Baklava - Traditional Middle Eastern Pastry

Baklava is a unique but delicious dessert known for its layers of flaky pastry and nutty filling. It is made by stacking thin Phyllo pastry sheets with finely chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pistachios. Once baked, the baklava is drizzled with a sweet syrup, often flavored with rosewater or orange blossom water.
Ingredients - serves 24 pieces
For the baklava
- 1 pound chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pistachios, or a combination of them)
- 1 pound phyllo dough, thawed
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/3 tsp ground cloves
For the syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Finely ground pistachios for garnish (optional)