Easy Homemade Baklava
PIN IT!This easy, homemade baklava is the perfect springtime dessert for any occasion!
Baklava was one of those desserts that I always assumed was too laborious or cumbersome to tackle. All of those layers of crispy, flaky pastry, filled with some aromatic, delicious nut filling? There’s no way that I could attempt such a complicated feat.
WRONG.
It was surprisingly easy. The only thing it really took was time and patience. Which are two things I didn’t have before now.
Side-tracking ever so slightly, the level of time I have free now is actually kind of startling. As many of you may, or may not know, I went from full-time to part-time with my official gig. That means 20 hours of my life is now freed up to do whatever I want. To be honest, it was terrifying at first. Luckily I had so much unpacking to do I didn’t really notice. However, now that most of the boxes are gone, I’m finding so many ways to soak up those hours in a way that’s healthy and good for me.
To start with, I’m spending more time freelancing – which helps financially and with my portfolio. Oh, and you may have noticed that more than 1 recipe a year is posted on this blog now 🙂 I’m going back to a 3 – 4 day a week posting schedule to bring back the love I once had for blogging, cooking and food styling.
Oh, and I’ve lost 4 pounds. Less snacking and more time to work out can really do that for you. I’m determined to finally get back in shape and make this blog a business again, and so far, it all seems to be working out.
With those updates out of the way, let’s go back to the baklava. My husband took this pan to work with him and his colleagues devoured it. I was worried it would be “too sweet,” but was welcomed with nothing but crumbs when he got home. The pastry was perfectly flakey, the delicious filling was just sweet enough and the addition of fresh berries added a natural element normal baklava is missing.
If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s not as heavy as cake or as fatty as cookies, this is for you. Plus, it’s just so darn pretty – it’ll liven up those dreary winter days in no time.
Easy Homemade Baklava
CLICK HERE FOR THE PRINTABLE VERSION OF THIS RECIPE!
Yields about 32 servings. Adapted from All Recipes.
Prep time: 15 – 20 minutes
Cook time: About 40 – 50 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup chopped almonds
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 2/3 cup pistachios
- 1-1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 16 ounce package phyllo dough, thawed
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- 2 cups blueberries and raspberries
- Fresh whipped cream for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9 x 13-inch glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix the nuts and cinnamon together. While working with the phyllo dough, make sure to cover the other stack with a damp cloth to avoid drying.
- Carefully peel 2 sheets of phyllo dough apart. Stack them on top of each other into the bottom of the 9 x 13-inch pan. Brush the top of the dough with melted butter and sprinkle with 2 to 3 tablespoons of nuts and cinnamon. Repeat the layers, 2 sheets at a time, being sure to brush the tops liberally with butter and nuts. Once you’re done, your last layer should be 3 to 4 sheets of phyllo dough.
- Using a sharp knife, cut diagonal slits in the top to make about 34 diamonds. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 -45 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. Let cool.
- Meanwhile, make the syrup by mixing the sugars, water and vanilla together. Bring to a boil and then reduce to low. Stir in the honey. Reduce to low and let simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Pour the syrup over the baklava. Let cool for about an hour.
- Once cool, stack the tops with fresh whipped cream and berries.
Nutritional information per serving (about 2 squares):
Calories: 250
Fat: 14 grams
Carbohydrates:24 grams
Fiber: 1.9 gram
Protein: 5 grams
Weight Watchers Points: 7
Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Bacon & Brussel Sprouts
This seasonal and delicious creamy butternut squash pasta with bacon and brussel sprouts is the perfect anytime meal!
Despite a mountain of boxes and a terrifying level of clutter in some of the rooms, this new place is *almost* starting to feel like home. I still wake up with a slight confusion as to where I am, but most of that fades as soon as I hear the loud-bellied squawk of the cranes outside of our pond. I don’t know how, but we lucked out with a rental house right on a quiet little pond, complete with hammock swing, fenced in backyard and fire pit. I foresee so many epic outdoor parties there this summer.
