Many countries worldwide have enjoyed baklava for hundreds of years. Rulers in Istanbul have been treated with this rich pastry by their royal bakers for centuries. Turkish cookbooks first mentioned this recipe in the 14th century. Many think this is a Greek dish and mistake it for similar desserts from that country. However, the origins of this dessert have been found in the Middle East, Turkey and Arabia. San Diego, CA now have bakeries that have perfected making gourmet baklava.
Baklava is a rich, flaky dessert made with multiple layers of buttered unleavened dough called phyllo. Unleavened dough does not use baking aids like yeast to make the dough rise. These layers contain either almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, pistachios or walnuts mixed with syrup or honey. Some bakers also add chocolate chips, dates or apricots. The dough is cut into small triangles, diamonds or squares before baking. This dish is served plain, with chocolate sauce or a mixture of lemon, honey and cinnamon.
Although it is high in calories, the nuts used have many health benefits. All nuts are high in protein, calcium, fiber, vitamins and minerals. They also play an important role in lowering bad cholesterol and raising good cholesterol.
Almonds strengthen the heart, bones and teeth. Hazelnuts help maintain needed calcium levels and make stronger bones and joints. Pecans also have a positive effect on teeth and bones, decrease hypertension, and strengthen muscles so it is not so painful after exercise. Pistachios assist with vision, healthier blood and skin and strengthen the immune system. Walnuts reduce the risk of heart attacks and cancer and include omega-3 and many antioxidants.
The honey and lemon sauce served on top also offers healthy nutrients. The former increases energy, aids the production of white blood cells and improves brain functions like memory. The latter contains vitamin C, encourage healthy skin and eyesight, and maintains efficient immune system and blood vessels. Cinnamon is also added that stabilizes blood sugar and promotes heart health.
The food provided for certain religious holidays and wedding receptions often includes this dish. Rosh Hashanna is a Jewish holiday that serves this pastry. This is a two-day festivity celebrating the existence of Adam and Eve. A light-colored dessert with light-colored nuts is made to symbolize a bright year whereas a dark-colored selection with dark nuts means the opposite. It is also served during Purim, another Jewish holiday. This holiday remembers the Jewish people who escaped death from the royal minister back in the Persian Empire.
This is a common dish served during Ramadan. This is a Muslim observance that consists of fasting for thirty days. During this time, Muslims increase their spiritual devotion and prayer time. They strive to become less self-absorbed by helping others. Christians also serve this dessert at Easter and Christmas while celebrating the resurrection and birth of Jesus.
Although it is not difficult to make, the process can be time consuming. Choosing to place an order from a local bakery ensures a satisfying and delicious experience for holidays or anytime. This is a pastry enjoyed by children and adults alike.
Baklava is a rich, flaky dessert made with multiple layers of buttered unleavened dough called phyllo. Unleavened dough does not use baking aids like yeast to make the dough rise. These layers contain either almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, pistachios or walnuts mixed with syrup or honey. Some bakers also add chocolate chips, dates or apricots. The dough is cut into small triangles, diamonds or squares before baking. This dish is served plain, with chocolate sauce or a mixture of lemon, honey and cinnamon.
Although it is high in calories, the nuts used have many health benefits. All nuts are high in protein, calcium, fiber, vitamins and minerals. They also play an important role in lowering bad cholesterol and raising good cholesterol.
Almonds strengthen the heart, bones and teeth. Hazelnuts help maintain needed calcium levels and make stronger bones and joints. Pecans also have a positive effect on teeth and bones, decrease hypertension, and strengthen muscles so it is not so painful after exercise. Pistachios assist with vision, healthier blood and skin and strengthen the immune system. Walnuts reduce the risk of heart attacks and cancer and include omega-3 and many antioxidants.
The honey and lemon sauce served on top also offers healthy nutrients. The former increases energy, aids the production of white blood cells and improves brain functions like memory. The latter contains vitamin C, encourage healthy skin and eyesight, and maintains efficient immune system and blood vessels. Cinnamon is also added that stabilizes blood sugar and promotes heart health.
The food provided for certain religious holidays and wedding receptions often includes this dish. Rosh Hashanna is a Jewish holiday that serves this pastry. This is a two-day festivity celebrating the existence of Adam and Eve. A light-colored dessert with light-colored nuts is made to symbolize a bright year whereas a dark-colored selection with dark nuts means the opposite. It is also served during Purim, another Jewish holiday. This holiday remembers the Jewish people who escaped death from the royal minister back in the Persian Empire.
This is a common dish served during Ramadan. This is a Muslim observance that consists of fasting for thirty days. During this time, Muslims increase their spiritual devotion and prayer time. They strive to become less self-absorbed by helping others. Christians also serve this dessert at Easter and Christmas while celebrating the resurrection and birth of Jesus.
Although it is not difficult to make, the process can be time consuming. Choosing to place an order from a local bakery ensures a satisfying and delicious experience for holidays or anytime. This is a pastry enjoyed by children and adults alike.
