BAKLAVA: Help needed!

[lynninpa]

I want to try my hand at making Baklava. I found a very simple recipe yet it called for "chopped mixed nuts." What kind of nuts would you add? I always thought it was just pistachios. If using mixed nuts, I was thinking of using pistachios, walnuts and almonds. What do ya' think?

 

[SwedishMeatball]

That's a great combination. I've also seen recipes with pine nuts.

 

[bosstoboss]

Walnuts are the best nuts to use. That's the way they make it in our area.

 

[merekc]

We use walnuts and pecans. I don't think I've ever had it with pistachios, unless I'm crazy and just don't recognize my nuts! However, I googled it and there are recipes that use them. I guess you learn something new everyday.

I think your combo sounds fine.

 

[lynninpa]

We use walnuts and pecans. I don't think I've ever had it with pistachios, unless I'm crazy and just don't recognize my nuts! However, I googled it and there are recipes that use them. I guess you learn something new everyday.

I think your combo sounds fine.

Hmmm... pecans do sound yummy!

 

[OceanAnnie]

I've gotten them with walnuts and pecans too. Might have been other nuts on them. I just glanced before inhaling.

 

[Crazy Kanga]

Every recipe I have seen calls for either almonds, walnuts, or pecans.

 

[SweetSpellsSweetie]

I just got back from WDW tonight. Anyway, while eating my way through F&W Fest- the booth for Turkey had pistacchio baklava. It was very good, but I like the kind with walnuts they had in Morroco.

 

[lynninpa]

Thought I would share the recipe I am going to use. I love to cook, yet baking is another story. heehee Yet this recipe sounds simple-and delish!

BAKLAVA

• 1 pound chopped mixed nuts
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 (16 ounce) package phyllo dough
• 1 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. Toss together cinnamon and nuts. Unroll phyllo and cut whole stack in half to fit the dish. Cover phyllo with a damp cloth while assembling the baklava.
3. Place two sheets of phyllo in the bottom of the prepared dish. Brush generously with butter. Sprinkle 2 to 3 tablespoons of the nut mixture on top. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with about 6 sheets of phyllo. Using a sharp knife, cut baklava (all the way through to the bottom of the dish) into four long rows, then (nine times) diagonally to make 36 diamond shapes.
4. Bake in preheated oven 50 minutes or until golden and crisp.
5. ****While baklava is baking, combine sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil. Stir in honey, vanilla and lemon zest, reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes.
6. Remove the baklava from the oven and immediately spoon the syrup over it. Let cool completely before serving. Store uncovered.

 

[lynninpa]

The recipe says ending with about 6 sheets of phyllo. Do you think I should brush the very top with butter?

 

[Poohnatic]

I would brush the top with butter. Every time I've had it, the top has been shiny, which doesn't happen if you don't butter it.

I'm used to walnuts and pecans, though the others sound good.

Now you've got me craving a Galactabouriko. What's that? Baklava with custard in it. It's so good, the custard keeps the honey from making things too sweet.

Suzanne

 

[merekc]

I'd brush the top with butter also.

I'm now hungry for a gyro!

 

[OceanAnnie]

I would brush the top with butter. Every time I've had it, the top has been shiny, which doesn't happen if you don't butter it.

I'm used to walnuts and pecans, though the others sound good.

Now you've got me craving a Galactabouriko. What's that? Baklava with custard in it. It's so good, the custard keeps the honey from making things too sweet.

Suzanne

Ohhh that does sound good!!!

 

[jsmith]

pistachios are traditional in Afghanistan and Turkey. Almonds, walnuts or a cominibation in the arab countries and north africa. I do not believe pecans grow in the middle east so they would be a North American "twist"

 

[MrsJ Henry]

I'm Armenian so this is one of our staple treats!!!!
Use Walnuts!!!! There are many recipes out there. Some are good and some are NOT good.

 

[bosstoboss]

I'm Armenian so this is one of our staple treats!!!!
Use Walnuts!!!! There are many recipes out there. Some are good and some are NOT good.

I'm Greek and this is what we use too!

 

[lynninpa]

Thanks for all of the suggestions!

 

[CathrynRose]

I'm Greek

Me too!