NoNoKnows : October 2012

Ingredients

1 package (16 ounces, 14-inch x 9-inch sheet size) frozen phyllo dough, thawed
1-1/4 cups butter, melted
1 pound finely chopped walnuts
1 package (12 ounces) miniature semisweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1 cup of Godiva Hot Cocoa powder
1/2 cup of Ghee (found in Middle Eastern or South Asian stores)
SYRUP:
3/4 cup orange juice
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup honey
2 tablespoons lemon juice

Directions:

Butter a 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pans. Unroll one package of phyllo dough; cut in half and cover with a wet paper towel or cloth so the phyllo dough doesn't dry out

Melt butter with the ghee

Line bottom of prepared pan with two sheets of phyllo dough (sheets will overlap slightly). Brush with butter and sprinkle with the chocolate powder. Repeat layers 8 times. (Keep dough covered with plastic wrap and a damp towel until ready to use to prevent it from drying out.)

In a large bowl, combine the nuts, chocolate chips, sugar, cinnamon and lemon peel. Sprinkle 2 cups over top layer of phyllo.

Top with four layers phyllo dough, buttering each layer. Top with 2 or more cups nut mixture. Top with four layers phyllo dough, buttering each layer; top with remaining nut mixture. Top with the remaining phyllo dough, brushing each layer with butter. Drizzle any remaining butter over top.

Putting my uncle to work and letting him brush the melted butter on each layer.

Using a sharp knife, cut baklava into 1-1/2-in. diamonds. Bake at 325° for 50-60 minutes or until golden brown.

Meanwhile, combine the syrup ingredients in a saucepan; bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes. Pour over warm baklava.

Enjoy! :)

Brunch, brunch, brunch...

Brunching is one of the trendiest meals in recent times. It is a perfect meal with the combination of breakfast and lunch, where you spend countless of hours laughing with your close friends over delicious meals and bottomless drinks. Dallas has a wide variety of restaurants that offer an amazing selection for brunch. It is difficult to find any restaurant in Dallas on a Sunday morning where there aren't girls dressed up with their sunglasses on, outside a patio sipping on their mimosa or Bellini recapping with each other about happened the night before. I love spending time with my close girl friends and have a passion for food, and whenever you give me the combination of my friends and food... well you better watch out, we're about to order everything off the menu and we just may have an audience drawn by our laughter and outrageous stories. We always know how to have a great time and enjoy great food so, below I have a few pictures of places that I've recently gone to and really enjoyed and hope you all will do the same! :)

Brunch Buffet @ Bonnie Ruth's

Bonnie Ruth's is known for their brunch buffet that caters to all types of food lovers. This little French themed restaurant has two different locations one in Frisco, TX and the other in Allen, TX. They are known for their pastries; however their brunch has a wide selection of pasta and different breakfast items. With $2 mimosa this restaurant is perfect for those who want to have a nice brunch without getting out of the suburbs!

Pad Kee Mow @ Malai

Lemongrass Mussels @ Malai

Thai Egg Benedict @ Malai

Thai Fried Rice @ Malai

Thai Egg Benedict @ Malai

Thai Green Curry @ Malai

Shrimp Pad Thai @ Malai

Thai Egg Benedict @ Malai Kitdchen in Uptown

Veggy Omlete and Blueberry Chocolate Chips pancake @ Magnolia Cafe in Austin

Steak & Eggs @ Nick & Sam's Grill

Nick & Sam's Grill on a Sunday morning is the spot to be, you will find people of all ages at this place holding a pitcher of their amazing drinks and just having a good time. The place is very well known for their cheap pitchers and their famous Captain Crunch French Toast. Last time I went there I had a great time drinking, however when I ordered the Steak and Eggs I was very unimpressed with the eggs and steak because of how flavor less they were. Luckily, they did have these Corn Beef Potato Hash Cakes that were to die for, along with their Béarnaise Sauce for the steak that almost made up for the lack of flavor in the main dishes.

Cucumber & Avocado Sandwich , Twig & Branch & Bruschetta Tasting @ Bolsa

Bruschetta Tasting : marfa tomato, honeydew melon, white bean & smoked salmon @ Bolsa

Bolsa is located in the heart of the Bishop Arts District in Oakcliff, surrounded by some very unique shops and restaurants which adds some spice to their image. Serving food using fresh ingredients this restaurant is surly one of the best refreshing brunch I have ever had. The staff is very friendly and the layout of the restaurant is nice for all types of weather. The last time I went to Bolsa, it was pouring out side and we still managed to be seated in the patio and just enjoy the rainy weather over great food. We started off with the Brushetta Tasting, then the Cucumber and Avocado Sandwich and the Twig & Branch flatbread pizza. All the dishes were so fresh and green (Oh and grown by local farmer, I was later informed)!

French Crepes @ The Original Pancake House

Chicken and Waffles @ Villa-O

Chicken and Waffles with bottomless bellenis @ Villa-O

Molten Lava Cake on the House @ Villa-O

The waiter got this for me because he kept picking on me wanted to make up for it :)
I love the service at this place, one of my favorite brunch spots in Dallas. @ Villa-O

Lamp Chopps and Eggs @ Sangria & Tapas

My Famous Fiesta Omlete, well known to only my close friends and family!
You always have the option to bring lunch to yourself if you can't go out to get brunch with friends! ;)