Baklava

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

Instructions

1. Pulse the walnuts, 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon and keep aside
2. Remove the Phyllo pastry and trim it to fit your baking dish. (I'm using a 10 x 12)
3. Butter the dish and butter each phyllo pastry layer
4. Start by layering about 5 layers of pastry
5. Roughly divide the walnut mixture into three portions and sprinkle over the first portion.
6. For the next pastry layer, make sure to butter both sides as one side will touch the nuts.
7. Add three more layers after that only buttering one side.
8. Add more nuts and repeat till you have three layers of nuts.
9. Add about 5 layers to the final pastry layer so you have a sturdy base and top
10. Score the pastry - I like to cut them in diamond shapes. Hold down the pastry with your fingers as you gently cut
11. Bake in a 350 degree oven for about 30 - 45 mins till golden brown
12. In the meantime combine the sugar, honey and water and bring to a rolling boil
13. Add the vanilla and orange essence.
14. Simmer till the syrup is of a medium consistency
15. Pour over the hot baked Baklava
16. Wait an hour or two till it's cooled and well absorbed before serving
17. Great make ahead dish - will last a week in a cool place