Tasty Baklava Recipe

-­ 1/2 lb drawn butter (unsalted)
-­ 1 lb chopped walnuts (pistachio nuts may be substituted)
-­ 1 ½ cups sugar
-­ 2-3 tsp orange flower water
-­ 1 tsp crushed mahlab (optional)
-­ 1 ½ cups water
-­ 1 lb phyllo dough
-­ Melted butter for brushing
-­ Juice from ½ lemon
Method:
-­ Filling: Mix butter, walnuts, ½ cup sugar, 1-2 tsp orange flower water, and mahlab well; refrigerate and let set a while. Can be done a day ahead of time.
-­ Combine remaining sugar and water together, bringing to a boil until it reaches string stage* (don't stir frequently). Set the syrup aside to cool until Baklava is baked.
-­ Divide phyllo dough in half. Brush a 9 by 13 inch pan with butter.
-­ Place filling on layers and drizzle top with some melted butter.
-­ Layer the remaining sheets of dough as before. Do not butter top sheet.
-­ Cut the pastry into squared/triangle/diamond shapes.
-­ Place in a 375° preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes or until golden brown.
-­ Remove Baklava from oven. Immediately add the lemon juice and 1 tsp. orange flower water to cooled sugar syrup and pour over hot Baklava.
-­ Set aside for 15-20 minutes and then serve warm.