dimanche 8 février 2015

Gourmet Baklava Is A Rich, Sweet Treat

By Beryl Dalton


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 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 encourage a healthy cardiovascular system and makes teeth and bones stronger. Hazelnuts play a role in regulating the body's calcium levels and also strengthens joints and bones. Pecans reduce high blood pressure, assist muscles in recovering quicker after exertion, and strengthen bones and teeth. Pistachios promote continued health of the eyes, efficient blood flow, stronger immune system and younger looking skin. The antioxidants and omega-3 in walnuts reduce the chance of cancer and heart disease.

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.

This delicious pastry is often served at wedding receptions and various religious holidays. Rosh Hashanna and Purim are Jewish holidays. The former is a two-day celebration for the creation of Adam and Eve. Serving a light-colored selection and nuts signals a good upcoming year whereas using dark-colored nuts like walnuts symbolizes a bad upcoming year. The latter Jewish holiday celebrates the Jewish people who were not killed in the Persian Empire by the royal minister to the king.

It is also a common dessert eaten at the Muslim celebration of Ramadan. This spiritual event involves fasting for one month. It is a time for spiritual reflection and devotion, self discipline and control and less worldly thoughts and actions. This pastry is also served for Christian holidays like Christmas and Easter that celebrate the birth and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

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.




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