Baklava

By Ellan

Ingredients

• For the Baklava:
• 1 lb. pistachios and /or walnuts, coarsely ground, plus more for garnish
• 1/2 teas. ground cinnamon, or to taste
• 1 cup ground zwieback crackers or breadcrumbs
• 4 sticks unsalted butter, melted
• 16 sheets phyllo dough, thawed if frozen
• For the Syrup:
• 3 cups sugar
• 1- 6 to 8 oz. jar of honey
• 1 to 2 tab. fresh lemon juice

Preparation

Step 1

Position a rack in the lower third of the oven; preheat to 350. Combine the nuts, cinnamon and ground crackers in a bowl.

Brush a 9x13 inch baking dish with some of the butter. layer 10 pieces of phyllo in the dish, brushing each piece with butter before adding the next (keep the remaining dough covered with a damp towel). Sprinkle a quarter of the nut mixture over the dough. Layer 4 pieces of phyllo on top, brushing each side with butter before adding the next; sprinkle with another 1/4 of the nut mixture. Add 4 phyllos pieces on top, brushing each with butter, then add another 1/4 of the nut mixture, 4 more pieces of phyllo with butter and the remaining nuts.

Layer the remaining 10 pieces of phyllo on top of the nuts, brushing each with butter; brush the top piece with extra butter. Cut into the baklava to make strips, about 1 1/2 inches wide. Then make diagonal slices, about 1 1/2 inches apart, to crest a diamond pattern. Bake until golden, about 1 hour.

Meanwhile, make the syrup: Bring the sugar, honey and 1 1/2 cup water to a boil in a saucepan over med. heat and cook, 10 to 15 minutes. Add the lemon juice and boil 2 more minutes, then let cool slightly.

Pour the syrup over the warm baklava; let soak, uncovered, at least 6 hours or overnight. Garnish with nuts.