Persian Baklava

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 cups sugar
• 1-1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 12 whole cardamom pods
• 1/4 cup rose water
• 1 pound raw pistachio halves
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 pound (40- 42 sheets) phyllo dough sheets*, read storing/thawing directions
• 1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 2 clean kitchen towels for assembly
• 11" x 17" jelly roll pan
• 1 pastry brush
• 1 pinch salt (optional)