Well, once we make some local friends, that is. Since I’m working remotely again, this time with an actual home office, I’m thinking it’ll be a little harder to make friends than usual. For one, Oscar isn’t the best conversationist and two, well, it’s just me in this little house. Luckily most of E’s new colleagues are young and cool, so I’m relying on him to be our “friend maker.”
So if anyone knows anyone in Charleston looking to add a quirky, funny, traveling weirdo to their clique, give me a ring!
All joking aside, I’m really excited about this next chapter. Not only for our new location, but for my career. I was so unsure of how to run a business when I did this for 3 years, and I’ll be honest, I failed pretty miserably at it. However, I’m viewing this thing a little differently now. Maybe it’s because I’m out of my 20’s and now all responsible and shizz at 30 or the fact that I’m desperate, either way, I’m ready to take this thing by storm.
It also helps that I have a steady paycheck coming in from my other job, so I’m not as reliant on food to pay the bills.
Which is totally helpful. However, segwaying to food, if I had to rely on anything to bring in the bacon, it’s this creamy butternut squash pasta. Creamy butternut squash sauce, crispy pan-friend brussel sprouts and, you guessed it, BACON.
Although it’s a little decadent, the butternut squash is actually the star player. You don’t need as much cream or butter, but every bite is as creamy and mouthwatering as the last. Even though we’re on the tail end of winter, my old home (and many other states up North) are facing another downfall of snow, so this is the ultimate meal to enjoy after shoveling.
Or for us down south, a great meal to enjoy on the screened in porch while a cool breeze blows in. Sorry – I just had to.
Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Bacon & Brussel Sprouts
CLICK HERE FOR THE PRINTABLE VERSION OF THIS RECIPE!
Serves about 6. Sauce adapted from Two Peas and Their Pod.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Ingredients:
For the sauce:
- 1 medium butternut sauce, peeled and seeded
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- 1 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
For the brussel sprouts:
- 4 slices bacon
- 1 small red onion, peeled and sliced thinly
- 1 pound brussel sprouts, stems cut and thinly sliced
- Dash of salt and pepper
For the pasta:
- 1 box penne (whole wheat or regular)
- 1/4 cup shredded parmesan
- Fresh greens for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat oven 400 degrees F. Line a 9 x 13 baking pan with foil and add the butternut squash, flesh side up. Drizzle with olive oil and add salt and pepper. Roast for about 45 – 55 minutes, or until flesh is tender when pricked with a fork. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Once squash cooled enough to handle, scoop the flesh out with a large spoon and place into a food processor or powerful blender. Pour in chicken broth and blend. Gradually add cream (about 1 tablespoon at a time) until sauce is thick and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add pasta and a dash of salt. Cook until al-dente, about 7 – 8 minutes. Rinse and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the bacon and cook until crispy on both sides, about 4 minutes on each. Remove from pan and place on a paper towel lined plate. Once drained, chop into bite size pieces. Reserve about 2 tablespoons bacon grease, discarding the rest. Add the onions and cook until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add the brussel sprouts and cook on medium high heat until browned and slightly crispy, about 5 – 6 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix the pasta, brussel sprout mixture, bacon and sauce, tossing to coat. Serve with additional salt and pepper and sprinkled parmesan cheese. Garnish with greens.
Nutritional information per serving (about 1 cup):
Calories: 379.5
Fat: 14.6 grams
Carbohydrates: 67 grams
Fiber: 4.6 grams
Protein: 15.8 grams
Weight Watchers Points: 12
Claire
Tags:brussel sprouts, creamy butternut squash, easy pasta, healthy pasta, quick and easy pasta, squash pasta
Chopped Chicken, Strawberry & Goat Cheese Salad
It’s been over a month since the giveaway, so I think we need to catch up before hopping into my new favorite recipe ever – this chopped chicken, strawberry & goat cheese salad!
So, to start – we’ve moved! Not just to another city, house or apartment – but an entirely different state moved. After almost 7 incredible years in Alexandria, we’re relocated back down south to Charleston, SC! That means beautiful salads like these with beautiful Southern ingredients will be gracing my table far more frequently (yay 70 degree winters!)
