Ever look at the ingredient list in a store bought pastry? You might see a paragraph long list of chemicals, oils, and sugars that you do not understand. Next time you want to have some pastry for your weekend brunch, try my Puff Pastry with Mascarpone Cheese, Figs, and Almonds. I have to admit I…… Continue reading Puff Pastry with Mascarpone Cheese, Figs, and Almonds
Why I love grape leaves even more than grapes, secrets to Warak Dawali (stuffed grape leaves)
The one thing I regret saying in my latest video is that stuffed grape leaves (warak dawali) is the most difficult Middle Eastern dish to make. I really take that back. It’s actually quite easy, but just a little time consuming–which is why enlisting the help of family makes it more special! Some friends I know…… Continue reading Why I love grape leaves even more than grapes, secrets to Warak Dawali (stuffed grape leaves)
Arabic Coffee Ice Cream with Nutella Swirl!
During this hot summer all I really feel like eating are salads and ice cream. Except I have been really disappointed with the ice cream selection on the supermarket shelves. Some ingredient lists are long enough to cover half a newspaper page! Propylene glycol, hydrogenated oils, carrageenan, artificial sweeteners and colors and other atrocious ingredients…… Continue reading Arabic Coffee Ice Cream with Nutella Swirl!
Baklava…..for Breakfast!
I have made no secret of my sweet tooth to my family and friends over the years. Baklava is such a popular dessert in Middle Eastern households, and when my mom would make some or order this pastry from the bakery she knew I could scarf down a couple of pieces with coffee at 6:00…… Continue reading Baklava…..for Breakfast!
Lemon Lebneh cheesecake with Almond Ginger Crust
Lebneh is an Arabic breakfast staple, a creamy dip that is a cross between cream cheese and Greek yogurt. This dip is traditionally served with olive oil and pita bread for breakfast, but there are so many other uses for this rockstar dip! I came up with this recipe when I was expecting company and…… Continue reading Lemon Lebneh cheesecake with Almond Ginger Crust
Hummus + Fungus = Humungous flavor!
When I was a child I remember getting strange looks from my classmates when I brought my hummus sandwiches to school. “What is that weird beige stuff in your sandwich?” I would get asked by wide eyed children time and time again. I was quite embarrassed because I wanted to fit in with the other…… Continue reading Hummus + Fungus = Humungous flavor!
Valentine’s Day Delights!
I have never really been a froofy Valentine’s Day type that expected flower petals in my bathtub, lingerie and perfumes, but I do love a mean box of chocolates! Lately though, a lot of my beloved chocolates have been hijacked. Transfat (disguised as partially hydrogetated oils) high fructose corn syrup (most likely GMO) and even…… Continue reading Valentine’s Day Delights!
Highlights of the Winter Fancy Food Show 2013
Are you one of those Costco junkies that look forward to meandering around the isles just so you can try out the samples? Well, imagine that food sampling experience and multiply it by 1000—and you get the Winter Fancy Food Show! (WFFS) The WFFS is the largest marketplace devoted to specialty foods and beverages in…… Continue reading Highlights of the Winter Fancy Food Show 2013
Healthy, no bake “Chocolate” truffles with secret Middle Eastern ingredient!
The holidays are just bursting with dangerous goodies that taste fabulous but really offer little nutritional value. I listen in awe to my mother’s stories of her childhood: “Blanche, chocolate was a luxurious rarity, so we often snacked on dates for dessert.” I realized she was on to something. When I just want some chocolate…… Continue reading Healthy, no bake “Chocolate” truffles with secret Middle Eastern ingredient!
Thanksgiving idea: Couscous with Glazed Figs, Almonds, and Feta
I love the juxtaposition of sweet and salty, chewy and crunchy, and Couscous with Figs and Feta is just that and a lot more. Although this dish is vegetarian, there is no sacrifice of a rich meaty flavor coming from the plumped up figs. I also use whole wheat couscous, but If you are really…… Continue reading Thanksgiving idea: Couscous with Glazed Figs, Almonds, and Feta