INGREDIENTS:

1 cup chopped pecans

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 package phyllo dough

1 cup melted butter

3/4 cup sugar

1 cup water

3/4 cup honey

1 tsp vanilla extract

the zest of an orange

 

DIRECTIONS:

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C).  Butter a 9 x 13 baking dish.
2. Toss together cinnamon and pecans.  Unroll phyllo and cover with a damp cloth while assembling the baklava to keep it from drying out.
3. Place two sheets of phyllo in the bottom of the prepared dish.  Brush generously with butter.  Sprinkle 2 - 3 tablespoons of the nut mixture on top.  Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with about 6 sheets of phyllo.  Using a sharp knife, cut baklava into squares.
4. Bake in preheated oven until golden brown and crisp, about 50 minutes.
5. While baklava is baking, combine sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil.  Stir in honey, vanilla, and orange zest; reduce heat, simmer 20 minutes.
6. Remove the baklava from the oven and immediately spoon the syrup over it.  Cool complete before serving.  Store uncovered.