Baklava

Prepare the Nut Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, chopped almonds, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Mix well.

Prepare the Phyllo Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with some of the melted butter.

Carefully unroll the phyllo dough. Cut the whole stack in half to fit the dish. Cover the dough with a damp cloth to keep it from drying out as you work.

Assemble the Baklava

Place two sheets of phyllo dough in the bottom of the baking dish. Brush generously with melted butter. Repeat this process until you have layered 8 sheets of phyllo, each brushed with butter.

Sprinkle a thin layer of the nut mixture (about 3 tablespoons) over the phyllo.

Place two more sheets of phyllo on top of the nuts, brush with butter, and repeat the process, layering nuts and two sheets of phyllo, until you have used all the nut mixture. End with a top layer of 8 sheets of phyllo, each brushed with butter.

Cut the Baklava

Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes, making sure to cut all the way to the bottom of the dish.

Bake the Baklava

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

Prepare the Syrup

While the baklava is baking, combine the water and 1 cup of sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.

Add the honey, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

Add the Syrup

Remove the baklava from the oven and immediately pour the hot syrup over it, making sure to cover all the pieces. Let the baklava cool completely in the dish.

Serve

Once cooled, carefully lift the pieces out of the dish and arrange on a serving platter.