Ghraybeh- Arabic Shortbread Cookies (S Cookies)

These buttery shortbread cookies seem to appear in various parts of the Middle East with different names. Throughout the Arab world they are known as Ghraybeh, shaped either as the letter ‘S’ or as a diamond. In Greece these are known as Kourabiedes. In Armenia they are known as Kourabia. When my husband was a…… Continue reading Ghraybeh- Arabic Shortbread Cookies (S Cookies)

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

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!

Avochocolado! (Chocolate Mousse)

Do you find yourself wanted to pull out all of your hair during this election? Do you just want to run into a closet with a jar of Nutella and make it all go away? Maybe you fantasize about buying that bungalow on a beach in Bora Bora, just to stay there for the next…… Continue reading Avochocolado! (Chocolate Mousse)

“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

My Latest Podcast Interview with Arabiyaat at KPFA Radio

As someone who has worked primarily in television and on camera, it was a refreshing change to let my hair down and talk about Feast in the Middle East on the radio! Linda Khoury is the host of  “Arabiyaat”, a podcast that is regularly featured on KPFA radio in the San Francisco Bay Area. Arabiyaat is…… Continue reading My Latest Podcast Interview with Arabiyaat at KPFA Radio

Popular Hot Beverage of the Arab World: Sahlab

For many, drinking coffee is a ritual that comforts all of the senses, especially on a cold, wintry day. The sound of the percolating espresso machine triggers excitement for the energizing drink to come. The warmth of the coffee cup defrosts brisk fingertips. The flavor is tailored to each person’s preference – rich cream, a…… Continue reading Popular Hot Beverage of the Arab World: Sahlab

My Latest Mini Documentary on the Lebanese Festival

If I want to submerge myself into a different culture without getting a plane ticket I just hit my local ethnic food festival. I feel so grateful to live in the San Francisco Bay Area where these food festivals abound–from Greek and Filipino to Polish and Portuguese. One of my favorites is the Lebanese Festival in…… Continue reading My Latest Mini Documentary on the Lebanese Festival

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!