Greece - Baklava!!!

 

           

 

It's been a couple of weeks since my last post, which was just a quick snippet of information and photos surrounding my family's Thanksgiving holiday.  I'm finding it more difficult than I originally imagined keeping up with my weekly schedule of planning, preparing, and executing the multicultural meals I originally set out to create. When I do find the time to accomplish the meals I am that much more pleased because I am aware of the effort that goes into them. Of course, it is all the more helpful when I receive input and advice from others who have taken interest, and that is just what happened for my current post. 

Recently, my Aunt Pam suggested I get some recipes from a few of her friends who happen to be from various places throughout the world.  One of her friends, Libby, is from Greece, and suggested I try to prepare her recipe for baklava. Baklava has a rather indefinite origin, as most every Middle Eastern nation claims it as their  creation. It is widely believed that baklava dates as far back as the 8th century B.C. by the Assyrians. They were supposedly the first to combine layers of thin bread dough with chopped nuts and honey, and then bake it in their primitive wood burning ovens. Mostly baked for special occasions and celebrations, it was generally considered a treat only for the rich up until the 19^th century.

History shows that by the 3^rd century B.C. the Greeks had gotten a hold of the recipe. They truly made it their own with their contribution of phyllo dough.   Phyllo dough is made with a certain technique that involves rolling dough as thin as a leaf (phyllo literally means “leaf” in the Greek language).  The thin layers of dough contribute to the dish’s well-known and popular crispy texture.

Upon reading the recipe I was definitely a bit overwhelmed with the amount of steps required to create the dish. However, once I got started and took it step by step (and with the help of my mom reading the directions to me as I went) it really wasn’t too bad.  In the end we created a rich, crispy, delicious dessert that everyone enjoyed.  I definitely felt like I accomplished something by the time it was done!  Thanks again to my Aunt Pam for suggesting Libby to me, and thanks to Libby for the delicious recipe!!