I have made no secret of my sweet tooth to my family and friends over the years. Baklava is such a popular dessert in Middle Eastern households, and when my mom would make some or order this pastry from the bakery she knew I could scarf down a couple of pieces with coffee at 6:00 in the morning during high school, no problem. However, with my metabolism decrease over the years I know I just can’t get away with that anymore. (Darnit!!) I have been on a mission to transform some of my favorite desserts like baklava into healthy breakfast treats. I figure if I eat my treat at breakfast I can burn it off the rest of the day! Hence my baklava granola was born.
Now I know granola has gotten a bad rap as well. Many of the varieties in stores either have too much saturated fat or sugar and high fructose corn syrup. Instead of saturated fat from butter or hydrogenated oils, this baklava granola has a healthy dose of good fats from the variety of nuts and coconut oil. Coconut oil contains about 50% lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid that has antiviral and antimicrobial properties, not to mention a fragrant smell and tropical flavor. You can substitute any kind of nut or seed butter for the almond butter, which creates a rich binding agent for the oats. This baklava is also not as sweet as the store bought variety. Instead of using 1 cup of sugar seen in traditional recipes I use a smaller amount of anti-oxidant rich honey or maple syrup. Traditionally baklava is sweetened with honey, but you can substitute part or all of the honey for maple syrup if that is what you prefer. Pistachios, cinnamon, and cloves round out the baklava flavor. I usually sprinkle this granola over a mixture of Greek yogurt and berries. This is my favorite breakfast in the summer–when the weather is warm, the berries in season and yogurt make a refreshing substitute for my standard oatmeal or eggs. My children love this granola plain or with milk. And yes, I have found this granola gives me much more sustained energy for my morning runs without the sugar rush of baklava. You can store this granola for up to two weeks in an airtight container–or you might find this granola will be inhaled by your family well before then! Here is my video tutorial:
your reflection in the spoon is so cute!
Just a quick note…
Since one of my CA cousins (I’m on the east coast) introduced me to your blog, I cannot begin to tell you how much I enjoy your posts! Having grown up in an Italian/Irish neighborhood, where everything we did or ate was compared to “those greek people”, it was a struggle to keep up our Palestinian/American individuality, and explain why it was sooo good to eat rice with Labne for a snack 😉…or how it was quite appropriate for us to attend Roman Catholic Mass…sigh…(we are Melkite)…sorry for the rant!!!
Anyway, keep up the good work, you have a lovely blog voice, and I hope your success continues! I especially enjoy your recipes and how they compare to how Situ or my parents prepared them…
Thank you,
Arlette
Date: Wed, 5 Jun 2013 17:48:18 +0000
To: headmom30@hotmail.com
Bless your heart Arlette…this is one reason I created this space, so people like you can feel like “home” and hang on to the cultural traditions we hold so dear. Also, to share it with the world so they can experience what we did! 😉 Hope you have many lovely meals and get togethers with your family, and thank you for following my blog…every comment and “like” is so appreciated!! xo
Hahaaaaaaaaa you have such attention to detail, I didn’t notice that till you told me! 😀
This looks DELISH!!!! I can’t wait to try it out. What a perfect solution for morning num-num cravings. I love how it is versatile enough to serve for breakfast for my children (and made in advance – crucial on those busy mornings!) as well as a fancied-up dessert for a dinner party. Brava yet again, Blanche!
Thank you so much Elizabeth, I hope your children love it as much as mine do–and yes you can make it ahead and have it on hand whenever you need it! 😉
Your baklava granola has been so inspiring. Now, I’m making different kinds of granola every week (got six mouths to feed.) Love your baklava granola…it’s the best!
Bless your heart Diana 6 mouths to feed? You are amazing! Thank you so much for your sweet comment, so glad you and your family are enjoying it!
Actually…it’s my mouth, my DH and 4 kids…and man…do we go through granola! 🙂
Love it Diana! 😉