Christmas Baklava with Walnuts

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound chopped pecans
• 1/2 pound chopped walnuts
• 2-3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1 pound package of phyllo dough
• 1-1/2 cups butter, melted
• 2-1/2 cups honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

Instructions

1. Prepare the Nut Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the chopped pecans, chopped walnuts, and ground cinnamon. Mix well and set aside.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place 2 sheets of phyllo dough at the bottom of the dish and brush them generously with melted butter.
3. Layering: Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of the nut mixture over the buttered phyllo sheets. Repeat the layering process, placing 2 sheets of phyllo dough, brushing with melted butter, and sprinkling with the nut mixture, until all the nuts, butter, and phyllo dough are used.
4. Top Layer: Finish with about 6 layers of phyllo dough on the top. If there is any remaining melted butter, brush it over the top layer.
5. Cutting the Baklava: Using a very sharp knife, cut through all the layers of the baklava. First, make 3-4 lengthwise slices. Then, make diagonal cuts to create diamond shapes.
6. Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the baklava for approximately 45 minutes, or until it becomes golden brown and crisp.
7. Preparing the Honey Syrup: While the baklava is baking, heat the honey in a saucepan until it is almost boiling. Stir in the vanilla extract and grated lemon zest.
8. Adding the Syrup: Once the baklava is done baking, immediately pour the hot honey mixture evenly over the top of the baklava.
9. Cooling: Allow the baklava to cool completely in the pan before serving.

Enjoy your festive Christmas Baklava with walnuts, a perfect blend of crispy phyllo, spiced nuts, and sweet honey!