Filo Freak

If you don’t know already, I am a filo freak. I can tell you where to find filo, the various prices, which ones are better and the list goes on. I honestly feel bad for someone who asks a simple question: Where can I find decent filo dough? They have no idea the conversation they are stepping into or how long it could go.

Growing up, I remember only 1 kind of filo dough: Althens. I had no idea the plethora of brands and quality out there until I began my first baklava business here in Utah  a few years ago. I have tried most of them as I search for the cheapest, most reliable in quality and size. The cheapest ($2.99) can always be found at the International markets around town. In one freezer, you can find 3-4 different kinds of brands, thicknesses, and number of sheets. If you go into the international markets, you will see thickness represented by by #1-4: thinnest for Baklava-thickest for savory pastries. However variety at these markets do not equal consistency. It’s a crapshoot: your odds are 50/50 that you could end up with a very pissy pastry dough.

What do I mean by pissy pastry? The filo has been defrosted and refrozen 1 or more times. When you unroll it, there will be a center section where all the sheets are fused together. In order to complete your recipe, you have to rip and piece the sections together; thereby, making you a very pissy person by the time it is done. Be sure to have a glass of wine on hand as a reward for your efforts when you are done!

I have come to realize that I am willing to pay more ($5.99)for a consistent brand at a regular market because it will take me less time to assemble and I will be a happier person. Paying an extra $3 is worth my happiness! Athenos, Fillo Factory, and Sinbad brands can be found easily. Now, the differences are more subtle: some boxes have different number of sheets or  are different sizes. You box of filo can contain, on average 22-40 sheets inside. Fillo Factory is about 24, Athenos is 40. Size? Well, it is rare that the sheets actually fit my tray. I am usually either cutting them to fit or folding over the long edges.

There is one place where I have found perfection in price, consistency, and size. You would never believe it: Trader Joe’s!!

Cost: $2.99

Size: just perfect for my pan, no trimming needed

Consistency: 99% perfect. Out of all the boxes I bought last year, only one was ratty. By ratty, I mean the edges were rough and it seemed like it was the last of the dough cut. TJ’s was kind of enough to give me a new box once I showed them the pictures.

There is a downside to this: It is only a seasonal product and is in store only over the winter from November to February. My advice to you: Stock up if you know you are going to use it. It is the best one around.

Now you know my secret to why I am a bit of a nutcase when it comes to filo and we didn’t even touch on the shredded filo …That’s a whole other world I have yet to conquer!