Baklava

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
2. In a bowl, combine the walnuts, pistachios, sugar, and cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Unroll the phyllo dough and cover it with a damp cloth to prevent drying out.
4. Place one sheet of phyllo dough in the prepared baking dish and brush with melted butter. Repeat this step with 7 more sheets of phyllo, brushing each with butter.
5. Spread about 1/4 of the nut mixture over the phyllo layer.
6. Add another 8 sheets of phyllo, brushing each with butter. Repeat the layering process with the remaining nut mixture, finishing with a top layer of 8 sheets of phyllo brushed with butter.
7. Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes, cutting all the way to the bottom of the dish.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the baklava is golden brown and crisp.
9. While the baklava is baking, combine water, honey, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
10. Remove baklava from the oven and pour the honey syrup evenly over the hot baklava. Let cool completely before serving.