Mabrousheh: Middle Eastern Streusel Jam Bars

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

Homemade Ice Cream That’ll Make You Melt!

Hello Friends,  Hope you’re enjoying your summer!  Ice cream season is in full swing at my house, however, every year I end up with the same pattern. My kids, nieces and nephews all get the hankering for ice cream. I go to the supermarket to see if I can get something for them on the…… Continue reading Homemade Ice Cream That’ll Make You Melt!

Summer Desserts with Fruits at Peak Season!

While a lot of people are dashing around on July fourth trips or vacations, I am staying home this year. I plan on making this holiday extra special for my family so they don’t experience FOMO, or Fear of Missing Out. One of the ways I do this is by planning a special July Fourth…… Continue reading Summer Desserts with Fruits at Peak Season!

The Breakfast You Didn’t Know you Needed

What do you think of when you think of comfort food? A plate of french toast that is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside? Maybe a piece of warm fruit pie with a scoop of rich ice cream? If that is your definition of deliciousness, then you are in for an easy…… Continue reading The Breakfast You Didn’t Know you Needed

MARBLED Easter Cookies in Minutes!

Hello Friends! Easter preparations are well underway in our family, and if you have been following my blog for a while, you know this is Mamoul time! These semolina date ring cookies usher in the beginning of spring, Jesus’s resurrection, and in the Muslim world, Ramadan, which is happening right now as well. If you…… Continue reading MARBLED Easter Cookies in Minutes!

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!

A Double Feature of Treats for Valentine’s Day!

As Valentine’s Day is upon us, I thought I would share two fun discoveries with you! As the price of chocolate has skyrocketed, making homemade gifts is a great alternative to store bought chocolates. Lindsay from Food La La shared this lovely recipe for Sweetheart Toffee on the set of California Live for NBC. If…… Continue reading A Double Feature of Treats for Valentine’s Day!

OH LALA- FRENCH MACARONS in your KITCHEN!

I am going to keep it real right now, are you ready? When I went to France recently, I couldn’t wait to try their macarons, but my jaw dropped at the price. Each itty bitty 1 inch diameter cookie was 4 bucks! Are you kidding me? If I wanted to buy a dozen it could…… Continue reading OH LALA- FRENCH MACARONS in your KITCHEN!

Ever Wanted to Eat A Whole Pan of Brownies?

Did you ever make brownies according to the package, then get dissappointed that an itty bitty 1 inch piece is 150 calories? Who could honestly eat that little and be satisfied, especially when that piece is loaded with sugar and no protein? I have been making these 40 calorie brownies for years now, and I…… Continue reading Ever Wanted to Eat A Whole Pan of Brownies?