Golden Honey baklava recipe: A Taste of the Mediterranean

Instructions:

1. Combine chopped nuts, cinnamon, cloves, sugar, and orange zest in a bowl. Stir well and let the mixture rest for 30 minutes.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the 9x13 inch baking dish generously with melted butter.
3. Unroll phyllo dough and keep it covered with a damp towel to prevent drying. Place one sheet of phyllo in the baking dish and brush with melted butter. Repeat with 5-6 more sheets, brushing each layer with butter.
4. Spread the nut mixture evenly over the buttered phyllo layers.
5. Layer remaining phyllo sheets on top of the nut filling, brushing each layer with melted butter. (Use 5-6 buttered phyllo doughs)
6. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, score the top layers of phyllo into diamond or square shapes before baking. Cut all the way to the bottom of the dish.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
8. While the baklava is baking, combine water, sugar, honey, cinnamon stick, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Remove cinnamon stick.
9. As soon as the baklava comes out of the oven, slowly pour the hot syrup evenly over the top.
10. Let the baklava cool completely at room temperature for at least 4-6 hours (or even overnight) before serving. This allows the syrup to soak in properly.