Dawn Baklava

Background and History

Baklava is a rich, sweet dessert pastry made of layers of filo pastry filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey. Its history dates back to the 8th century BC in the Assyrian Empire. By 16th century, Ottoman chefs had perfected it in the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, leading to the widespread popularity of Baklava throughout the Middle East and Mediterranean regions. This particular recipe for Dawn Baklava has been passed down through generations and is ideal to savor during special occasions, representing the breaking of fast, symbolizing renewal and the sweetness in life.

Ingredients

• Filo pastry (1 package, 16 oz)
• Walnuts (3 cups, finely chopped)
• Almonds (1 cup, finely chopped)
• Sugar (1 cup)
• Cinnamon (2 teaspoons)
• Butter (1 cup, melted)
• Honey (1 cup)
• Water (1/2 cup)
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons)
• Lemon juice (1 tablespoon)

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature for baking the baklava evenly.
2. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a coating of butter.
3. In a large bowl, combine walnuts, almonds, sugar, and cinnamon. Mix until everything is well-blended.
4. Unroll the package of filo pastry. Cut the whole stack in half to fit the pan. Cover them with a damp cloth to avoid drying out.
5. Place two sheets of filo in the baking dish and brush it lightly with butter. Repeat this process until you have 8 sheets layered.
6. Spread a thin layer of the nut mixture over the filo pastry.
7. Continue layering filo: two sheets, butter, nuts, until the nuts are used up. Top layer should be 6-8 sheets deep.
8. With a sharp knife, cut the unbaked baklava into diamond or square shapes.
9. Bake for about 50 minutes until the baklava is golden and crisp. Use a cooking timer to avoid overbaking.

Syrup Preparation

1. While baklava is baking, combine sugar and water in a small pot over medium heat and bring to a boil.
2. Add vanilla extract and lemon juice to the pot.
3. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently until slightly thickened.
4. After removing the baklava from the oven, immediately pour the honey syrup evenly over the baked layers. Let the baklava cool completely allowing the syrup to be absorbed fully.

How to Enjoy Your Baklava

The beauty of Dawn Baklava lies not only in its rich, textured taste but also in how it offers itself best with an accompaniment. Pair this delicious sweet treat with a cup of hot tea or Turkish coffee to enhance the flavors. To enjoy authentic experience, serve alongside some lightly whipped cream or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream, whose coldness perfectly contrasts with the warm spice and nuts of the dessert. Share it with friends and family during the breaking of fast or as a special indulgence anytime. Remember, the secret to enjoying baklava is to savor it slowly, letting each bite melt down with a satisfying finish.