There is this magical moment when Armenian Easter cookies come out of the oven, the entire kitchen changes. Immediately, you smell that buttery, slightly sweet, and unmistakably scent of MAHLEB, a signature bakery spice of the middle east. Mahleb spice is made from the pits of wild cherries that are ground up, giving a marzipan…… Continue reading Armenian Easter Cookies: A Taste of Home That Travels Across Generations
Tag: dessert
Nan-e Berenji: A Cookie, A Culture, A Quiet Moment in a Noisy World
There’s something almost unexpected about the first bite of Nan-e Berenji. The crumb doesn’t hit you with sweetness the way most western cookies do. No 1000 calorie Crumbl cookie here! Instead, the cookie is delicate, fragrant, and soft in a way that feels almost ethereal. Made with rice flour instead of wheat, these traditional Persian…… Continue reading Nan-e Berenji: A Cookie, A Culture, A Quiet Moment in a Noisy World
Celebrating Culture & Flavor: A Palestinian Ramadan Gift Box Full of Heart
This year is uniquely beautiful: Ramadan and Lent are happening at the same time — a powerful overlap of reflection, generosity, and meaningful traditions across two faiths. Even though we are Christian, we believe that food is one of the most universal ways we connect to one another, and it’s in that spirit that my…… Continue reading Celebrating Culture & Flavor: A Palestinian Ramadan Gift Box Full of Heart
The Internet Destroyed the Viral Japanese “Cheesecake”…Let’s Fix It
Hello Friends! Happy Valentine’s Day, I have a little treat for you! Sometimes food fads are just too fun not to pass up. I know this is a Middle Eastern food blog, but the viral Japanese cheesecake took the world by storm and I just couldn’t ignore it. This dessert felt light, simple, and actually…… Continue reading The Internet Destroyed the Viral Japanese “Cheesecake”…Let’s Fix It
Persian Love Cake: Bake Love Not War
Iran is often talked about negatively in headlines, but Iranian culture has always spoken in poetry, hospitality, fragrance, and food. Persian cuisine is generous, thoughtful, and deeply symbolic. To cook with their ingredients and flavors is to participate quietly in something much older than politics. Enter the Persian Love Cake. Rooted in folklore and celebrating…… Continue reading Persian Love Cake: Bake Love Not War
BLACK FRIDAY EXCLUSIVE!
My limited-edition “Feast in the Middle East” cookbook is officially on Black Friday sale between now and December 15— and there are fewer than 275 copies left! 😱📚 To get your copy, click on this LINK If you’ve been wanting to bring the aromas of sumac, za’atar, pomegranate, and rose water into your kitchen… this…… Continue reading BLACK FRIDAY EXCLUSIVE!
A Luxe Twist on Oreos: Dubai-Inspired Sandwich Cookies with Pistachio, Tahini & Kataifi Crunch
Want to serve something decadent, unforgettable, and just a little bit extra at your next get-together? Let me introduce you to my new favorite dessert: Dubai-inspired sandwich cookies—a luxurious twist on the classic Oreo, but with exotic flavors and textures! These cookies are a budget-friendly way to channel the richness of Dubai chocolate bars—without the…… Continue reading A Luxe Twist on Oreos: Dubai-Inspired Sandwich Cookies with Pistachio, Tahini & Kataifi Crunch
We Tried the Top-Rated Dubai Chocolate Bars Under $20- A Review!
Just give me an excuse to eat chocolate anytime anywhere and I am here for it. Helping me in this endeavor was my brother Issa, who made a comeback after so many years! For the past year, Dubai chocolate bars have gone from niche treats to viral sensations—and not just because they’re wrapped in gold…… Continue reading We Tried the Top-Rated Dubai Chocolate Bars Under $20- A Review!
MAKE BAKLAVA not BOMBS for NATIONAL BAKLAVA DAY
November 17th is National Baklava Day, and while some people might find a national day dedicated to a pastry a bit silly, Baklava certainly deserves an honorary place in baking history. This buttery, flaky, and nutty pastry is actually a beautiful representation of peace, a collaboration of effort among many Middle Eastern cultures. Ask people from…… Continue reading MAKE BAKLAVA not BOMBS for NATIONAL BAKLAVA DAY
The Viral Spiral Croissant-That Took Tiktok by Storm!
Well fall has arrived, though you wouldn’t feel it here in California with a record heatwave lasting all week! But that doesn’t deter me from fall vibes and how much I enjoy baking every year as the weather gets cooler. Today, I am featuring the viral spiral croissant. In the ever-evolving world of culinary trends,…… Continue reading The Viral Spiral Croissant-That Took Tiktok by Storm!