baklava

How To Make baklava

• Step 1
  PREPARE THE HONEY SYRUP, FIRST.
• Step 2
  HONEY SYRUP:
• Step 3
  In a medium saucepan heat all ingredients except for the honey, stirring until the sugar crystals are dissolved. Boil for 5 minutes or to 220 degrees on a candy thermometer.
• Step 4
  Remove from heat and discard the cinnamon stick and cloves. Stir in the honey, and set aside to cool.
• Step 5
  MIX THE NUTS AND SPICES TOGETHER.
• Step 6
  CLARIFY THE BUTTER:
• Step 7
  Clarify the butter by melting it slowly over low heat, skimming off the form as it rises to the surface. Remove from heat, let stand for 2 to 3 minutes, then spoon off the clear butter and discard the milky liquid that is on the bottom of the pan.
• Step 8
  Heat oven to 350 degrees. Brush the bottom and sides of the jelly roll pan with a little of the clarified butter.
• Step 9
  PREPARE THE FILO LEAVES:
• Step 10
  Unfold the filo leaves and cover completely with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out.
• Step 11
  Gently separate one leaf and place it on the pan, folding the edges over to make it fit in the pan if necessary.
• Step 12
  Brush lightly with the butter, repeat 9 times more.
• Step 13
  Sprinkle 2 cups of the nut mixture evenly over top.
• Step 14
  Layer 10 more filo leaves into the pan, brushing the butter on each leaf, sprinkling remaining nut mixture over the top.
• Step 15
  Layer the remaining 10 filo leaves over the nuts and buttering each leaf as before.
• Step 16
  With a sharp knife, cut the pastry in the pan, 1/2 inch deep into 6 lengthwise strips about 1 3/4 inches wide. Make diagonal cuts across strips 1/2 inch deep and 2 inches wide.
• Step 17
  Pour remaining butter over the top.
• Step 18
  Bake until golden brown, 1 to 1 1/4 hours. Remove the pan onto a wire rack, pour cooled honey syrup over the top. Let cool. Cut to the bottom along the scored lines.
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