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    Treat to Try: Prepare for Obsessive, Repeat Purchase from Al Aqsa Sweets

    Al Aqsa Sweets is a Mediterranean bakery that makes its own phyllo dough from scratch.

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    That should tell you something right there, because phyllo is the impossibly thin layers of pastry used in baklava. When it comes to cookery, that particular pastry makes croissants look like a cakewalk in the skills department. The thought of hand-making phyllo defies imagination.

    But sure enough, that’s what they do, and just to prove it, the bakery makes a chocolate version: chocolate phyllo with a chocolate-based filling. It is outstanding – fresh, sweet, and charged with chocolatey goodness. The chocolate baklava was the original reason for the weekend visit, but then something else caused a distraction…

    Tiny donut holes.

    Little glistening globes of awesomeness, ones that taste nothing like donuts at all. Yes, they look unassuming. Golden, like small bread berries with some glaze. But one bite, and they’re curiously crunchy. And soaked in honey. The tiny globes demand attention and repeat, obsessive purchases.  

    There are so few foods that seem truly novel AND delicious. Novel is easy. Delicious is easy. But combining those two elements together in one dish is not easy, and Al Aqsa has introduced just the perfect thing to this Midwestern market. Like many things in the bakery, the little treats are sold by the pound. Bring them to parties and you will establish yourself forever as The Fabulous Food Finder. 

    There are lots of other things to try at the bakery – cashew baklava, house-made Turkish Delight. A cake called Basbousa is evidently a favorite. With a fine grain and nice spongy texture, it has a coconut accent. It’s more for those who appreciate subtle things. Having one of those crunchy, honey-filled donut holes will wreck you for anything else. 

    Al Aqsa can be found at 1940 Schrock Rd. It’s closed on Tuesdays but open all the other days of the week at noon through the evening hours. 

    Follow Al Aqsa Sweets on Facebook for more information.

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    Miriam Bowers Abbott
    Miriam Bowers Abbotthttps://columbusunderground.com
    Miriam Bowers Abbott is a freelancer contributor to Columbus Underground who reviews restaurants, writes food-centric featurettes and occasionally pens other community journalism pieces.
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