Some other news (as if moving wasn’t enough) I’m officially going part-time with my job! Cue the happy dance. That means more time to create amazing recipes like this fresh, easy, and healthy salad and share them with you!
Okay – moving away from all of my news, let’s talk salad. But not just any salad, let’s talk this mouthwatering rendition of my favorite kind of chopped salad! Filled with crispy Tyson® Grilled & Ready® Chicken, tart strawberries, luscious avocados, crunchy walnuts, zesty Italian dressing and herby goat cheese. Seriously guys, it’s the best salad EVER.
For a girl who is constantly on the go with no time to do much of anything (especially now), Tyson® Grilled & Ready® Chicken strips are a lifesaver. They’re amazing in pasta, salad or on their own and are so simple and convienent! When they asked me to create a recipe for them paired with my favorite Italian dressing, Wish-Bone® , I was stoked. Since we’re moving back down south, I knew I had to add some fresh, summery ingredients – like strawberries and avocados.
This will most definitely be my go-to salad next week. With all of our pots and pans in storage, the only thing we have left not in a box is a mixing bowl and tongs. So, clearly it’s all salad, all day long.
Enough of my rambling – it’s time to share the recipe. Which is entirely why you guys are here anyway. So run to Walmart, buy Tyson® Grilled & Ready® Chicken and make this freaking salad. You will thank me, trust me.
Chopped Chicken, Strawberry & Goat Cheese Salad
Serves about 4. Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: About 5 – 6 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups chopped Tyson® Grilled & Ready® Chicken
- 1 bag fresh spinach
- 1 1/2 avocados, pitted and chopped
- 1 1/2 cups strawberries, chopped
- 3/4 cup chopped orange bell peppers
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons walnuts
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 3 ounces herbed goat cheese
- Wish-Bone® Italian Dressing
Directions:
- Chop the spinach finely and toss into a bowl. Mix in the chicken, strawberries, bell peppers, walnuts and cilantro. Carefully mix in the avocado and goat cheese.
- Lightly dress the salad and serve immediately.
Nutritional information per serving:
Calories: 325 Fat: 14.2 grams Carbohydrates: 18 grams Fiber: 6 grams Protein: 14 grams Weight Watchers Points: 7
Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Tyson Foods, Inc. and Pinnacle Foods Group LLC. All opinions are entirely my own.
Comments submitted may be displayed on other websites owned by the sponsoring brand.
Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Tyson Foods, Inc. and Pinnacle Foods Group LLC. All opinions are entirely my own.
Healthy Kick Start New Year Giveaway
The first week of 2016 is *almost* over and I’m just now posting on my blog. Looks like that resolution to be a better blogger has already failed. Such is life – regardless, instead of sharing the 10,000 recipes I have, I’m doing something even better – a New Year Giveaway!
This is for those, like me, who want to start the year off on the right foot. Not talking weight loss here, more just healthy lifestyle makeovers. As much as I’d like to lose a few pounds from the ol’ waistline, I’d much rather be healthier. I want to feel better, not just look better. And I think a resolution, or a goal, to be a healthier, happier person is much easier to keep.
So many people put so much pressure on themselves to lose weight or get in shape the first few weeks of the year. And I can understand that – holidays are all about indulging and gluttony. We eat too much, drink too much and forget to exercise amidst all of the celebrations. So, when New Years Day rolls around, we start it by filling our heads with so much negativity about our bodies and only focus on the things we NEED to change, not on the things that are already amazing. Sure, being thinner would be wonderful, but it won’t define who I am as a person. This year, and the rest of my 30’s, I’m going to focus more on the things that make me incredible and less on the things I wish I could change. It’s going to be the year of health and happiness, not weight loss and struggle.
Weight is just a small part of who we are – and for so many of us (me included) it’s the only thing we ever see. So this giveaway is to help YOU remember the other amazing parts of yourself – above and beyond the number on the scale.
