Lina J
This time of the year, when it’s cold and the weather is ever gray, we tend to crave more sweet food. That’s why we compiled a list of some delicious sweet deserts, made by the talented foodie Lina J, the woman behind ‘the Lebanese plate‘.
1. Mohalabia – Lebanese Milk Pudding
Mohalabia is a popular Lebanese dessert that can be best described as a Milk Pudding, to those not familiar with it.
It really is so easy and so quick to make. You can have it as is or add your favourite fruits and/or nuts.
What I love about this simple dessert is, for a special occasion, you could easily jazz it up. Try pouring it into pre-made tart cases & once set top with slices of fresh fruit. Yum! You can find the recipe here.
2. Pistachio & Rosewater Shortbreads
Recently, I have been experimenting with the Lebanese shortbread cookie (called ‘ghoraybeh’ in Arabic). They are sweet and soft and so ‘melt-in-your-mouth’ yummy!
I have loved making and gifting them, every time adding twists to see what flavour combo would taste best. It’s the perfect little treat for this festive season for guests or even as a yummy edible gift! You can find the recipe here.
3. Coconut & Pistachio Bites
Years ago, I often made these coconut balls using shredded coconut and a tin of condensed milk. You couldn’t get simpler than that when it came to ingredients.
All you have to do is mix the ingredients together and roll them into bite size balls. It was a yummy little treat to put together when you had guests coming around, or to take with you when visiting friends or family.
Recently I remembered these and thought I had not made them in a while. Of course this time I thought I’d up the ante and ‘Lebanese-ify’ them! This delicious recipe can be found here.
4. Mother of all baklawa: Baklawa cake!
I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who doesn’t love Baklawa (or Baklava)! It is known worldwide for it’s indulgently sweet, spicy & nutty flavours that dance between layers and layers of crispy, buttery filo pastry.
I’ve grown up with the Lebanese version, but there are certainly other Middle Eastern nations that have their own variations of Baklawa, as well as it being a popular treat over in Greece.
I had always wanted to try making it at home, but then quite some time ago, I came across a Baklawa Cake via The Hungry Rabbit. From that moment I was mesmerised. Every now and then I would go back and admire this cake. I knew I had to make it! Months later I finally got around to actually giving it a go. And I must say it was worth the effort and super yum!
I didn’t follow the recipe to a tee. I made my own variations using a different recipe for the sponge as well as adding more to the Baklawa layers. You can find here how you can make this amazing cake.