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
Tag: feast in the middle east
The Ultimate Grilled Pita Sandwich- Arayes!
Let me give you a visual of one of my camping trips from childhood in Blue Lake, California. Imagine a large campground next to the lake. The sky is a deep blue, pink, and crimson red at sunset. My father fires up the grill, then retreats to a lawn chair, tabla in hand playing some…… Continue reading The Ultimate Grilled Pita Sandwich- Arayes!
The Grill Master’s Secret to Perfect Kebabs!
Ever wonder how kebabs in restaurants taste so darn good? There’s a unique smoky flavor and juicy texture that restaurant kebabs have–and I have always wanted to know their secret! Fortunately, I have a friend named Saif who is a true grill master, who was willing to share his expert tips. His restaurant in San Bruno…… Continue reading The Grill Master’s Secret to Perfect Kebabs!
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!
Mamma Vera is Back- for Our Tahini Taste Test & Review!
You might think that a product like sesame paste, or tahini tastes the same across the board no matter the brand. But in truth, tahini is as varied as any other product. For instance, you know that Jiffy peanut butter is going to taste completely different from Justin’s brand, which has far fewer ingredients. Sadly there…… Continue reading Mamma Vera is Back- for Our Tahini Taste Test & Review!
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!
5 Knife Skills in 5 Minutes to Elevate Your Cooking!
Hello Friends! Whether you are a culinary whiz in the kitchen or a beginner, there is always room to sharpen your knike skills. Having impeccable knife skills not only ensures safety, but it also enables you to take your dishes to another level of flavor, texture, and creativity! We eat with our eyes, and perfectly…… Continue reading 5 Knife Skills in 5 Minutes to Elevate Your Cooking!
My Family Favorite: Kousa Mahshi- Stuffed Squash
If you come from an Arab family in the Levant, whether Palestinian, Lebanese, Syrian, or Jordanian, you know the smell of Kousa Mahshi when it envelops the kitchen. That unmistakable smell of fresh summer squash stuffed with seasoned rice and lamb and boiled in an aromatic broth even permeates the front door. The scent invites…… Continue reading My Family Favorite: Kousa Mahshi- Stuffed Squash
The Best Cioppino I have EVER Had-from Carmel
Hello Friends! The most rewarding part of my job at NBC is meeting new people following their passion and doing amazing things in local communities! This week was no exception when I visited the seafood restaurant called Catch in Carmel by the Sea, in preparation for Carmel’s Culinary Week: https://www.catchcarmel.com/ Before I talk about Catch,…… Continue reading The Best Cioppino I have EVER Had-from Carmel
Sunday Meal Prep with Me, Plus I Danced with the Stars!
Hello Friends! Hope you are enjoying the signs of spring! For me the clear sign of spring is I literally have cute bunny rabbits hopping around my neighborhood, their cute fluffy white tails disappearing in the bushes every time I come near them on my random walks. These walks are my only downtime these days,…… Continue reading Sunday Meal Prep with Me, Plus I Danced with the Stars!