Black Walnut Baklava

July 3, 2015

Ingredients

Step 1
Remove phyllo dough package from freezer and place in the fridge for 24 hours to thaw. Remove from fridge 1 hour before using.
Step 2
When working with the phyllo dough, only remove the sheets you immediately need, keeping the other sheets covered in plastic wrap, then a damp cloth.
Step 3
Toss together the chopped walnuts and cinnamon. Set aside.
Step 4
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Thoroughly butter a rectangular baking pan. Try to find a pan close to the size of the phyllo sheets.
Step 5
Butter each sheet of phyllo with melted butter and press lightly into the pan. Repeat this until you have 8-10 sheets in the pan.
Step 6
Sprinkle on enough walnuts to make a single layer. Butter two sheets of phyllo and place them on top of the walnuts. Add more walnuts, then two more buttered phyllo sheets. Repeat this a couple more times, or until you're out of walnuts. Top with the rest of the phyllo sheets buttering all. Cut the uncooked baklava into pieces.
Step 7
Bake for 45 minutes, or until the baklava is very golden brown.
Step 8
While the baklava is baking, combine honey, water, sugar, and vanilla in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
Step 9
When you remove the baklava from the oven, drizzle the saucepan evenly over the top. Allow it to sit and absorb for a minute, then drizzle on a little more until you think it's thoroughly moistened. It will absorb a lot - be patient.
Step 10
Allow the baklava to cool, uncovered, for several hours.