Beautiful baklava
Traditionally, baklava is a satisfyingly rich pastry dessert made with many layers of filo pastry and chopped nuts, including pistachios, hazelnuts, almonds and walnuts, bathed in a sweet, sticky syrup that’s often scented with spices or citrus. Baklava is a treasured artisanal creation loved all over the world.
Maria Totos, owner of family-run Emerald Hill Deli at the South Melbourne Market, is a woman well known for inventive flavours and variations when it comes to the baklava her company creates.
“I love baklava because it can be something that’s really healthy, depending on how it’s made. All of those nuts are so good for you and it’s really up to you how much syrup you add to it. Baklava is pleasant even when it’s eaten dry, without any syrup at all,” Totos says. “When we make it, I often just pick up a piece and eat it straight out
