Food Holidays: National Baklava Day

Welcome to our series sharing Food Holidays: November 17th, 2021. Today is National Baklava Day. I don’t know about you, but Charlie and I haven’t ever had Baklava and I am not sure either of us want to try this. How about you. Have you had Baklava and if so, did you like it?

National Baklava Day

I would like to ask you a question. What comes to mind when you hear “Baklava”? Greek festivals, sweet Pastry, or Honey and Nuts? Baklava is a Mediterranean confection that has been enjoyed for Centuries, through invasions, economic woes, and World Wars. We’re going to plunge into the History of this fascinating dessert on November 17th. Learning about local Baklava customs, and how the ancients created the original versions of Baklava. a

NATIONAL BAKLAVA DAY ACTIVITIES

1. Baklava, once a dish so special it was only considered fit for the rich, is popular around the world today. Many Countries, including Lebanon, Armenia, Turkey, and Greece have their own regional variations of Baklava, which they prepare for Festivals. Choose a Country whose Baklava style you respond to, then adopt one of their Festivals or customs for your own pleasure. For example, Muslims in the Balkan region prepare Baklava during Ramadan, while Christians in the same area make Baklava for Easter and Christmas. Did you know the Easter version, of Baklava is made with 40 layers of Dough to represent the 40 days of Lent?
2. During this time of the year, there is a multitude of Cultural Festivals to enjoy. Including many where Baklava can be found. A simple Internet search will quickly tell you when the next festival is happening near you.
3. Think of the Baklava experience in much the same way as tasting a fine Wine. First, contemplate the beauty that is Baklava. Then pierce the Baklava with your fork so that one third of the piece is behind the fork and the other two thirds are facing you. Take time to notice the aroma as you lift your Baklava-filled fork. Then slowly take a bite. Savor the taste as the Baklava melts on your palate.

5 STEPS TO BAKLAVA

1. Since the labor involved in hand-making Phyllo Dough is quite daunting, it makes sense to use prepared Phyllo Dough which is available in grocery stores. Just make sure you have at least 30 layers.
2. Place a layer of Phyllo Dough in a large baking pan, brush the Baklava with melted Butter, then add another layer, brush with Butter, and repeat this process for several more layers.
3. After building up several layers of Butter-brushed Phyllo Dough, add a layer of finely chopped Nuts like Walnuts, Pistachios, or Hazelnuts. Continue layering Pastry and brushing with melted Butter, adding more Nut layers as desired.
4. ​When all your layers are in place, before baking, cut the Baklava into individual pieces; like a Parallelogram shape works well.
5. ​Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes, until lightly browned, and while hot, pour Honey or Syrup over the entire pan, allowing it to soak through all the layers. Then try to wait for the Baklava to cool slightly before eating.

WHY PEOPLE LOVE NATIONAL BAKLAVA DAY

1. We can’t think of any other sweet concoction that’s similar to Baklava which has many ultra-thin Pastry layers like Croissants, Nuts like a Coffee Cake, and Honey like a Sticky Bun, yet Baklava is not at all like any of these things. It’s in a little Pastry world all its own.
2. Just thinking about Baklava conjures up long, warm Summer evenings on a Greek Island, watching the sun set while sipping Tea.
3. If we really have to have a reason to enjoy Baklava, let it be this. It’s sweet but not too sweet, a bit crispy but also tender, exotic and foreign, yet mysteriously familiar.

Homemade Bread Day

The best thing about National Homemade Bread Day might be the way it incorporates all your senses. The sweet smell that lingers in the kitchen; the sight of steam rising from the top of the loaf, the warmth in your mouth, the taste of home when you take a bite. “Mmmmm” that comes while you chew the bread. It’s time to get to baking on November 17th to celebrate and break Bread with your friends.

NATIONAL HOMEMADE BREAD DAY ACTIVITIES

1. Pull out a favorite family recipe or find a new recipe for Bread in a Cookbook or online. While you’re at it make more than one loaf of Bread.
2. Whether they act as a Sous Chef or a happy taster, food is community. We’re drawn to feed those we love, and National Homemade Bread Day is all about sharing that love.
3. Once your Bread has cooled, store a loaf in a freezer bag with all the air out which will let you indulge in the fruits of National Homemade Bread Day long past the Holiday.

​5 REASONS BREAD SMELLS SO GOOD!

1. Bread’s aroma comes from its ingredients. The Fermentation process, and reactions during the baking process.
2. Maltol, which has the scent of Caramel and Cotton Candy, and Isomaltol give Bread crust its flavor and aroma.
3. Certain compounds give Breadcrumbs and, strangely, Cucumbers their scent.
4. ​Did you know Scientists have used 14 molecules to mimic the smell of Baguettes.

WHY PEOPLE LOVE NATIONAL HOMEMADE BREAD DAY

1. By baking your own Bread, you can make the Bread as healthy or as decadent as you want. Whole Wheat, Cracked-Wheat, Sunflower Seeds, or Honey. Chocolate, Peanut Butter, two different kinds of Sugar, and Heavy Whipping Cream.
2. Make sure you can pronounce every ingredient you add. No Azodicarbonamide which is also used in Yoga Mat in YOUR kitchen.
3. It can be tough to find Bread for those with Celiac Disease or other Gluten Intolerances but there are thousands of DIY recipes are out there, sure to make your belly — and your wallet— happy.

Thank you,

Glenda, Charlie and David Cates