The Ancient Arab Grain: Freekeh!

While I don’t subscribe to any rigid dietary protocol, I do follow the mantra of “eat what your grandparents ate” for optimum health. Not only did my grandparents eat the ancient grain called freekeh, but their ancestors ate this grain for hundreds of years.  Freekeh is wheat that is harvested when it’s young, so the…… Continue reading The Ancient Arab Grain: Freekeh!

Palestinian Maqlouba-A Savory Layer “Cake” الفلسطينية

Alright my friends, many of you have asked for it. You got it. The MOTHER of all recipes….right here right now. Palestinian Maqlouba is like no other dish, a one pot meal with drama, artistic expression, and every food group melding into one flavorgasm. Maqlouba in Arabic means literally “upside down,” because this dish is…… Continue reading Palestinian Maqlouba-A Savory Layer “Cake” الفلسطينية

Valentine’s Day Recipe RoundUp!

  I am not into froofy cheesy displays of Valentine’s affection, but I do like my desserts! Here is your one stop shop for Valentine’s recipe ideas that you can give to your loved ones–and two of the recipes don’t even require any baking! Let’s start with my most popular video for my no-bake Lazy…… Continue reading Valentine’s Day Recipe RoundUp!

Make life interesting…swap your oatmeal with farro, the ancient grain of the Middle East

If you are tired of the same old oatmeal then this blog is for you. Farro is an ancient grain, actually the oldest cultivated grain ever that originated from the Levantine region: Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, and Palestine. The Egyptians then brought this grain to Italians, who combined this grain with pesto, seafood, and parmesan cheese,…… Continue reading Make life interesting…swap your oatmeal with farro, the ancient grain of the Middle East

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