Baklava: A Festive Twist on a Classic Favorite!

Make this holiday season extra sweet with homemade baklava! Perfect for cozy gatherings or as a stunning addition to your dessert table. This Christmas Baklava, filled with warm spices and layered with honey-drenched phyllo, is sure to be a hit! 

Ingredients:

1/2 lb chopped pecans

1/2 lb chopped walnuts

2-3 tbsp ground cinnamon

1 lb phyllo dough

1 1/2 cups melted butter

2 1/2 cups honey

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp grated lemon zest

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter.

2. In a large bowl, combine pecans, walnuts, and cinnamon.

3. Layer 2 sheets of phyllo in the dish, brush with melted butter, and sprinkle 2-3 tbsp of the nut mixture on top.

4. Repeat until all nuts, butter, and phyllo are used, finishing with 6 sheets on top. Brush any remaining butter over the final layer.

5. With a sharp knife, cut the baklava lengthwise, then diagonally to create diamond shapes.

6. Bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown.

7. While it bakes, heat honey in a saucepan, just until it begins to boil. Stir in vanilla and lemon zest.

8. Immediately pour the honey mixture over the hot baklava. Let it cool completely.