Childhood summers spent at my grandmother’s home in Bethlehem, Palestine meant playing among trees brimming with sun ripened fruit. I spent hours climbing trees, observing busy fire ants, kicking a ball around with my sister, and feeding the chirping baby chicks my grandmother bought us from the market. We were surrounded by trees bursting with…… Continue reading Mabrousheh: Middle Eastern Streusel Jam Bars
Category: education
What’s it Like to Cook Italian Food on a Yacht?
I have always had a bucket list of things I wanted to do in my lifetime…and hanging out on a yacht in Italy was one of them (even if I realistically get ultra seasick, we can all have fantasies right?) Fortunately for my recent assignment for NBC, I got to experience the yacht without having…… Continue reading What’s it Like to Cook Italian Food on a Yacht?
The Ultimate Grilled Pita Sandwich- Arayes!
Let me give you a visual of one of my camping trips from childhood in Blue Lake, California. Imagine a large campground next to the lake. The sky is a deep blue, pink, and crimson red at sunset. My father fires up the grill, then retreats to a lawn chair, tabla in hand playing some…… Continue reading The Ultimate Grilled Pita Sandwich- Arayes!
The Grill Master’s Secret to Perfect Kebabs!
Ever wonder how kebabs in restaurants taste so darn good? There’s a unique smoky flavor and juicy texture that restaurant kebabs have–and I have always wanted to know their secret! Fortunately, I have a friend named Saif who is a true grill master, who was willing to share his expert tips. His restaurant in San Bruno…… Continue reading The Grill Master’s Secret to Perfect Kebabs!
The Perfect Mediterranean Picnic Sandwich
What constitutes the ultimate picnic sandwich? Ideally it would have non perishable ingredients, not get soggy, and have a beautiful mix of chewy, creamy, fresh, and herby. One sandwich that embodies all of those qualities is the Caprese: For NBC’s California Live, I visited Barry from Oakville Grocery, the oldest grocery store in California, who…… Continue reading The Perfect Mediterranean Picnic Sandwich
Homemade Ice Cream That’ll Make You Melt!
Hello Friends, Hope you’re enjoying your summer! Ice cream season is in full swing at my house, however, every year I end up with the same pattern. My kids, nieces and nephews all get the hankering for ice cream. I go to the supermarket to see if I can get something for them on the…… Continue reading Homemade Ice Cream That’ll Make You Melt!
Mamma Vera is Back- for Our Tahini Taste Test & Review!
You might think that a product like sesame paste, or tahini tastes the same across the board no matter the brand. But in truth, tahini is as varied as any other product. For instance, you know that Jiffy peanut butter is going to taste completely different from Justin’s brand, which has far fewer ingredients. Sadly there…… Continue reading Mamma Vera is Back- for Our Tahini Taste Test & Review!
Summer Desserts with Fruits at Peak Season!
While a lot of people are dashing around on July fourth trips or vacations, I am staying home this year. I plan on making this holiday extra special for my family so they don’t experience FOMO, or Fear of Missing Out. One of the ways I do this is by planning a special July Fourth…… Continue reading Summer Desserts with Fruits at Peak Season!
5 Knife Skills in 5 Minutes to Elevate Your Cooking!
Hello Friends! Whether you are a culinary whiz in the kitchen or a beginner, there is always room to sharpen your knike skills. Having impeccable knife skills not only ensures safety, but it also enables you to take your dishes to another level of flavor, texture, and creativity! We eat with our eyes, and perfectly…… Continue reading 5 Knife Skills in 5 Minutes to Elevate Your Cooking!
The Breakfast You Didn’t Know you Needed
What do you think of when you think of comfort food? A plate of french toast that is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside? Maybe a piece of warm fruit pie with a scoop of rich ice cream? If that is your definition of deliciousness, then you are in for an easy…… Continue reading The Breakfast You Didn’t Know you Needed