Baklava

Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare the Filling

In a bowl, mix the finely chopped walnuts with ground cinnamon. Set aside.

Assemble the Baklava

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

Layer 8 sheets of phyllo dough in the dish, brushing each sheet with melted butter before adding the next.

Sprinkle a thin layer of the walnut mixture over the phyllo.

Continue layering 6 sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each with butter, followed by a layer of walnut mixture.

Repeat the process until you have used up all the walnut mixture and phyllo dough, finishing with 8 layers of phyllo on top.

Cut the Baklava

Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.

Prepare the Syrup

While the baklava is baking, combine granulated sugar, water, and honey in a saucepan.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Pour the Syrup

Once the baklava is done baking, remove it from the oven.

Immediately pour the hot syrup evenly over the hot baklava.

Cool and Serve

Allow the baklava to cool completely before serving to let the syrup soak in and the layers set.