Honey & Mani Orange Olive Oil Spiced Baklava

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Combine chopped walnuts and cinnamon. Combine Mani Orange Agrumato Olive Oil with melted butter and brush a 13x9 inch pan with a thin layer of the mixture.

Cut the phyllo sheets to fit the pan, if necessary, and then layer the phyllo, 10 sheets for the bottom layer, brushing each sheet with a little of the oil mixture before adding the next. Sprinkle about 2/3 cup of the walnut evenly over the base.

Continue layering 2/3 cup walnuts between five sheets of phyllo (brushing each) for four more layers. Finish the top layer with 10 sheets.

Score the top of the baklava into squares or a criss-cross diamond pattern, cutting all the way through to the bottom of the pan. Bake for 50 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

While the baklava is baking, combine sugar, water, honey, and white balsamic in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Once the sugar dissolves, increase heat to medium-high and boil, stirring occasionally, until syrupy and reduced, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Upon removing the baklava from the oven, immediately spoon the cooled syrup evenly over the hot baklava. Allow the baklava to cool completely, uncovered, and at room temp. It can be enjoyed the same day but is even more delicious the next day.

Makes approximately 24 servings.