Lebanese Baklava

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1. 1Step 1: To make the simple syrup, combine the water, sugar and lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer, stirring occasionally until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is thickened but still clear colored, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat, add the orange blossom water, and set aside to cool to room temperature.
2. 2Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the walnuts and granulated sugar until well mixed.
3. 3Step 3: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Brush the bottom of a 9 x 13 pan with clarified butter.
4. 4Step 4: Open the two sleeves of phyllo sheet - each will have about 20 sheets. Unroll them and cut off an inch at the end to make them fit into the 9 x 13 pan.
5. 5Step 5: Lay one stack of 20 phyllo sheets in the pan. Add about 5-10 more phyllo sheets on top of the first stack. Spread the nuts mixture over the phyllo in one even layer. Lay the remainder 10-15 phyllo sheets over the nuts.
6. 6Step 6: Cut the baklava into diamonds by making 4 cuts lengthwise and 9 cuts crosswise on the diagonal, holding down the phyllo sheets with your other hand as you cut carefully.
7. 7Step 7: Pour the melted clarified butter over the baklava evenly. Allow the butter to settle in, about 5 minutes.
8. 8Step 8: Bake until golden brown all the way into the cut lines, about 50-60 minutes, rotating the baklava halfway through baking.
9. 9Step 9: Remove the pan from the oven and immediately pour the cooled simple syrup evenly over the baklava. Allow to cool at room temperature for several hours before serving.