Instructions

1. Thaw phyllo dough according to package directions, unroll and cut in half. Cover with a damp towel.
2. Mix the nuts, sugar, cloves, cinnamon and cardamom together.
3. Preheat oven 350°F.
4. Grease 9 by13 inch deep pan.
5. Place one phyllo sheet in the greased pan and brush with melted butter.
6. Place another sheet on top and brush with butter again.
7. Repeat until 8 sheets are used.
8. Evenly spread one fifth of the nut mixture (⅓ cup).
9. Cover with a phyllo sheet, brush with butter and repeat the same procedure until 5 sheets are used.
10. Spread another ⅓ cup of the nut mixture and repeat with 5 more sheets.
11. Continue layering until all the sheets and the mixture is used.
12. The top layer will have about 8 sheets.
13. Brush the top with butter, cut into desired size squares or diamonds.
14. Bake for about 35 minutes or until golden.
15. Meanwhile, combine the syrup ingredients in a saucepan.
16. Heat and bring to a boil then simmer on medium heat for about 7 minutes, should be slightly thickened.
17. Remove from heat and let cool.
18. Spoon syrup over hot baklava.
19. Sprinkle garnish and let cool and set for about 6 hours or overnight, uncovered.