Healthy Holiday Baking Hacks-Chocolate Zucchini Bread in 10 minutes!

Tis the time of year where the days don’t just run by, they literally sprint –with an ever expanding to-do list. The frenzy starts with decorating the home inside and out and planning out the Christmas cards to send to people all over the planet. I always get lazy with this one and just take a…… Continue reading Healthy Holiday Baking Hacks-Chocolate Zucchini Bread in 10 minutes!

“Salata Batata” Arab Style Potato Salad

Sometimes…you just want a healthy simple side dish to put on the table without much effort. Sometimes..you have to let go the fear of carbs and embrace the potato–the beautiful high fiber potato without the addition of cheese, frying, or all of that other food sabotage. Seriously why are people afraid of potatoes?  They are…… Continue reading “Salata Batata” Arab Style Potato Salad

Vegeterian Koofteh (Meatball) with Chef Hoss Zare

Mainstream media paints the people of Iran with two extreme brushes: either they’re Islamic fundamentalists in beards and  dark cloaks fantasizing about nukes or ….half naked, binge partying, yacht driving,  drunk on Patron, flamboyant rebels on Bravo’s  Shahs of Sunset. From meeting and knowing Iranian Americans thoughout my life, I have to say my impressions don’t match that of…… Continue reading Vegeterian Koofteh (Meatball) with Chef Hoss Zare

Muhammara-The Famous Dip of Syria

It’s so sad that people now associate Syria with war, death, mayhem, and destruction. Prior to the war Syria was a veritable culinary mecca, known mostly for its gorgeous desserts displayed like a Dubai skyline of confections.       Another culinary delight originating from Syria is the fiery red Muhammara dip, which is unlike…… Continue reading Muhammara-The Famous Dip of Syria

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!

Superbowl Recipe Roundup!

Everyone knows that the Superbowl is all about the food! And the commercials. And the halftime show. And oh yeah, the actual game hehe. So as you can see I really have my priorities, and chances are you have similar priorities because you’re here too, checkin out the FOOD! So, let’s get to business, here…… Continue reading Superbowl Recipe Roundup!

Macho Nachos!

The nacho obsession in my family began when my siblings and I were in grade school at a sports spirit rally. Like  most children, we didn’t really have high culinary standards, so salty crunchy chips drowning in a fake cheezy sauce hooked us immediately. In high school we looked forward to our parents’ night out…… Continue reading Macho Nachos!

M’Nazaleh, A Rich Tasting Yet Healthy Eggplant Casserole

Did you know that the Greek word Moussaka comes from the Arabic word “musaqqa‘ah” which means chilled?  The reason this dish is called “chilled” is because you can eat it cold and it tastes just as delicious. Greek Mousakka is what I call indulgence food, rich meat and eggplant tucked under a bed of creamy, buttery,…… Continue reading M’Nazaleh, A Rich Tasting Yet Healthy Eggplant Casserole

Garlicky Turmeric Rice–The Foundation of My Dishes with Mega Health Benefits!

I am not carb phobic, especially when it comes to my rice. For active people (like me) carbohydrates are metabolized by the body and turned into functional, usable energy.  Brown rice is rich in insoluble fiber that can protect against many types of cancer, containing vitamins and minerals like niacin, vitamin A, C and  D,…… Continue reading Garlicky Turmeric Rice–The Foundation of My Dishes with Mega Health Benefits!

SHAWARMA!

My most epic sandwich moment happened near Petra in Jordan, years ago. I was determined to hike around this ancient city  with my tour group  in 100 degree heat. One of my friends on this trip, John, was perpetually  hungry, regardless of the blistering hot weather. He saw a lonely shawarma stand off the side…… Continue reading SHAWARMA!