In the beginning, there was Baklava…

Maybe not since the beginning of time, but a variation of the familiar treat has been around for over 2000 yrs! Thinly rolled out dough filled with various nuts harken back to 8th century Assyrians. It did not become baklava that we know today until the 17th century under the Ottoman Empire. The sultan wanted to give the Janissaries a special treat during Ramadan, so he ordered the kitchen to create a sweet dessert.

Baklava was made for the rich because of all the ingredients and labor. It was common saying to hear people say “I am not rich enough to eat baklava every day.” By the 19th century, pastry shops were popping up around Constantinople making this delicacy more mainstream.

We are now in the 21st century and it is time to break with tradition a bit and shake up some flavor amongst the  layers! It’s time to get creative and not be afraid to take risks in our flavor concoctions!

Take a look below at yufka being rolled out just like it was hundreds of years ago in Cappadoccia! Enjoy a little time traveling!