Quick and Easy Baklava Squares

Name: Quick and Easy Baklava Squares
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 2 dozen.
Ingredients: 1 pound (4 cups) chopped walnuts; 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 package (16 ounces, 14x9-inch sheets) frozen phyllo dough, thawed; 1 cup butter, melted; 1 cup honey

I love baklava but rarely indulged because it takes so much time to make. Then a friend of mine gave me this simple recipe. I’ve made these squares for family, friends and co-workers—they can’t get enough. I’m always asked to bring them to special gatherings and parties, and I even give them as gifts during the holidays. —Paula Marchesi, Lenhartsville, Pennsylvania

Ingredients

1 pound (4 cups) chopped walnuts
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 package (16 ounces, 14x9-inch sheets) frozen phyllo dough, thawed
1 cup butter, melted
1 cup honey

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. Coat a 13x9-in. baking dish with cooking spray. Combine walnuts and cinnamon.
Unroll phyllo dough. Layer two sheets of phyllo in prepared pan; brush with butter. Repeat with six more sheets of phyllo, brushing every other one with butter. (Keep remaining phyllo covered with plastic wrap and a damp towel to prevent it from drying out.)
Sprinkle 1/2 cup nut mixture in pan; drizzle with 2 tablespoons honey. Add two more phyllo sheets, brushing with butter; sprinkle another 1/2 cup nut mixture and 2 tablespoons honey over phyllo. Repeat layers six times. Top with remaining phyllo sheets, brushing every other one with butter.
Using a sharp knife, score surface to make 24 squares. Bake until golden brown and crisp, 25-30 minutes. Cool on a wire rack 1 hour or before serving.