Viewers Choice: Mideast Grocery Haul!

Do you get more excited about shopping for food than for clothing? Then this next video is literally for you! I have listened to all of the many comments and e-mails asking me to do a grocery haul in a Middle Eastern Market. What I intended to do in this video is demystify exotic ingredients and…… Continue reading Viewers Choice: Mideast Grocery Haul!

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

Vegan Cabbage Rolls: MALFOUF!

The word “malfouf” in Arabic means both “cabbage” and “rolled.” So in Lebanese and Palestinian culture, cooks must have felt that it was only natural to roll up the cabbage around rice, and the popular dish malfouf was born. Stuffed cabbage leaves are popular in so many countries, from Russia to Poland and Sweden. But…… