Baklava has been served for centuries in many countries around the world. Royal bakers served this sweet pastry to the sultans in Istanbul hundreds of years ago, and recipes were first noted in Turkish cookbooks in the 1300s. It has been thought to have Greek connections since it is similar to certain Greek desserts. This flavorful dessert actually has Turkish, Middle Eastern and Arabic backgrounds. Now there are bakeries in San Diego, CA that specialize in baking fresh gourmet baklava.
Baklava is a robust, flaky pastry made with layers of phyllo that is unleavened dough. This type of mixture does not include yeast or other baking helpers to rise. The layers are buttered and include honey or syrup mixed with nuts like walnuts, pistachios, pecans, hazelnuts or almonds. Some recipes also add dates, apricots or chocolate chips. The mixture is baked in the oven after being cut into either diamond, square or triangle shapes. After cooling, it can be served with chocolate sauce or a combination of honey, lemon and cinnamon. Many people also prefer it without any sauce.
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 promote good heart health and strengthen bones and teeth. Hazelnuts help regulate the amount of calcium in the body and promote healthy bones and joints. Pecans encourage healthy bones and teeth, lower blood pressure and help muscles recover faster and less painfully after exercise. Pistachios reduce the risk of vision loss and promote healthier blood, immune systems and skin. Walnuts contain omega-3 and antioxidants and lower the risk of heart disease and cancer.
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 robust, flaky pastry made with layers of phyllo that is unleavened dough. This type of mixture does not include yeast or other baking helpers to rise. The layers are buttered and include honey or syrup mixed with nuts like walnuts, pistachios, pecans, hazelnuts or almonds. Some recipes also add dates, apricots or chocolate chips. The mixture is baked in the oven after being cut into either diamond, square or triangle shapes. After cooling, it can be served with chocolate sauce or a combination of honey, lemon and cinnamon. Many people also prefer it without any sauce.
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 promote good heart health and strengthen bones and teeth. Hazelnuts help regulate the amount of calcium in the body and promote healthy bones and joints. Pecans encourage healthy bones and teeth, lower blood pressure and help muscles recover faster and less painfully after exercise. Pistachios reduce the risk of vision loss and promote healthier blood, immune systems and skin. Walnuts contain omega-3 and antioxidants and lower the risk of heart disease and cancer.
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.
