Baklava Recipe With Walnuts and Almonds

Prepare the Filling and Phyllo

1. Gather the ingredients.

2. Mix the walnuts, almonds, sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Set aside.

3. Preheat the oven to 325 F.

4. Carefully remove the phyllo roll from the plastic sleeve. If needed, using a scissor or sharp knife to cut the sheets to make ones that measure 9x12 inches. To prevent drying, cover one stack with wax paper and a damp paper towel while working with the other.

5. Using a pastry brush, brush the bottom and sides of a 9x12-inch rectangular pan with melted butter.

6. Begin by layering 6 sheets of phyllo, making sure to brush each with melted butter.

7. Add half of the nut mixture in an even layer. Pat it down with a spatula to flatten.

8. Continue layering another 6 sheets of phyllo, brushing each with melted butter.

9. Add the remaining nut mixture in an even layer.

10. Top with the remaining phyllo sheets.

11. Before baking, score the top layer of phyllo (making sure not to go past the top filling layer) to enable easier cutting later. (You can place the pan in the freezer for 10 minutes or so to harden the top layers and then use a serrated knife to score.)

12. Bake in a preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until the phyllo turns a rich golden color.

Make the Syrup

1. Gather the ingredients.

2. In a medium saucepan, combine the water and the sugar and mix well.

3. Add the cloves and simmer over medium-high heat for about 20 minutes. You want the syrup to be slightly thickened.

4. Remove from the heat and discard the cloves.

5. Stir in the lemon juice. Allow the syrup to cool slightly.

6. When the baklava is out of the oven and still warm, ladle the syrup carefully over the entire dish.

7. Baklava can be refrigerated or stored at room temperature.