Preparation

• 1.

  Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

• 2.

  In a mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped walnuts, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.

• 3.

  Unroll the phyllo dough and cover it with a damp cloth to prevent drying out. Take one sheet of phyllo dough and place it in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.

• 4.

  Brush the phyllo with melted butter. Repeat this process, layering 8 sheets and brushing each with butter.

• 5.

  Spread a layer of the walnut mixture over the phyllo dough, about 1/4 of the mixture.

• 6.

  Layer 4 more buttered phyllo sheets over the walnut filling. Repeat the layering process, adding walnuts and phyllo until all the filling is used, finishing with 8 layers of phyllo on top.

• 7.

  Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into diamond-shaped pieces.

• 8.

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

• 9.

  While the baklava is baking, prepare the honey syrup. In a saucepan, combine the sugar, honey, water, and vanilla extract. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

• 10.

  Once the baklava is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the cooled honey syrup evenly over the hot baklava.

• 11.

  Let the baklava cool completely before serving, allowing it to soak up the syrup.