Layers of Gratitude: A Baklava Focaccia Creation

Baklava holds a special place in my heart. Growing up, my parents' best friends (more like family) were Greek, and their family recipes were nothing short of legendary. They introduced me to spanakopita, pastitsio, stuffed grape leaves, and, of course, the fan-favorite baklava. As a kid, Saturdays with my dad often included a trip to the Western Fruit Basket in downtown Akron (RIP) to pick up gyros and whatever else caught our eye—usually that delicious, sticky baklava. Greek food has always reminded me of family, even though my family isn't Greek.

When brainstorming what to bring to a family holiday party this year, focaccia immediately came to mind. It’s easy to make, meditative in its simplicity, and always a crowd-pleaser. But baklava’s rich history and decadent flavor tugged at me. It’s a labor of love I’ve made before, but I didn’t have time for the intricate layering this celebration demanded. That’s when inspiration struck: What if I combined the two?

I love a good combo—PB&J, grilled cheese and tomato soup, Nick Chubb and Myles Garrett (you get the idea). Enter Baklava Focaccia: a marriage of soft, golden bread and the sticky-sweet, nutty goodness of baklava. It’s the best of both worlds and a dish that embodies the warmth of family and connection. This recipe also invites you to reflect on gratitude through its six baklava-inspired toppings. Each ingredient symbolizes a key pillar of thankfulness, encouraging mindfulness and appreciation for life’s gifts.

So, as you enjoy this baklava focaccia, take a moment to reflect on what you’re grateful for—whether it’s the memory of a loved one, the joy of good food, or the simple pleasure of coming together. May each bite be a reminder of the many flavors of gratitude in your life.

Ingredients:

For the focaccia dough:

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
1 ½ cups warm water
1 tbsp honey (symbolizing Appreciation)
¼ cup olive oil
1 tsp sea salt

For the baklava-inspired topping:

1 cup mixed nuts (walnuts, pistachios, almonds), chopped (symbolizing Connection)
½ cup unsalted butter, melted (symbolizing Mindfulness)
1/3 cup honey (symbolizing Humility
1 tsp ground cinnamon (symbolizing Generosity)
2 tbsp sugar (symbolizing Joy)
A pinch of sea salt

For finishing:

Extra honey for drizzling (optional, symbolizing Appreciation)

Instructions:

Set Your Intention:

Before diving into this Baklava Focaccia recipe, take a moment to pause and set an intention. Reflect on what this dish represents for you—whether it’s sharing joy, honoring cherished memories, or simply indulging in a creative moment of self-care.

As you gather your ingredients, think of one thing you’re grateful for. Let that gratitude guide you through the process, infusing each step with mindfulness and love. This isn’t just about baking; it’s about creating something meaningful for yourself and those who’ll enjoy it.

Take a deep breath, and let’s get started with an open heart and a focused mind.

Prepare the Dough:

In a small bowl, mix warm water, honey, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy, showing that the yeast is activated.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture along with olive oil. Stir to combine.
Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more flour.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. As you knead and wait, reflect on Patience & Growth of the simple moments that bring flavor and life to your day. While waiting for the dough to rise, set aside a moment to reflect on a goal or intention you’re working toward. Consider how patience and time are essential to its fulfillment. Write down one small step you can take toward that goal today.

Prepare the Baklava-Inspired Topping:

In a small bowl, mix the chopped nuts. These symbolize Connection and Harmony, bringing together distinct flavors to create something greater. As you chop the nuts, think of the relationships in your life that bring variety and depth. Take a moment to reach out to someone you care about—send a quick text, make a call, or even jot down a note to express gratitude for their presence.
Add in the sea salt representing Humility. As you add, think about a time when you learned or grew from a challenging situation. Acknowledge the role that humility played in helping you find balance and perspective.
Add in the cinnamon and sugar to evoke Generosity and Warmth, adding a comforting, spicy-sweet element. As you sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar, think about one kind act you can do today to brighten someone else’s day. Whether it’s a small compliment or an unexpected favor, commit to sharing a bit of warmth with someone in your life.
In a separate bowl, combine melted butter and honey. The butter represents Mindfulness and Care, as it adds richness and texture. When melting the butter and mixing it with honey, practice a mindfulness exercise. Focus on the texture, aroma, and transformation as they blend together. Pause and take three deep breaths, grounding yourself in the present moment.

Assemble the Focaccia:

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a greased baking pan (a 9x13-inch works well). Gently stretch and press the dough to fit the pan.
Pour the honey-butter mixture evenly over the dough, allowing it to soak in.
Evenly sprinkle the nut-cinnamon-sugar mixture over the dough, creating layers of flavor and symbolism.
Use your fingers to dimple the dough, creating little pockets that will hold the syrup and nuts. This step invites Attention, focusing on the details that make the bread special.

Let it Rise Again:

Cover the dough with a cloth and let it rise for an additional 30-45 minutes. During this time, reflect on how the dough’s growth mirrors your own process of patience and expansion.

Bake the Focaccia:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s golden brown on top. The house will soon be filled with the scent of warmth and sweetness.
As it bakes, think about the care put into creating this dish and the joy that comes from sharing it with others.
After baking, remove the focaccia from the oven and drizzle extra honey on top while it’s still warm. This final touch is a reminder of Gratitude and Love—a sweet gesture that elevates the entire dish. When drizzling the final touch of honey, write down three things you’re grateful for. Reflect on why they matter to you and how they add sweetness to your life.

Serve & Enjoy:

Slice and share with others, savoring each bite as a reminder to celebrate the moments of Gratitude, Generosity, and Connection in your life.
Optional Shared Activity: While enjoying the Baklava Focaccia, invite friends or family to share their reflections on these themes. You could even create a gratitude jar where everyone adds a note about something they’re thankful for, inspired by the values in the recipe.

The Toppings & Their Symbolism:

Mixed Nuts (Walnuts, Pistachios, Almonds) – Represent Connection and Harmony, as they come together to create a unique flavor profile that reflects the connections we nurture in life.
Butter and Honey – Symbolize Mindfulness and Care, reminding us to focus on the details and savor the simple pleasures that bring richness and texture to life.
Cinnamon and Sugar – Represent Generosity and Warmth, evoking the comfort of giving and the joy of sharing a sweet treat with others.
Honey (Final Drizzle) – Represents Gratitude and Love, a reminder to appreciate what we have and share our abundance with others.
Sea Salt – Balances the sweetness, symbolizing the importance of Humility, acknowledging that life’s sweetness is even more beautiful when we recognize its contrasts.
Focaccia Dough – The base of this dish represents Patience and Growth, showing how time and care turn something simple into something extraordinary.