One lucky winner will receive: a Ground 2 Table Spice Set to reignite your love for making delicious dishes for your family (without the need for lots of salt, butter and oil!)
A Vanilla Bliss Spa gift basket so you can pamper yourself after a long week of kicking ass at work or home.
A $70 giftcard to lulu lemon so you can splurge on some fabulous workout pants that’ll inspire you to go to that new yoga or spin class.
And three bags of Community Coffee to kick start your metabolism and give you a boost of healthy energy to conquer your to-do list.
To enter to win, simply fill out the prompts below! Giveaway ends January 22, 2016 at midnight. GOOD LUCK!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Claire
Tags:be happy, Healthy, healthy giveaway, lululemon, new years giveaway, positive thinking
Goat Cheese, Cranberry & Basil Steak Roll Ups
Looking for an easy, gluten-free New Years app? Whip up these delicious goat cheese, cranberry & basil steak roll ups!
Happy New Years Eve Eve! Do you have any big plans for ringing in 2016? This girl does – BIG ones.
Well, not Times Square ball drop big, but big for me at least. I’m having 10 people over for a fancy little dinner party. Not just that, I’m catering the whole tête-à-tête myself. Now, 10 people may not seem like a lot for some of you, but for our 900 square foot townhome, it’s a freak-ton. Plus, I tend to go a little batshitcrazy when it comes to hosting so I’m making enough food to feed 34.
I have 7 pounds of meat in the fridge, 2 pounds of potatoes, two bushels of brussel sprouts and asparagus, 1 pound of chocolate, a wheel of brie, a basket of charcuterie and cheese, a few loaves of bread and a case of champagne and wine. Oh and you can’t forget the bouquets of flowers for centerpieces.
I made about the same amount for 4 people last year and we had leftovers for days. I’m hoping my hungry friends will eat as much as they can so we’re not left with much leftover. Probably because mashed potatoes made with heavy cream and 3 sticks of butter don’t fit into my “new year, new you” diet plan.
Neither does a full case of booze, but I have no doubt that’ll be polished off by, like, 10 p.m. What can I say, I keep good company.
Honeslty, as I think back, I’ve been doing a cozy meal at home for the past 4 years. I went out a few years before that, when I was young, and it completely wore me out. As much as I love dressing up and sipping champagne with 10,000 of my closest friends – I’d much rater wear faux-leather leggings, an oversized sweater and drink my own cheap wine without judgement. Call that getting older, but I’m totally okay with it.
This year will definitely be the most I’ve hosted for dinner, so I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t freaking out a little. I know I’m good cook, but feeding 10 people (many of whom are big foodies) is just a little bit daunting. That’s why I’m hoping they hit the booze HARD before dinner in case some things don’t turn out Julia Child perfect.
Then again, she often sliced her fingers on air (and bled into the souffles) so maybe I’ll be okay.
Goat Cheese, Cranberry & Basil Steak Roll Ups
Yields about 15 rolls
Prep time: About 15 minutes
Cook time: About 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 3/4 pound flank steak
- 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2-1/2 ounces (about 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon) soft herbed goat cheese
- About 1/3 to 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- Fresh mint sprigs
- Salt and pepper
Directions:
- Preheat broiler. Liberally salt and pepper the flank steaks on both sides. Place on a lightly greased broiler sheet. Broil for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side for medium cooked steak.
- Let rest for about an hour and then freeze for about 5 minutes.
- Once chilled, slice against the grain as thinly as possible. You should get about 15 slices.
- Spread 1 teaspoon of goat cheese on each slice of steak. Top with a few sprinkles of cranberries and a few fresh mint sprigs. Garnish with salt and pepper.
- Carefully roll the steak pieces up into a jelly roll. Stick a toothpick in the middle of each to hold together.
Nutritional information per serving:
Calories: 46
Fat: 2.5 grams
Carbohydrates: 3 grams
Fiber: >1 gram
Protein: 4 grams
Weight Watchers Points: 2
