Pistachio-Walnut Baklava

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
• 1 package (16 ounces) frozen phyllo dough, thawed
• 2 cups (6 ounces) chopped pistachios
• 1 cup (3 ounces) chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with butter.
3. Unroll phyllo dough and lay out flat on a clean, dry surface.
4. Cut the phyllo into 3 equal pieces, then cut each piece in half to make 6 equal pieces.
5. Mix together the pistachios, walnuts, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and cardamom in a large bowl. Set aside.
6. Lay one piece of phyllo dough into the baking pan and brush with melted butter. Repeat with the remaining 5 pieces, brushing each layer with butter.
7. Sprinkle 2/3 of the nut mixture over the top of the phyllo. Top with a second layer of phyllo, brushing each layer with butter as before.
8. Sprinkle the remaining 1/3 of the nut mixture over the top of the phyllo. Top with a third layer of phyllo, brushing each layer with butter as before.
9. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine the honey, water, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
11. When the baklava is done baking, pour the honey syrup over the top and let cool completely.
12. Cut into small squares and serve.

Interesting Facts

• Baklava is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert.
• It is believed to have originated in the Ottoman Empire.
• The word "baklava" is derived from the Turkish word "bakla," which means "to fill."
• Pistachio-Walnut Baklava is a popular variation of this classic dessert.