If you’re a pastry lover, then we have a wonderful treat for you. This dessert is something that the whole family can enjoy together. It’s for gatherings, special events, or midnight snacks. It may take a minute to make, but it’s SO worth it. It’s rich, sweet, and flaky—all the best qualities in a dessert. Recipes vary depending on preference, but we’ll share a traditional one with you, so you can get started right away. Get out your oven mitts and taste buds, this is going to be a delicious experience.
What Is Baklava?
Baklava is a dessert that’s made with multiple layers. It may take some time, but it’s perfectly attainable in a home kitchen. If you have a nut allergy, though, watch out. This pastry is made with lots of honey, nuts, sugars, spices, and butter. The end result is supposed to be flaky and sweet, especially with drizzled honey over the top. Have we sold you on it yet? No? Then let’s share some of its tasty history.
What’s The History?
Baklava is often associated with Greek foods, but honestly, we don’t know where it came from. The Mediterranean countries all have their own version of it. It’s whispered that modern baklava was perfected in Turkey during the Ottoman Empire. Despite the rumors, layering flat bread with nuts and honey can be traced back as far as the 8th century B.C.E. So, people have been enjoying this recipe for a loooong time. Now, it’s your turn.
What Are The Ingredients?
The ingredients aren’t hard to find, but every recipe differs. These basics are always included: phyllo (or filo) sheets, sweet syrup, nuts, and butter. You can make your sweet syrup with honey, spices, and juices. And the common choice of nuts is pistachios. You’ll need a generous-sized pan and brush, too. There will be layering involved, so be prepared for an uncomplicated but tedious process. Don’t forget that there is butter, milk, and wheat involved. So, if you have allergies, consider the ingredients before inhaling that delicious pastry.
· Phyllo Sheets
· Sweet Syrup
· Nuts (your choice)
· Butter
How Do You Make It?
· Finely chop your nuts (pistachios, walnuts, or cashews)
· Mix your nuts with sugar, cinnamon, and other spices of your choice
· Lightly grease your baking sheet
· Fit a trimmed phyllo sheet over the bottom of the pan
· Brush with melted butter
· Repeat this process several more times to build a solid base for your baklava
· Pour 1/3 of your nut mixture over the top
· Layer two more sheet of phyllo over the mixture
· Keep brushing butter between phyllo layers
· Repeat this process until the nut mixture is gone
· Put the baklava in the fridge to chill for 10 minutes (this makes it easier to cut)
· While it’s chilling, make your syrup in a saucepan (honey, lemon juice, sugar, water)
· Boil, then simmer
· Let it cool while you’re baking the baklava
· Cut the chilled baklava into diamond shapes before putting it into the oven
· Bake according to your recipe’s instructions and oven’s unique settings
· For best results, pour the room-temperature syrup over your baked baklava
· Set it in the fridge overnight, so the syrup soaks into the layers
How Should You Serve It?
Hot, warm, or cold—baklava is delicious. It all depends on your preference. However, it’s best to let the honey drizzle soak into the bread before serving it. This way, you get the most out of the experience. If you’re having a casual family dinner, bring it out in its pan after it’s cooled. If you’re having a posh party, cutting and setting them on dessert trays may be the way to go. However you decide to present and serve your dessert, it will be immensely enjoyed.
With all this new knowledge in your head, you might be itching to bake. We don’t blame you! Every recipe is different, so don’t be afraid to experiment after learning the basics. Recipes can always be improved…and destroyed…so give it your best effort. Your family and friends will enjoy the work you put into this unique dessert. Get the kids involved, too! They would love to spend time with you in the kitchen, while licking the stirring spoon for you, naturally.
