Walnut baklava

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with some of the melted butter.
2. In a bowl, mix the chopped walnuts, 1/2 cup sugar, cinnamon, and cloves.
3. Unroll the phyllo dough and cut the stack to fit the baking dish. Cover with a damp towel to prevent drying out.
4. Place two sheets of phyllo dough in the baking dish and brush generously with melted butter. Repeat this process until you have 8 sheets layered.
5. Sprinkle a thin layer of the walnut mixture over the phyllo.
6. Add two more sheets of phyllo, brush with butter, and sprinkle with walnuts. Repeat layering until the nuts are used up. Top with 8 more sheets of phyllo, brushing each with butter.
7. Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes before baking.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, until golden brown and crisp.
9. While the baklava is baking, combine the water, 1 cup sugar, honey, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
10. Remove the baklava from the oven and immediately pour the syrup over the hot baklava. Let it cool completely to absorb the syrup before serving.