Baklava

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 375.
2. Place the water and half a cup of sugar in a small saucepan over low to medium heat.
3. Stir occasionally until the sugar is dissolved and the liquid is clear.
4. Add maple syrup. Stir and bring to a boil then lower heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Set aside.
5. Put the walnuts, sugar and cinnamon in the blender. Pulse until the walnuts break into smaller pieces.
6. Brush the bottom and sides of your baking dish with melted butter.
7. Place your baking dish on top of the filo dough and cut the pastry to fit neatly into the dish.
8. Stack roughly 15 sheets of dough in the baking dish and spread with ⅓ of the nut mixture.
9. Place 10 more sheets and another ⅓. Repeat one last time then top with remaining pastry.
10. Cut into five even rows. Then turn the dish and cut into diamonds.
11. Pour the melted plant-based butter over the top. Move the baking dish around to evenly distribute the butter.
12. Let stand for five minutes. Then place into the oven for 40 - 45 minutes or until golden brown.
13. Remove the baklava from the oven and immediately pour the cooled maple syrup mixture over the top.
14. Cover and cool to room temperature before serving. I let mine sit out overnight.