Homemade Nestlé Damak Baklava Recipe

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Few chocolate experiences are as culturally rich and flavorfully unique as Nestlé Damak Baklava. As I bring this exploration to a close, I reflect on the remarkable journey my taste buds have embarked upon, a journey that intertwines the storied traditions of Turkish cuisine with the innovation and quality Nestlé is renowned for.

What Is Nestlé Damak Baklava?

Nestlé Damak Baklava is a premium Turkish chocolate bar that blends the rich flavors of white chocolate, pistachios, and baklava pastry.

Ingredients:

For The Baklava:

• 1 package of phyllo dough (thawed)
• 2 cups of mixed nuts (pistachios, walnuts, and almonds are preferred)
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1 cup of melted butter.

For The Syrup:

• 1 cup of water
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1/2 cup of honey
• 1 cinnamon stick
• A few strips of orange or lemon peel
• 2 teaspoons of lemon juice.

For The Chocolate Layer:

• 200g of Nestlé dark chocolate (break into pieces for easier melting)
• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil (optional for a smoother texture).

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Nuts Mixture: Finely chop the mixed nuts and toss them with the ground cinnamon. Set aside. This mixture will be layered between the phyllo dough, offering a crunchy, flavorful contrast.
3. Phyllo Layering: Unroll the phyllo dough and cover it with a damp cloth to prevent drying. Place a sheet of phyllo in the bottom of the prepared dish and brush liberally with melted butter. Repeat this process, layering six sheets of phyllo, ensuring to brush each with melted butter. After the initial layers, evenly spread a portion of the nut mixture.
4. Building Layers: Continue the process by adding two sheets of phyllo (each brushed with butter), followed by a layer of the nut mixture. Repeat this pattern until the nut mixture is used up, finishing with about 6 layers of phyllo on top.
5. Before Baking: Using a sharp knife, cut the layered phyllo into diamond or square shapes, ensuring to cut all the way through.
6. Baking: Place the baklava in the preheated oven and bake for about 50 minutes, or until the phyllo turns rich, golden brown.
7. Syrup: While the baklava is baking, combine water, sugar, honey, cinnamon stick, and citrus peels in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, lower the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice. Let it cool, and remove the cinnamon stick and peels.
8. Finishing Touch: As soon as the baklava comes out of the oven, evenly pour the cooled syrup over the hot baklava. Let it fully absorb the syrup and cool completely.
9. Chocolate Layer: Gently melt the Nestlé dark chocolate in a heat-proof bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) or in short bursts in a microwave, stirring frequently. Mix in coconut oil (if using) until smooth.
10. Final Assembly: Once the baklava is cooled and has absorbed the syrup, drizzle or spread the melted chocolate over the top, allowing some to seep into the cuts. Let the chocolate set before serving.

Tips for Success:

• Phyllo Dough: Work quickly with phyllo dough, as it dries out quickly. Cover unused sheets with a damp towel.
• Cutting: Cutting the baklava before baking helps the syrup absorb better, making the dessert moist and flavorful.
• Cooling: Allow the baklava to cool completely before adding the chocolate layer to prevent it from melting into the layers instead of setting on top.
• Storage: Baklava can be stored in an airtight container for several days, making it perfect for preparing in advance.

What To Serve With

Beverages:

Hot Drinks:

• Turkish Coffee: A strong, traditional choice that provides a robust contrast to the sweetness of the Nestle Damak baklava.
• Tea: Middle Eastern mint or a spiced chai can offer a refreshing and warm compliment.
• Espresso: The intensity of an espresso pairs well with the richness of the chocolate.

Cold Drinks:

• Iced Coffee or Tea: These can provide a cool and bitter counterpoint to the dessert’s sweetness.
• Milk: A classic choice when chocolate is involved, cold milk can cleanse the palate between bites.

Dessert Wines And Liquors:

• Dessert Wines: A sweet dessert wine like a Sauternes or a Vin Santo can accompany the baklava nicely, balancing the lovely wine and the intense flavors of the chocolate and nuts.
• Liqueurs: For a nutty echo, consider serving with a glass of Amaretto or Frangelico or a shot of raki, also known as ‘lion’s milk,’ a classic Turkish spirit.

Dairy:

• Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or pistachio ice cream beside a slice of baklava adds a creamy texture and a chilled element.
• Whipped Cream: A light and fluffy whipped cream can be served on the side to add a different dimension to each bite.
• Greek Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt or labneh can provide tanginess and creaminess to counterbalance the Nestle Damak baklava sweetness.

Fresh Fruits:

• Oranges or Citrus Segments: The acidity and the freshness of citrus fruits cut through the sweetness and can cleanse the palate.
• Figs and Berries: Figs, strawberries, or raspberries can add a juicy and slightly tart element to pair with the decadent baklava.

Nuts And Seeds:

• Toasted Pistachios or Walnuts: Since these nuts are already in baklava, more can be offered on the side for additional texture and flavor.
• Sesame Seeds: A small dish of sesame seeds may also complement the nuttiness of the baklava.

Health Benefits

Nuts (Pistachios And Walnuts):

• Heart Health: Nuts contain healthy fats that can help to reduce harmful cholesterol levels, lowering the risk of heart disease.
• Antioxidants: Both pistachios and walnuts are high in antioxidants, which can protect cells from damage by free radicals.
• Fibre: Nuts are high in dietary fiber, which can aid digestion and promote a feeling of fullness, which helps manage weight.

Honey (If Used In Syrup):

• Antioxidants: Honey is rich in antioxidants, which have various health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and cancer.
• Digestion: Honey can aid in digestion and has antibacterial properties.

Chocolate:

• Flavanols in Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate is rich in flavanols, which have antioxidant properties and can improve heart health by lowering blood pressure and improving blood flow to the brain and heart.

Final Thoughts

Nestlé Damak Baklava is a testament to the power of blending cultural traditions with modern confectionery innovation. By marrying the rich, nutty, and sweet layers of traditional baklava with the smooth, indulgent quality of chocolate, this dessert offers a unique taste experience. It is a shining example of how food can serve as a bridge between cultures, offering a taste of the Middle East with a twist that appeals to a global audience.

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