MAKE BAKLAVA not BOMBS for NATIONAL BAKLAVA DAY

November 17th is National Baklava Day, and while some people might find a national day dedicated to a pastry a bit silly, Baklava certainly deserves an honorary place in baking history. This buttery, flaky, and nutty pastry is actually a beautiful representation of peace, a collaboration of effort among many Middle Eastern cultures. Ask people from…… Continue reading MAKE BAKLAVA not BOMBS for NATIONAL BAKLAVA DAY

Spooktacular Adult Halloween Party Ideas!

Halloween isn’t just for kids; adults can enjoy the fun too! Whether you’re hosting a ghoulish gathering or attending a haunted soirée, having themed snacks and meals can elevate the festivities. Here are some creative ideas to make your adult Halloween party deliciously eerie. For NBC I teamed up with the lovely Lindsay from Food…… Continue reading Spooktacular Adult Halloween Party Ideas!

The Viral Spiral Croissant-That Took Tiktok by Storm!

Well fall has arrived, though you wouldn’t feel it here in California with a record heatwave lasting all week! But that doesn’t deter me from fall vibes and how much I enjoy baking every year as the weather gets cooler. Today, I am featuring the viral spiral croissant. In the ever-evolving world of culinary trends,…… Continue reading The Viral Spiral Croissant-That Took Tiktok by Storm!

Middle Eastern Food Festival Tour!

Hello Friends!  Fall for me is cookbook signing season, where I travel to food festivals and other events and get the chance to meet FITME viewers and middle eastern food aficionados in person! Truly it is my favorite time of year, not only because I get to connect with people on a one to one…… Continue reading Middle Eastern Food Festival Tour!

From Garden to Gourmet: Fall Apple Roses

Hello friends…are you feeling the fall vibes yet? I am! What I need to make clear is I don’t have a green thumb, but I love to plant fruit trees. I figure I can buy them already formed, put them in the ground, add some fertilizer and water them, and they reward me every year…… Continue reading From Garden to Gourmet: Fall Apple Roses

No Bake Cake Celebrates Palestine & South Africa!

Today I uploaded the final video of my South African cuisine series, and I saved the best for last, especially if you have a sweet tooth! As summer approaches, this supremely easy yet creative dessert is great for barbecues, potlucks, and parties. Behold, the South African style “fridge” cake:  This dessert is no bake, so…… Continue reading No Bake Cake Celebrates Palestine & South Africa!

Never Buy Boxed Cornbread Again!

Out of all the breads in the world, there is always one type I can never resist, and that is cornbread. I love that cornbread tastes delicious both sweet (with a little butter and honey or jam) or savory, dunked into soups, stews, or chile. In part 2 of my cooking series to celebrate and…… Continue reading Never Buy Boxed Cornbread Again!

My Favorite Childhood Treat: Spinach Pies! (Fatayer Sabanekh)

With Arab American Heritage Month, Eid al Fitr, and Greek Orthodox lent upon us at the same time, there is one dish that fits the bill for all 3 occasions, Fatayer Sabanekh, or Arab style spinach pies! The word “fatayer” itself means pastry in Arabic.  These vegetarian hand pies, which are popular in Palestine, Lebanon,…… Continue reading My Favorite Childhood Treat: Spinach Pies! (Fatayer Sabanekh)

Apricot Lamb Kebabs: Honoring South Africa!

While this website is dedicated to middle eastern food, today I wanted to honor the country of South Africa by featuring their cuisine. I haven’t posted in a while, as I have been seeing horrific images coming out of Gaza. Continuous photos of skeletal children being deprived of food and aid are just too much…… Continue reading Apricot Lamb Kebabs: Honoring South Africa!

Bread Baking Tips from a Sourdough Master!

There is something about a cold rainy day that makes me yearn to bake homemade bread. The art of baking bread makes me nostalgic for the days of my childhood, reminding me of my gentle great auntie Bahieh. She NEVER bought bread from the store, instead baking her own loaves every Saturday. I could smell…… Continue reading Bread Baking Tips from a Sourdough Master!