There is this magical moment when Armenian Easter cookies come out of the oven, the entire kitchen changes. Immediately, you smell that buttery, slightly sweet, and unmistakably scent of MAHLEB, a signature bakery spice of the middle east. Mahleb spice is made from the pits of wild cherries that are ground up, giving a marzipan…… Continue reading Armenian Easter Cookies: A Taste of Home That Travels Across Generations
Category: Middle Eastern Food
Nan-e Berenji: A Cookie, A Culture, A Quiet Moment in a Noisy World
There’s something almost unexpected about the first bite of Nan-e Berenji. The crumb doesn’t hit you with sweetness the way most western cookies do. No 1000 calorie Crumbl cookie here! Instead, the cookie is delicate, fragrant, and soft in a way that feels almost ethereal. Made with rice flour instead of wheat, these traditional Persian…… Continue reading Nan-e Berenji: A Cookie, A Culture, A Quiet Moment in a Noisy World
The Disturbing Trend of Food Binging for Views
Hello Friends, As someone that works in the food space, I felt a responsibility to create a video and commentary on a disturbing practice that is only getting worse by the day–binging processed food for clicks. If you scroll often on TikTok or Instagram for five minutes and you’ll see it: young people shoveling huge…… Continue reading The Disturbing Trend of Food Binging for Views
Travel With Me? I Want To Hear From YOU!
Hello Friends! I have been approached to do something REALLY special… and I want you involved. ✈️ There is a possibility of a small group foodie trip where YOU can travel with me — think Egypt or Morocco, local food tours, cooking classes, markets, and cultural experiences. Before I lock anything in or pursue this…… Continue reading Travel With Me? I Want To Hear From YOU!
Viral 2 ingredient Lentil Wraps- High Protein + Fiber!
When I look at vintage photos, I am astounded at how vibrant everyone looked. Obesity was rare, and people had such radiant skin and hair. People then didn’t have aisles and aisles of food to choose from, they just stuck to the basics–one ingredient foods. Today people are working a lot harder and depend on…… Continue reading Viral 2 ingredient Lentil Wraps- High Protein + Fiber!
Mussakhan Wellington: Palestinian Village Food Gets A Fancy Glow Up
Let’s face it: special occasions have gotten ridiculously expensive. Everyone is broke. A “romantic dinner out” now somehow costs about the same as a small appliance, and all you really wanted was good food, a candle, and not to be rushed out after 90 minutes. Don’t get me started on the “Valentine’s Menu” where the…… Continue reading Mussakhan Wellington: Palestinian Village Food Gets A Fancy Glow Up
Persian Love Cake: Bake Love Not War
Iran is often talked about negatively in headlines, but Iranian culture has always spoken in poetry, hospitality, fragrance, and food. Persian cuisine is generous, thoughtful, and deeply symbolic. To cook with their ingredients and flavors is to participate quietly in something much older than politics. Enter the Persian Love Cake. Rooted in folklore and celebrating…… Continue reading Persian Love Cake: Bake Love Not War
Your Storebought Hummus is Lying to You….
If you’ve ever opened a tub of store-bought hummus and thought, “Shoot how did I spend 8 bucks on this tasteless chickpea paste” then congratulations—you’re exactly where you need to be! Most storebought hummus not only lacks flavor and the prime ingredients of traditional hummus, but is chockful of ingredients to avoid, from citric acid…… Continue reading Your Storebought Hummus is Lying to You….
The Holiday Palestinian Pudding I Wait to Eat Every December
As soon as December hits every year, I know it is Burbara time. Burbara represents my favorite childhood comforts in a bowl: The nutty and chewy wheatberries become creamy and velvety from the addition of chickpea powder (which tastes like toasted tahini) . Warming spices like cinnamon, anise, and fennel are symbols of warmth and…… Continue reading The Holiday Palestinian Pudding I Wait to Eat Every December
BLACK FRIDAY EXCLUSIVE!
My limited-edition “Feast in the Middle East” cookbook is officially on Black Friday sale between now and December 15— and there are fewer than 275 copies left! 😱📚 To get your copy, click on this LINK If you’ve been wanting to bring the aromas of sumac, za’atar, pomegranate, and rose water into your kitchen… this…… Continue reading BLACK FRIDAY EXCLUSIVE!