After 10 years of working on this labor of love, my cookbook is finally ready and I am now taking orders! You get to see the cover here first: This hardback book is full of colorful illustrations, meticulous directions, family anecdotes, and historical information about the recipes. The recipes in this book are a great…… Continue reading MY COOKBOOK IS NOW AVAILABLE!
This Skillet Chicken Will MorROCCan Your World!
As a food blogger, even I can get too comfortable making the same dishes on rotation. Part of it is expediency–I know the exact ingredients, and the length of time it will take to make my family’s favorite dishes. However, with every new recipe risk, there is potential for great rewards, and the rewards are…… Continue reading This Skillet Chicken Will MorROCCan Your World!
Dramatic Dessert: Wine Poached Pears!
Growing up eating a Middle Eastern/Mediterranean diet, the primary dessert in my family was fruit, perhaps with a side of cheese. During hot summer days my mother took breaks from cooking to give us a dinner of fruit, cheese, and bread–usually grapes or watermelon with farmer’s cheese. She would apologize that the house was too…… Continue reading Dramatic Dessert: Wine Poached Pears!
3 INGREDIENT HOMEMADE CREAM CHEESE!
As if it wasn’t enough that my local stores are enforcing a one carton of eggs limit per purchase, now the dairy products are climbing in prices at an astronomic pace! My eyes bulged out the other day when I saw cream cheese for $7.99! Not that I am gorging on cream cheese every day,…… Continue reading 3 INGREDIENT HOMEMADE CREAM CHEESE!
The Black Ingredient that Cures “Everything But Death” in a Cake!
There is a mysterious black ingredient, touted to cure “everything but death” in the Arab and Islamic world. This ingredient, called qizha in Arabic, or nigella seed paste, looks like black tar toothpaste or engine oil, and tastes a little like tahini, with undertones of mint and oregano. This ingredient is found Turkey, Syria and…… Continue reading The Black Ingredient that Cures “Everything But Death” in a Cake!
A Double Feature of Treats for Valentine’s Day!
As Valentine’s Day is upon us, I thought I would share two fun discoveries with you! As the price of chocolate has skyrocketed, making homemade gifts is a great alternative to store bought chocolates. Lindsay from Food La La shared this lovely recipe for Sweetheart Toffee on the set of California Live for NBC. If…… Continue reading A Double Feature of Treats for Valentine’s Day!
Egg Shortage? Substitute With This Wallet Friendly Recipe!
I used to love grocery shopping, but now I approach buying food with serious trepidation. Relentlessly climbing supermarket prices cause a mix of anger and anxiety within me, as I have never experienced such severe inflation in my lifetime. What we are experiencing in the United States is not new in other countries embroiled in…… Continue reading Egg Shortage? Substitute With This Wallet Friendly Recipe!
Jordan’s National and Iconic Dish- Mansaf!
Sometimes, a dish can be so legendary it can create a party atmosphere in and of itself. One iconic dish in this category is Mansaf! This regal dish of turmeric rice and delicate bread is topped with tender lamb, crunchy toasted nuts, and a rich yogurt sauce. This dish has been the centerpiece of countless…… Continue reading Jordan’s National and Iconic Dish- Mansaf!
My Machos Bring All the Boys to the Yard…
As first generation Americans, my siblings and I were not exposed to nachos until we saw everyone eating them at a middle school sports rally. Like most children, we didn’t really have high culinary standards, so salty, crunchy chips drowning in a fake cheesy sauce hooked us immediately. In high school, we looked forward to…… Continue reading My Machos Bring All the Boys to the Yard…
Bring the Most Popular Appetizer to Your Next Party: Roasted Grape Crostini!
As the year comes to a close, there is still one more occasion to celebrate, New Year’s Eve! This is the day when the frenzy settles down, the leftovers have been eaten, the errands have been completed, and there is a little time for reflection and family togetherness. While some people enjoy dressing up for…… Continue reading Bring the Most Popular Appetizer to Your Next Party: Roasted Grape Crostini!
A Behind the Scenes Tour of California’s Largest Gingerbread House!
As a San Francisco native, I have such an appreciation for old school San Francisco, or the magical traditions that survived the test of time. For me, the list of traditional culinary experiences to fully understand this city includes: eating pizza at Pascuale’s, grabbing an ice cream at Swensens, an Irish coffee from Buena Vista Cafe,…… Continue reading A Behind the Scenes Tour of California’s Largest Gingerbread House!