sugar is dissolved. Once the sugar is dissolved completely and the mixture comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
12. Once the baklava is finished baking, remove from oven and immediately spoon the syrup over the hot baklava. Let the baklava cool completely in the dish before serving.

Verdict:

This baklava recipe is a show-stopper. With crispy layers of phyllo dough and a sticky, sweet syrup, it’s no wonder baklava is such a beloved treat around the world. This gourmet recipe adds an extra level of sophistication with a mix of chopped pistachios, walnuts, and almonds. Perfect for dining guests or as a special treat for yourself.

Serving Suggestions:

Baklava is best enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Cut into small diamond or square shapes and serve as a finger dessert at events. Alternatively, a scoop of vanilla ice-cream can be added to make it a sophisticated dessert.