Christmas Baklava

Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound chopped pecans
• 1/2 pound chopped walnuts
• 2-3 tbsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 pound package of Phyllo dough
• 1-1/2 cups butter, melted
• 2-1/2 cups honey
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1 tsp. grated lemon zest

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Mix nuts together in a large bowl and toss with the ground cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Place 2 sheets of Phyllo dough in the bottom of the prepared dish. Brush generously with melted butter.
4. Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of the nut mixture on top. Repeat layers until all the nuts, butter, and Phyllo are used, ending with about 6 layers of Phyllo on top. If you have some butter left, brush it over the top layer.
5. Using a very sharp knife, cut through all layers of the baklava. Cut 3-4 slices length-wise, then make diagonal cuts to form diamond shapes.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, until golden and crisp.
7. While the baklava is baking, heat honey in a saucepan until close to boiling. Stir in vanilla and lemon zest.
8. Once the baklava is done, immediately pour the honey mixture over the top.
9. Let cool completely in the pan before serving.