NATIONAL BAKLAVA DAY On November 17th, National Baklava Day fills the kitchen with an aroma of a sweet and flaky pastry. Baklava’s sweet layers of texture and flavor are created between sheets of filo pastry filled with chopped nuts and drizzled with syrup or honey. #NationalBaklavaDay Many believe Baklava to have originated with the Turkic people in Central Asian nations. However, many countries prepare the dessert in a variety of ways. The word “Baklava” first appeared in English in 1650. If you’ve never tried baklava, try sampling the many varieties. Walnuts, pecans, pistachios, or almonds can be used. The filling.