Baklava, Oh Baklava

Good baklava has evaded me for a long time now. About four years ago when Studio No. 7 was still open, we hosted an event for Pinterest. They brought in a local chef for the event. After an impeccable five-course meal, he served baklava for dessert. It was one of the best desserts that I’ve had —perfectly chewy, enough crunch…sweet, but not sickeningly so.

I was bouncing in and out of the kitchen so that I knew he didn’t make it himself. After asking, he told me that his friend, a local maker, had the goods. At the time, I wasn’t smart enough to write down the information that he gave me.

It was that fateful day that has had me on a hunt for baklava for years. I try it everywhere I see it. Normally, I’m disappointed. Every now and then, a decent one comes about. Never am I wowed. I’ve had it at Turkish restaurants. Hell, I’ve had it in Turkey. Nothing. (This dessert I had at Aziza did give me a feeling that was close, except that it wasn’t baklava at all).

That was until today.

I’ve been spending a lot of time at the Buford Farmer’s Market (a lot by quarantine standards). Today as I strolled to the register, I allowed my eyes to linger at all the items in the bakery display case. Out of the corner of my eye, all the way on the bottom shelf, I spied perfect triangles of baklava.

It didn’t look especially promising, but I figured it was worth a shot instead of succumbing to the temptation of a slice of cheesecake.

I came home and rested the container on the counter after storing all the other groceries.

As I cooked, I didn’t give it much of a thought.

I ate dinner and still wasn’t too excited.

Then on my way to the kitchen to retrieve some water, I decided to take a small nibble. Forgoing a knife, I used my fingers to rip through the layers of phyllo dough and nuts. I popped it into my mouth and wow. It was magic.

I’m not sure if it was exactly like the one that started my chase, but it was worthy of being found.