History of Baklava
Well I was going to post a really great essay I ran acrossed on the web that described the multi ethnic origons of this delicasy. But I can no longer find it on the web (It was the best one covering ancient culinary history that I've ever seen).
But I did run acrossed a Blog from a lebanese bakery that specializes int his dish. So will quote some material from it, and add a little from my own memory.
http://chezesham.blogspot.com/2004/07/baagh-lava-baklava.html
http://chezesham.blogspot.com/2004/11/chez-sham.html
posted by Addai | 7:51 AM
5 Comments:
If I remember right, from that old article. This dish has a really interesting history. IT was first created for the ancient Babylonia kings and noblemen. It was basically like a coffee cake, sweet bread. It had actual thick bread layers which had honey and nuts in between. And was extremely expensive.
The the next developement of it came from the Armenians, who added some of the the spices we enjoy in it. Like Cinnamon, and cloves.
The Greeks, also were the next to really develop it, by inventing philo dough. Where it took on it present form.
Anyway in studying Christian history, I found it interesting how this dish was invented by passing it from one culture to the next. All three cultures I mentioned, were also very influential in "Eastern Chrisitanity" (non Roman, non Western).
D'ya know Trader Joe's sells a baklava assortment? I was going to get some but it was a little expensive. I think we'll have to try it, though. There's nothing like a flaky little smidge of baklava and some nice, strong coffee.
BTW the Turks would absolutely seethe to see themselves left out of this discussion. They claim the best baklava is theirs, because of the flaky layers.
It's one of those impossible-to-settle battles, like who has the best bagel in NYC.
"D'ya know Trader Joe's sells a baklava assortment? I was going to get some but it was a little expensive. I think we'll have to try it, though. There's nothing like a flaky little smidge of baklava and some nice, strong coffee."
Yeah that's actually been something I've brought to parties in the past. But I'm taking Almond cookies from Lion Supermarket to the church potluck.
"It's one of those impossible-to-settle battles, like who has the best bagel in NYC."
The way to solve it is with a "cook off", as is done with Chilli, and various baked goods at fairs, and festivals. Whoever can sway the pannel of expert judges takes the prize.
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