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

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!

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!

A Victorian Christmas Special- A Day in 19th Century London!

Have you ever wanted to go back in time? In my latest experience for the NBC show “California Live,” I got to experience what life must have been like as a 19th century lass during Christmas time in London. The Charles Dicken’s novel “A Christmas Carol” comes to life in a 6 acre cavernous space…… Continue reading A Victorian Christmas Special- A Day in 19th Century London!

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!

Drink Like An Egyptian Pharoah: HIBISCUS LEMONADE – an Appetite Suppressant!

We can learn a lot from ancient civilizations, as they intuitively knew that food and drink can have dual medicinal values, and the Pharaohs of Egypt were no exception. Hibiscus tea, otherwise known as Karkadé, was the preferred drink of the pharaohs, and the popularity of this beverage continues to this day. Karkadé is actually…… Continue reading Drink Like An Egyptian Pharoah: HIBISCUS LEMONADE – an Appetite Suppressant!

Why I Never Complained about Eating Green Beans

There is a subset of society that truly loathes green beans, and  I can understand why. Whether their exposure to mushy tasteless green beans came from a can, or they bit into tough and stringy beans the consistency of hay, I truly feel their pain. But you can enjoy this vegetable without an ounce of…… Continue reading Why I Never Complained about Eating Green Beans

Halawet El Jibn: An Iconic Syrian Dessert for My Baba’s Bday!

It all began in the 1870s with a sweets vendor in Hama Syria. The patriarch of the Salloura family figured out a way to make sweet cheese pancakes rolled around sweet cream, called Halawet El Jibn, which in Arabic means “sweetness of the cheese.”  The cheese rolls were scented with rose or orange blossom, then doused…… Continue reading Halawet El Jibn: An Iconic Syrian Dessert for My Baba’s Bday!

The Street Food That Will Take Over the World

Hello Dear Friends, How is your summer going? Hopefully you are all making the most of it despite the constant dystopian headlines that have been dominating the news cycle of late. I have been busy working outside of YouTube, writing newspaper articles and wearing my network television hat again. This time I am thrilled to…… Continue reading The Street Food That Will Take Over the World