Discover the authentic taste of Baklava with this easy-to-follow recipe. Learn how to make this traditional sweet pastry, featuring delicate layers of filo dough filled with a rich blend of nuts and sweetened with honey. Perfect for any occasion, this Baklava is sure to impress with its crispy texture and indulgent flavors.

Ingredients:

- 1 package of filo dough (16 oz)

- 2 cups mixed nuts (walnuts, pistachios, or almonds), finely chopped

- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted

- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- 1/2 cup granulated sugar

- 1 cup honey

- 1/2 cup water

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions:

Prepare the Nut Filling:In a bowl, mix the chopped nuts with cinnamon and sugar. Set aside.

Assemble the Baklava:

  - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  - Brush a 9x13-inch baking dish with melted butter.

  - Unroll the filo dough and cut it to fit the size of your baking dish. Cover the dough with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out.

  - Place a sheet of filo dough in the baking dish and brush it with melted butter. Repeat this step, layering 8 sheets of filo dough, brushing each layer with butter.

  - Spread a layer of the nut mixture over the filo layers.

  - Add 4 more layers of filo dough on top, brushing each with butter.

  - Continue layering nuts and filo until all the nut mixture is used, ending with a top layer of 8 filo sheets brushed with butter.

Cut the Baklava:Using a sharp knife, cut the assembled baklava into diamond or square shapes.

Bake:Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until the baklava is golden brown and crisp.

Prepare the Syrup:While the baklava is baking, combine honey, water, vanilla extract, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

Pour the Syrup:Once the baklava is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the honey syrup evenly over the hot baklava.

Cool and Serve:Allow the baklava to cool completely before serving, letting the syrup soak in. Serve at room temperature and enjoy!

Note: Baklava can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Nutritional Value:

Filo Dough:

 - Calories: 35

 - Protein: 1g

 - Fat: 1g

 - Carbohydrates: 7g

 - Fiber: 0.3g

Benefits:

 - Low in calories compared to other pastry types.

 - Contains minimal fat, making it a lighter alternative for desserts.

Mixed Nuts (Walnuts, Pistachios, Almonds)

Walnuts:

  - Calories: 185

  - Protein: 4g

  - Fat: 18g (including Omega-3 fatty acids)

  - Carbohydrates: 4g

  - Fiber: 2g

Pistachios:

  - Calories: 160

  - Protein: 6g

  - Fat: 13g

  - Carbohydrates: 8g

  - Fiber: 3g

Almonds:

  - Calories: 164

  - Protein: 6g

  - Fat: 14g

  - Carbohydrates: 6g

  - Fiber: 3.5g

Benefits:

 - Walnuts: Rich in antioxidants and Omega-3 fatty acids, promoting heart health and brain function.

 - Pistachios: High in protein, fiber, and antioxidants; supports healthy blood sugar levels and gut health.

 - Almonds: Packed with healthy fats, fiber, vitamin E, and magnesium, contributing to heart health, weight management, and skin health.

Unsalted Butter:

 - Calories: 102

 - Protein: 0.1g

 - Fat: 12g (mostly saturated fat)

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits:

 - Source of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.

 - Provides energy and supports nutrient absorption.

Cinnamon:

 - Calories: 6

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 2g

 - Fiber: 1.4g

Benefits:

 - Contains powerful antioxidants like polyphenols.

 - Helps lower blood sugar levels and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Sugar:

 - Calories: 16

 - Carbohydrates: 4g

 - Fat: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

Benefits:

 - Quick source of energy.

 - Enhances the flavor of dishes but should be consumed in moderation due to its impact on blood sugar levels.

Honey:

 - Calories: 64

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 17g (including natural sugars)

Benefits:

 - Natural sweetener with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

 - Supports digestion and can help soothe a sore throat.

Lemon Juice:

 - Calories: 4

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

Benefits:

 - Rich in vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health.

 - Acts as a natural preservative and enhances the flavor of dishes.

Vanilla Extract:

 - Calories: 12

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 0.5g

Benefits:

 - Contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.

 - Adds flavor to dishes without adding significant calories or fat.