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: nutrition
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!
The Best Cioppino I have EVER Had-from Carmel
Hello Friends! The most rewarding part of my job at NBC is meeting new people following their passion and doing amazing things in local communities! This week was no exception when I visited the seafood restaurant called Catch in Carmel by the Sea, in preparation for Carmel’s Culinary Week: https://www.catchcarmel.com/ Before I talk about Catch,…… Continue reading The Best Cioppino I have EVER Had-from Carmel
Chef Samir is Back: Palestinian Musakhan Chicken
Some of you might remember Chef Samir when I had him on my channel 2 years ago, visiting his restaurant called Beit Rima and sampling his modern yet homey take on Arab dishes. Many of you asked that we collaborate once more, and I found a perfect excuse to invite him back for National Arab…… Continue reading Chef Samir is Back: Palestinian Musakhan Chicken
Chicken Broth Vs Chicken Stock-What’s the Difference?
Never underestimate the value of good broth or stock when cooking. Both broth or stock can add flavor to vegetables cooked in a skillet without the need for butter or oil, or add depth to grains from quinoa and rice, to couscous and bulgur wheat. Broth or stock can also be a foundation for a…… Continue reading Chicken Broth Vs Chicken Stock-What’s the Difference?
Middle Eastern Style “Angel” Eggs
Why are these dreamy, pillowy morsels of cooked egg whites filled with a luscious and creamy filling called “deviled eggs?” The colors are springy and angelic, so the evil culprit must be the mayo. At 100 calories of saturated fat per tablespoon, my guess is the mayo makes these eggs devilish! Today’s recipe was inspired…… Continue reading Middle Eastern Style “Angel” Eggs
This Skillet Chicken Will MorROCCan Your World!
As a food blogger, even I can get too comfortable making the same dishes on rotation. Part of it is expediency–I know the exact ingredients, and the length of time it will take to make my family’s favorite dishes. However, with every new recipe risk, there is potential for great rewards, and the rewards are…… Continue reading This Skillet Chicken Will MorROCCan Your World!
Dramatic Dessert: Wine Poached Pears!
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!
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!
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!