Instructions

1. Combine all syrup ingredients in a medium saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
3. Boil for 5 minutes
4. Remove from heat and allow to cool
5. Melt butter in the microwave or on the stove.
6. Once melted skim any milky substance off the top.
7. Pour clear portion of butter into a separate container.
8. Discard remaining milky substance at the bottom.
9. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. 
10. Place all of the ingredients for the filling in a medium bowl and stir to combine.
11. Unroll phyllo onto cutting board.
12. Cut dough to fit in 13×9 inch pan.
13. Cover phyllo with large dry towel.
14. Brush bottom of 13×9 inch pan with melted butter.
15. Lay 1 sheet of phyllo dough in pan.
16. Brush phyllo with butter.
17. Repeat with 11 more sheets of phyllo.
18. Evenly sprinkle filling onto phyllo.
19. Top with remaining phyllo brushing butter in between each layer as before.
20. Cut baklava into squares or diamonds, cutting all the way to the bottom ( about 1 ½ inch pieces).
21. Bake 25 minutes until golden brown.
22. Place the pan on wire rack.
23. Immediately pour cooled syrup over baklava, distributing it evenly all over the top.
24. Cool completely before serving.