A Different Type of Lebanese Kaak

As I mentioned in the previous post, Kaak is the generic Arabic term for "cake". Every Arab country has their own version, and within each country, multiple versions exist depending on the region, city, and perhaps variations right down to the family level. Versions of this also exist for the different festivals and "Eids". Some are made only at Easter, and use a special wooden mold to stamp a design on the surface of the cookie, and show that significance. Some use yeast as the leavening ingredient, and are more like a hard rusk (I prefer those), others are softer, more like a milk bun, and still others more like a cookie or shortbread. Some are stuffed with cheese or dates, others are made with nuts (walnuts, almonds or pistachios). Some are sweet, others are savory. So, one could make a different version every time, and never run out of variations to try.

None of my relatives or my Mother ever used a recipe. They all went by the "feel" of the dough. This makes it difficult to replicate exactly but the dough has to have the following characteristics, be pliable, smooth, dry, elastic (for the yeast based dough), and almost have the texture and feel like “Play-Do” or “Silly Putty”. It must be able to be rolled into a smooth ball, and should not be crumbly. A long period of kneading helps one achieve this end result. This is why the measurements are approximate.

This version has more of a cookie like texture (as opposed to the previous version that has the texture of a hard rusk). It is not very sweet but will go well with coffee or tea. Because they are so dry, they will keep for a long time in an airtight container. As to whether they will last that long would be a gamble!

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

½ cup Durum Atta Flour

¼ cup cornstarch or Arrowroot flour (I prefer the latter)

1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

2 teaspoons all purpose flour

½ cup toasted sesame seeds

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon Anise seed

1 Tablespoon Caraway Seed

1 Tablespoon of Anise seeds, finely ground to a powder)

1 Tablespoon orange blossom water (Ma'zahr)

1 Tablespoon Lebanese Rose Water, optional (Attar). I don't use it because I don't like the flavor

1 ½ teaspoon of freshly ground Mahlab

2 eggs

2 Tablespoons milk

2 teaspoons flour

½ cup olive oil

½ cup sugar

Directions

1.      Partially grind the anise and caraway seeds. Fully grind the extra tablespoon of anise seed to a powder.

2.      Mix together all the dry ingredients and the sesame seeds. Do not include the sugar. Set aside

3.      Whisk together the eggs, sugar, orange blossom water, rose water (if using), and olive oil until the mixture takes on a pale color, and thickens

4.      Add the dry ingredients and knead for about 10 minutes (the dough hook makes this easier). Add the milk 1 tablespoon at a time and the additional flour, teaspoon by teaspoon. I've put 2 teaspoons but it may take many more than that to achieve the end result of what the dough should be like. Once the dough comes together and the consistency is smooth and dry to the touch, take it out, form into a ball, and wrap it in grease proof paper or plastic wrap. Refrigerate for about 5-6 hours.

5.      Remove from the refrigerator. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Tear off lumps of dough about the size of a golf ball, and roll into a rope. Bring the edges of the rope together to form a closed loop. Lay on the cookie sheet, leaving enough space for the cookies to expand during baking. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes until the bottom of the cookies have browned. The tops may still be quite white. Remove from oven, cool for about 10 minutes. Lower the oven temperature to 175-200 degrees Fahrenheit, and put the cookies back in to dry out and slowly brown. This may take up to 2-3 hours or more.Store in an airtight container when cool.