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Simple ricotta stuffed atayef dipped in ground pistachios

Atayef for Saint Barbara's Day

Long after we have put our Halloween costumes and decorations away in the States, the Lebanese are getting their hottest costumes ready to party. That's because December 4th is Saint Barbara's Day, Lebanon's "equivalent" of Halloween.

And you thought you weren't going to learn anything new today! 😛

On the eve of December 3rd, Eid il-Burbara, children and adults dress up in masks and costumes to remember the martyr Saint Barbara.

Legend has it that Barbara fled, disguising herself as many different characters to elude her father and the Romans who were looking for her. She was the daughter of a pagan man who sought her death after he learned she had converted to Christianity. She was later found, tortured and condemned to burn. However, her wounds healed miraculously, so her father beheaded her. I know. That's what I said. His OWN daughter? 😐 Not that it's OK to behead anyone else. But you can always count on karma. Karma was a B, though! He was then struck by lightning and consumed by flames!

Doesn't that story just make you want to eat atayef, like, now? That's what I thought. 😀 That syrup, though!

Plate of Lebanese ricotta stuffed atayef drizzled with orange blossom syrup

So many delicious oriental sweets, like atayef, are served for St. Barbara's Day. I mean, if every day were St. Barbara's Day, I'd be the happiest gal on earth!

My shortcut ricotta stuffed atayef

So instead of making my own batter, I used a complete pancake mix. And instead of making the traditional Ashta filling, I used ricotta cheese. Why? Because it's super easy and fast. I'm all for taking the most efficient route to doing pretty much…anything. For example, do you fold your laundry? Well, you've been doing it all wrong. Just press the start button on your dryer again instead. You're going to wear those clothes again soon anyway. You're welcome. I just saved you mindless minutes of folding.

So, back to Simple Ricotta Stuffed Atayef. Easy recipe over here!

Atayef mini-pancakes cooking on one side on a griddle

To make the mini-pancakes, whisk the pancake mix with water and some orange blossom water for an amazing aroma. Heat your griddle until drops of water sprinkled on it sizzle across the surface. Scoop and pour a bit less than 1/4 cup of batter for each mini-pancake. Cook them on one side only! Bubbles will start to form, and they're ready once the tops are dry!

Atayef pancakes pinched halfway closed and filled with ricotta

Now on to the best part! Hold each atayef and bring the edges together, pinching them firmly halfway up. Fill them with ricotta cheese, then dip them into a bowl of ground pistachios. Drizzle (I mean drench) them with the amazing syrup and enjoy!

What I've used in this recipe:

Here's a complete list of my kitchen essentials.

Simple Ricotta Stuffed Atayef