Friday, April 27, 2012

Daring to do it: Armenian Desserts

I love desserts.  Really.  I grew up in a house where Thanksgiving was not about turkey.  We did the all-dessert Thanksgiving.  So this month's Daring Baker's challenge was one which sounded really cool.

The Daring Bakers’ April 2012 challenge, hosted by Jason at Daily Candor, were two Armenian standards: nazook and nutmeg cake. Nazook is a layered yeasted dough pastry with a sweet filling, and nutmeg cake is a fragrant, nutty coffee-style cake.

Before this challenge I knew nothing about Armenian food.  Now, while I don't know much, I know that I might have a new favorite kind of dessert!  I was concerned at first, because Passover fell right during this challenge.  Neither of these amazing recipes were ones which would adapt well...  I was confident that I would get one made in time, but not sure about both.
I started with the nutmeg cake.  I had a playdate scheduled for the day before we flew to Florida for Passover.  With extra mouths around, I figured it was the perfect opportunity.  The recipe, as the name gives away, calls for a good deal of nutmeg.  While I like nutmeg, I wasn't sure I liked it a full cake's worth.  So I used some nutmeg and some cinnamon.  I also topped the cake with cinnamon sugar (from my awesomely fun grinder...!) instead of the walnuts called for.  I didn't have walnuts at home, and wasn't about to go get some right before leaving!
The cake smelled amazing as it baked.  Like, so super good that we were all a bit disappointed that we would have to wait for the following day to taste it.  But man was it worth the wait!!  I absolutely loved the bottom "cookie" layer, and the nutmeg and cinnamon made the flavor just so warm.  This is absolutely a cake I will be making again.  And even if you don't consider yourself to be a Daring Baker, please try this.  It is pretty easy, and definitely delicious!




As for the nazook.  I really wanted to make it.  So I did.  The dough came together beautifully.  I used Greek yogurt instead of the sour cream called for in the recipe, but I don't think that made a difference.  It was silky, smooth and easy to work with.  So easy that Little Girl had fun rolling it out.  I made the traditional vanilla filling according to the recipe, but added cinnamon after the first two rolls were done.  I think my filling was a bit too wet, but that might be because I used margarine instead of butter.  Or just because that's the way things go sometimes...!  Either way, the rolls looked nice before going into the oven, so I was pleased.  Coming out of the oven?  Well, they smelled amazing, and the taste was fabulous.  But my rolls kind of exploded during baking.  It was a yeast dough, so rising accounts for some of it.  But wow...!


No matter the explosions, I loved these treats.  This is another keeper recipe.
Jason, thank you so much for introducing me, and all of us, to these Armenian delicacies!  I can honestly say that you opened my eyes to something special, and I am truly grateful!  Please do yourself a favor and check out the amazing creations of my fellow Daring Bakers!

Can't wait to see next month's challenge...  I'll give you a hint - the host is someone you might have heard of before...!  :)

11 comments:

  1. Your nazooks look like little croissants and I think they're lovely! The cake does smell good as it bakes, doesn't it? And your cinnamon idea is a good one. Will try that next time.

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  2. These were both crazy good, weren't they? And if Armenian desserts are all like this - count me in!
    They looks great

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  3. I think your nazooks look great anyway and I know they tasted fabulous! Good job!

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  4. I felt the same way about the nutmeg cake - it smelled so good, tasted wonderful, and I will definitely be making it again! The nazook explosions look tasty AND fun to eat - maybe you've hit on something there? Cheers :)

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  5. Delicious you made both of them. You have done a excellent job. I too enjoyed making them.

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  6. Even though your nazook baked up a little wonky they still look delicious- as well as your cake!

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  7. I agree, the cake was delicious. I was quite sad when it was over! Must make it again soon. Yours looks fantastic, and I am loving that cinnamon sugar grinder! I love the exploded nazook too - they look like they tasted amazing.
    Looking forward to next month's challenge. :)

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  8. Now you've made me wish I made the cake too! Great work on the challenge.

    I hadn't thought of using greek yogurt in place of the Nazook's sour cream. I'll have to try that next time! Did you use full fat or a different percentage?

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  9. Mmmm...I've never tried any Armenian desserts but I'm putting it on my sugar bucket list for sure!

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  10. Your nazooks are too cute. the nutmeg cake sure smells heavenly :D. I too made both but for me the real star was definitely nazook. Love the super buttery and melt-in-your-mouth pastry.
    First time visiting here and m very impressed by your posts. Gladly following you from now on :D

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  11. mmm, these looked yummy and i think my tummy rumbled hehe. Newest follower :D

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