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!
Category: baking
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!
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!
OH LALA- FRENCH MACARONS in your KITCHEN!
I am going to keep it real right now, are you ready? When I went to France recently, I couldn’t wait to try their macarons, but my jaw dropped at the price. Each itty bitty 1 inch diameter cookie was 4 bucks! Are you kidding me? If I wanted to buy a dozen it could…… Continue reading OH LALA- FRENCH MACARONS in your KITCHEN!
Thanksgiving Recipes to the Rescue!
Hello Friends! Well here we are. It felt like yesterday was Halloween, and literally next week is Thanksgiving! Why does the holiday season swoop in so quickly like this every year? Whether Thanksgiving is at your house, or you are bringing a dish to a potluck, or even thinking about how to use those turkey…… Continue reading Thanksgiving Recipes to the Rescue!
My Favorite Mediterranean Salad-Perfect for Winter!
Hello Friends, Just an update that you can catch me this week on “California Live” on Tuesday and Wednesday, November 15 and 16 between 11:30-12:00 pm on all NBC California stations! I will be sharing some special Thanksgiving stories and recipes to inspire you this holiday season. Speaking of Thanksgiving, today I am have posted…… Continue reading My Favorite Mediterranean Salad-Perfect for Winter!
My First Reaction Video-On the Mediterranean Diet
Hello Friends! I thought I would mix things up a bit to do a reaction video to a popular YouTuber named Beatrice Caruso, a lovely young woman who has documented her weight loss journey from week to week on video. I never heard of her before, until she decided to test out the Mediterranean diet…… Continue reading My First Reaction Video-On the Mediterranean Diet
Ever Wanted to Eat A Whole Pan of Brownies?
Did you ever make brownies according to the package, then get dissappointed that an itty bitty 1 inch piece is 150 calories? Who could honestly eat that little and be satisfied, especially when that piece is loaded with sugar and no protein? I have been making these 40 calorie brownies for years now, and I…… Continue reading Ever Wanted to Eat A Whole Pan of Brownies?