Blood Orange Scones
The perfect thing for a weekend breakfast: Scones! And, I have a recipe, for once:
I made this using the biscuit ratio recipe: 1 part fat:3 parts flour:2 parts liquid. I used: unrefined coconut oil (100g), a mix of spelt flour & shredded coconut (300g), almond milk with a smidgen of blood-orange juice (200ml). To complete the mix, add a bit of sugar (50g), salt (.5t), orange zest and baking powder (1T).
Be sure to cut the fat into the dry ingredients and then mix in the liquid - but, don't over mix! Then, form the dough onto a parchment lined pan. Or, they can be cut like traditional scones.
They're delicious on their own, but they're amazing with a marmalade syrup. It's easy to make with equal portions of sugar, orange juice and zest. Boil to ~225F for a thick syrup.
Baklava
Baklava! Sweet, savoury, crisp tops and chewy filling.
First, I like to make sure the nuts are dehydrated, so I warm raw almonds, pecans, walnuts and pistachios at 200F for 20 minutes.
While they're warming, alternately layer butter and sheets of phyllo dough - 10 layers of dough in total.
Coarsely grind the nuts and add them on top of the phyllo dough. Although it's common to add another layer of dough and nuts, I prefer just the single layer. An additional layer can get extra soggy.
Top with a dozen layers of buttered dough. Cut in squares *before* baking - and be sure to trim up the sides (don't leave the sloppy edges like I did). Bake at 350F for ~30 minutes.
While it's in the oven, prepare the syrup. There are two options. Both are tasty, but distinct: rose water, very floral and strong; orange blossom water, much lighter but still floral.
Star Kay White Orange Blossom Water, 2.0 Ounce
Boil sugar, water, cinnamon, cloves and a flavouring.
When the baklava is done baking, allow it to cool for a minute or so. Pour over the syrup until it's saturated - but not sloppy.
Let sit for at least an hour. I let it sit overnight. Not much better than fresh baklava with the morning coffee.
Sugar overload! ... but nuts are healthy, right?