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.
It is a high calorie food, but it is also a healthy dessert thanks to the nuts inside. All nuts are packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein and calcium. They also cause positive changes to good and bad cholesterol levels.
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 sauce drizzled over this treat also has nutritional properties. Honey improves memory, is a natural energy booster and prevents low white blood cell counts. Lemons are high in vitamin C and promote healthier skin and eyes, and strengthens blood vessels and immune systems. Cinnamon regulates blood sugar and encourages heart health.
This tasty baked good is often offered at wedding receptions and on religious holidays. Those celebrating the Jewish holidays Purim and Rosh Hashanna share this dish. Purim celebrates the escape from death of the Jewish people from the king's royal minister in the Persian Empire. Rosh Hashanna is a two-day event commemorating Adam and Eve's creation. This treat made with nuts that are light in color are used to signify a year that will be good. Nuts like walnuts that are dark in color are not used since this foretells a bad year in the future.
This pastry is also included in the month-long Muslim celebration of Ramadan. Those involved in this time of fasting strive to improve their spirituality, self control and charity work. This dessert is also offered during the Christian holidays remembering Jesus Christ at Easter and Christmas.
Preparing baklava can be tricky and take some time and patience. Purchasing this selection from a bakery that makes this specialty guarantees a pleasing, satisfying experience for special occasions or as a treat. Both kids and adults enjoy this tasty dessert.
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.
It is a high calorie food, but it is also a healthy dessert thanks to the nuts inside. All nuts are packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein and calcium. They also cause positive changes to good and bad cholesterol levels.
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 sauce drizzled over this treat also has nutritional properties. Honey improves memory, is a natural energy booster and prevents low white blood cell counts. Lemons are high in vitamin C and promote healthier skin and eyes, and strengthens blood vessels and immune systems. Cinnamon regulates blood sugar and encourages heart health.
This tasty baked good is often offered at wedding receptions and on religious holidays. Those celebrating the Jewish holidays Purim and Rosh Hashanna share this dish. Purim celebrates the escape from death of the Jewish people from the king's royal minister in the Persian Empire. Rosh Hashanna is a two-day event commemorating Adam and Eve's creation. This treat made with nuts that are light in color are used to signify a year that will be good. Nuts like walnuts that are dark in color are not used since this foretells a bad year in the future.
This pastry is also included in the month-long Muslim celebration of Ramadan. Those involved in this time of fasting strive to improve their spirituality, self control and charity work. This dessert is also offered during the Christian holidays remembering Jesus Christ at Easter and Christmas.
Preparing baklava can be tricky and take some time and patience. Purchasing this selection from a bakery that makes this specialty guarantees a pleasing, satisfying experience for special occasions or as a treat. Both kids and adults enjoy this tasty dessert.
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