Hello Dear Friends,
If you are seeking recipe ideas for Thanksgiving, you can check out my Thanksgiving playlist, with recipes for side dishes, salads, desserts, and Momma Vera’s fantastic turkey tutorial here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm5-PI4h0s4qF4WqDWPgz5Pdb8ab6BEC7
First, some positive news. Recently a professor from Indiana University, who is an avid viewer of Feast in the Middle East, invited me to lecture in her Arabic language class! Aside from speaking about the importance of food in Arabic culture and hospitality, I was also tasked with teaching the students some simple recipes that they could easily replicate at home (or even a dorm room if they had a food processor.)
It filled my heart to be a part of this brilliant program where charismatic professors are building bridges between the West and the Middle East. The students not only learn the Arabic language, but culture as well, through Arabic art, music, cuisine and much more. I was astounded at how quickly these inspiring students picked up such a difficult language like Arabic!
This group of wonderful students and teachers gave me so much hope for the future. Their enthusiasm and open mindedness will no doubt pave the way for peace and mutual understanding. For students interested in international relations, or becoming an ambassador, Indiana University is the epicenter of languages. It’s the only university of its kind in the country that teaches over 80 languages! I have taken highlights of my trip to share with you below, and hope it gives you a spark of optimism in these dark times.
