Baqlawa

2 lb. filo dough

1 1/2 lb. unsalted butter, melted

1 lb. walnuts, finely chopped

1 c.sugar

Baqlawa syrup (recipe follows)

Prepare syrup; set aside. Combine nuts, sugar, and 1/2 pound unsalted butter. Toss together until well coated; set aside.Butter a 12 by 16 inch pan. Place 1 pound of the filo in the bottom of the pan; brush each sheet with butter. Spread nut mixture over the buttered filo. Butter each sheet of the remaining 1 pound filo. Place over nut mixture. Cut in diamond shaped pieces. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour, until golden brown.

Pour cold syrup over the hot Baqlawa, one section at a time. Recipe may be cut in half and frozen.

NOTE: Filo dough must be covered with a damp cloth at all times to prevent it from drying out.

Baqlawa Syrup:

6 c. sugar

3c. water

1 tsp. rose water

Juice of 1 lemon

Mix sugar and water together in a saucepan. Boil for 10 to 15 minutes. Add lemon juice and rose water; boil for 5 more minutes. Set aside and let cool.