Welcome to our series sharing Food Holidays: December 17th, 2022. Today is Homemade Bread Day. I wish I had knew this earlier in the week. I would have looked up a Bread recipe for Charlie to prepare in his Homeschool Cooking Class. I’ve been wanting Dinner Rolls for Thanksgiving dinner and can’t find the ones I want. Looks like Charlie and I might have to make Yeast Rolls. Would you like to join us and you could make Rolls for your dinner.
I would like to ask you what comes to mind when you hear “Baklava”? Greek festivals, sweet Pastry, Honey and Nuts? This Mediterranean confection has been enjoyed for Centuries, through invasions, economic woes, and even world wars. Today we’re going to plunge into the history of Baklava and learn about local Baklava customs,. Including how the ancients created the original versions, and how you can make your own Baklava .
NATIONAL BAKLAVA DAY ACTIVITIES
- Baklava, was once a dish so special it was only considered fit for the rich. Baklava 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 and other special occasions. 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 typically prepare Baklava during Ramadan, while Christians in the same area make Baklava for Easter and Christmas.
- 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.
- You should think of the Baklava experience in much the same way as tasting a fine Wine. First, contemplate the beauty that of Baklava on your plate. Then pierce 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. Slowly take a bite,. Then savor the taste as the Baklava melts on your palate.
5 STEPS TO BAKLAVA
- Step 1: Find your Phyllo. Since the labor involved in hand-making Phyllo Dough can be daunting, it makes sense to use prepared Phyllo Dough which can be purchased at grocery stores. Make sure you have at least 30 layers.
- Step 2: Start layering and brushing. Place a layer of Phyllo Dough in a large baking pan. Brush the Phyllo Dough with melted Butter. Then add another layer, brush with Butter, and repeat this process for several more layers.
- Step 3: Add nuts and more Pastry. After building up several layers of Butter-brushed Phyllo, add a layer of finely-chopped Nuts which can be Walnuts, Pistachios, or Hazelnuts. Which are the most common. Then continue layering Pastry and brushing with melted Butter, adding more nNut layers as desired.
- Step 4: Cut your pieces. When all your layers are in place, before baking, cut the Baklava into individual pieces; a parallelogram works well.
- Step 5: Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes, until lightly browned, and while hot, pour Honey or Syrup liberally over the entire pan, allowing it to soak through all layers. Then try to wait for Baklava to cool slightly before eating.
WHY PEOPLE LOVE NATIONAL BAKLAVA DAY
- We can’t think of any other kind of sweet concoction that’s similar to Baklava. Baklava 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 delicious little Pastry world all its own.
- Just thinking about Baklava conjures up long, warm Summer evenings on a Greek Island, watching the Sun set over the turquoise Sea while sipping Tea, and indulging in a second helping of freshly-made Baklava.
- If we really have to have a reason to enjoy Baklava, let it be this: because it’s sweet but not too sweet, a bit crispy but also tender, and it’s exotic and foreign, yet mysteriously familiar.
Five facts about Baklava:
Did you know Baklava is the ancestor of Strudel?
Baklava was brought to Hungary by Turkish invaders in the 16th Century.
The dessert Cake was created sometime before the 16th Century.
Baklava consists of 30 or more sheets of Phyllo Dough brushed with lots of Butter, and layered with finely chopped Pistachios, Walnuts, and/or Almonds.
The origin of the name is still up for dispute: Turkish etymologists claim an old Turkish origin while others argue that the word “Baklava” may come from a Mongolian root.
NATIONAL HOMEMADE BREAD DAY ACTIVITIES
- Today is the day to pull out a favorite family recipe or find a new recipe in a cookbook or online. While you’re baking today make more than one loaf!
- Whether they act as a Sous Chef or simply a happy taster, food is community. We’re drawn to feed those we love, and National Homemade Bread Day is all about sharing the love. Which is why you should invited family to help you make the Bread. Remember #kidscancook
- Once your Bread has cooled, store a loaf in a freezer bag with all the air out. Freezing your Bread will let you indulge in the Fruits of your National Homemade Bread Day long past its typical expiration date.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
