Baklava

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This is a great make ahead dessert that is so easy to make yet has everyone else thinking it's a Herculean task. Follow this simple recipe and watch the video for step by step instructions.

Ingredients
1 pkg (about 454 gms) defrosted Phyllo pastry
1 stick (1/2 cup) melted butter
1 lb walnuts
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsps cinnamon powder
1 cup sugar
1 cup honey
1 cup water
2 tbsps lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla essence
1 tsp orange essence


Process

Pulse the walnuts, 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon and keep aside

Remove the Phyllo pastry and trim it to fit your baking dish. (I'm using a 10 x 12)

Butter the dish and butter each phyllo pastry layer

Start by layering about 5 layers of pastry

Roughly divide the walnut mixture into three portions and sprinkle over the first portion.

For the next pastry layer, make sure to butter both sides as one side will touch the nuts.

Add three more layers after that only buttering one side.

Add more nuts and repeat till you have three layers of nuts.

Add about 5 layers to the final pastry layer so you have a sturdy base and top

Score the pastry - I like to cut them in diamond shapes. Hold down the pastry with your fingers as you gently cut

Bake in a 350 degree oven for about 30 - 45 mins till golden brown

In the meantime combine the sugar, honey and water and bring to a rolling boil

Add the vanilla and orange essence.

Simmer till the syrup is of a medium consistency

Pour over the hot baked Baklava

Wait an hour or two till it's cooled and well absorbed before serving

Great make ahead dish - will last a week in a cool place