Baklava Roll - Cheat version

I told you....one more Middle eastern sweet dish to forget the violent story....and come on....Middle eastern theme and no Baklava...that is a crime.

Its a very well know fact that Baklava is made using Phyllo sheets.....and strictly phyllo sheets  and nothing what so ever can replace that......phyllo sheets in Bangalore (close to impossible).......making phyllo sheets at home (IMPOSSIBLE...at least for someone as lazy as me).....That is exactly why I cheated.....spring roll sheets (I know....1 spring roll sheet is equal 3 phyllo sheets).....but I had to try and I just loved it.....any person who is not familiar with baklava will love this one.....but....if a Middle Eastern walks in....I am running out the door before I get smacked in the face for having the audacity to use spring roll sheets instead for phyllo sheets ....but believe me.....I think this is the closest substitute for phyllo sheets, you certainly won't be disappointed...please do try it out......awesome sweet treat. 

Recipe from here

Print this recipe

Ingredients

• 12 Spring roll sheets or phyllo sheets
• 1/3 cup Almond ,coarsely ground
• 1/3 cup Walnuts or cashew nut ,coarsely ground
• 1/4 cup Coconut powder
• 1/4 cup Castor Sugar
• 1/2 cup melted Butter
• 1 tsp cardamom powder

For Syrup

• 1 cup Sugar
• 1/2 cup Water
• 1 tsp Lemon Juice
• 1 tsp Rose water (optional)

Method

1. Mix ground almond ,walnuts or cashew,coconut powder,castor sugar and cardamom powder in a small bowl and set aside.
2. Take two spring roll sheets and join the edges so that you have one long sheet.Butter the entire sheet using a brush. 
3. Sprinkle a tablespoon of ground nuts on the short side of the sheet and roll once,apply butter on the rolled part of the sheet.Roll again and apply butter,now sprinkle another tablespoon of ground nuts and roll, each time you roll keep applying butter on the rolled part of the sheet.
4. Place the roll in a square 8 inch baking pan, continue the same procedure with rest of the rolls.Using a sharp knife cut the rolls in 18 equal size rolls.
5. Bake the rolls in a preheated oven at 180 degree C for 30 minutes or till the roll is crispy and brown.
6. Meanwhile prepare sugar syrup. Combine sugar and water in a vessel and cook till you get one thread consistency.Add lemon juice to stop the syrup from crystallizing.Now add rose water.
7. Pour the hot syrup over the baked rolls ans let it stand for few minutes.
8. Garnish with pistachios. 

Nutella ,Banana & Walnut Roll

Soft bread.......rich creamy buttery Nutella......... crunchy walnuts...........Banana........this is one combination that can never go wrong........unless you have the audacity to hate Nutella......which is a crime....

Ingredients
Print this recipe

• 1 1/2 cup Flour (maida)
• 1/2 cup warm milk
• 3/4 tbsp yeast (1/2 tbsp if using instant yeast)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp + 1 tsp oil
• 4 tbsp or more Nutella
• 2 tbsp Butter , softened
• 2 Bananas, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup Walnuts , toasted and roughly chopped

Method

1. Prepare nutella spread :-In a small bowl mix nutella and butter and mix well, keep aside.
2. Prepare dough :- In a small bowl pour in 1/4 cup lukewarm milk, sugar and yeast, mix till yeast dissolves. Keep this aside for few minutes till the mixture looks frothy.
3.  Now in a large bowl mix flour, salt, yeast mixture and remaining milk and form a sticky dough. Oil your fingertips and knead the dough until it springs back when you press with your fingers, 6 to 7 minutes.Cover the bowl with cling wrap and allow it to double (keep in a warm area). This will take 45 minutes to 1 hour.
4. Once the dough doubles, punch the dough to remove the air and knead again for few minutes.
5. Prepare a baking dish, grease with oil and keep aside. 
6.  Divide the dough into 2 equal parts.Place one portion dough on a flat surface. Use little flour if the dough is very sticky.Roll the dough into a rectangle with 1/2" thickness.
7. Spread evenly 1/2 of the nutella mixture on the rolled out dough.Place half of the sliced bananas and half of the chopped walnuts on the nutella spread.Roll from one end.Cut the roll into halves.
8. Then cut each half into halves to get 4 rolls.Repeat the same with the other portion of dough.
9. Place the rolls in a greased dish with cut side up and brush the top with milk.
10. Allow the rolls to rise for about 20 minutes.
11. Place in a preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes at 180 degree C,or till the top looks golden brown.
12. Serve warm

Barbeque Sunday - waldorf salad

Where there is a barbeque , there has to be salad. 

Sunday  was Barbeque afternoon at our place, perfect weather. Had a great time with family.

Nice spread of grilled dishes and salads.

Its 'Barbeque Sunday' week

Last Wednesday was 'Blog hop Wednesday', were I was paired with Blogger Anamika. I had tried out her garlic pull apart bread, but I knew I would not stop there. Anamika has an amazing collection of recipes and I wanted to try few. Waldorf salad was one such recipe.

Very light and refreshing salad. Must try.

Recipe source: taste junction

Ingredients

Print this recipe

• 1/2 cup walnuts (chopped roughly and toasted)
• 1 apple (cored and diced)
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 3 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 cup celery
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper
• lettuce (for base)

Method

1. In a bowl whisk mayonnaise and lemon juice.
2. Add salt and pepper and mix well.Now add apple, celery , raisins and 1/2 of the walnuts.
3. Place lettuce leaves on a serving bowl and spoon the salad onto the leaves.
4. Sprinkle the remaining walnuts on the salad before serving.