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
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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!
My Family Favorite: Kousa Mahshi- Stuffed Squash
If you come from an Arab family in the Levant, whether Palestinian, Lebanese, Syrian, or Jordanian, you know the smell of Kousa Mahshi when it envelops the kitchen. That unmistakable smell of fresh summer squash stuffed with seasoned rice and lamb and boiled in an aromatic broth even permeates the front door. The scent invites…… Continue reading My Family Favorite: Kousa Mahshi- Stuffed Squash
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!