Baklava

Directions

1. 1
   Mix 4 cups of pecans with sugar and cinnamon; set aside. Begin to melt butter until hot.
2. 2
   Take filo dough out of package and place (gently) on a sheet of wax paper.
3. 3
   Place a damp kitchen towel or cheesecloth over the top of filo dough; it will dry out fast.
4. 4
   In a deep pan (roasting pan, 10 x 14-inch), take a pastry brush and baste the bottom with butter.
5. 5
   Peel the filo dough (you may take a couple of sheets at a time), fold in half and place in pan.
6. 6
   Baste each layer with butter.
7. 7
   Repeat this until you have used approximately 1/2 of the filo dough.
8. 8
   Spread the nuts evenly and repeat with the layers of filo dough and basted butter.
9. 9
   Cut into diamond shapes before baking; gently pour the remaining butter over the baklava.
10. 10
    Bake at 350° until golden brown, about 1 hour.
11. 11
    Cool completely before applying syrup mixture below.