Recently, I was invited to accompany a small group to Turkey in March 2023. This trip allows me to pursue further research into the origins and development of baklava in Anatolia and build on our knowledge of the authentic recreation of this iconic Ottoman pastry. I am so excited.

Now it’s time for me to go back to Turkey and gain an even deeper understanding—and to tangibly connect the theoretical knowledge I have with the expression of it in the culture. As you may see in my updates, I have been invited to study and collaborate with the chefs at Gulluoglu in Istanbul. This is an incredible and amazing opportunity. I cannot even begin to express my gratitude and excitement at the possibility of what I will learn.

I am arranging even more visits with chefs, home cooks, food historians, commercial baklava purveyors, museums, and many other sources of knowledge in Turkey to build on what I know so far. Being able to learn hands-on with people for whom this world-renowned dish is innately a part of their heritage is paramount to the authenticity of my work.

 

Click through to read my daily posts: