Should syrup or pastry be cooled when pouring on to Baklava?
The pastry should be cool, but the syrup should be neither hot nor cool - it should be lukewarm. If it's too cold, it will be too thick and difficult to pour, and it if it's too hot, it may run or damage the pastry. I usually allow mine to sit for 10-15 minutes, until I can comfortably place my pinky finger inside it.