Baklava

Anyone who has never tried Baklava should. It is so easy to make. I was surprised.

1 package phyllo dough with 2 rolls

1 pound chopped nuts. (I used walnuts)

1- 1 1/2 cup melted butter

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 cup white sugar

1 cup water

1 cup white sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup honey

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter the bottom and sides of a 9x13 inch pan. Chop nuts, place in bowl and toss with 1/4 cup sugar and cinnamon, set aside. Unroll phyllo dough. (keep phyllo dough not yet using covered with a damp cloth) Place 8 sheets phyllo dough in the bottom of the pan, brush EACH layer of dough with the melted butter. Place 1/3 of the nut mixture, then repeat the layers 8 layers phyllo dough each brushed with butter, then a layer of the nuts, then one more time. After the last layer of nuts place 6-8 more layers of dough EACH brushed with butter.

Using a sharp knife cut into diamond or square shapes all the way to the bottom of the pan. You need to cut this now so after it bakes the sauce you pour over it goes into each square. And it isn't as easy to cut once it is baked. Bake for about 50 minutes until baklava is golden and crisp.

While baklava is cooking make sauce. Boil 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water until sugar is melted (just barely to a boil and it is done). Add vanilla and honey, then simmer for 20 minutes.

Remove baklava from oven and immediately spoon sauce over it. Let cool. Don't cover to tightly because it can go soggy. SO GOOD! This is Jacki's favorite dessert now. We first tried it at the Living Traditions in Salt Lake. You can't find good baklava very many places, that's how I ended up trying to make it.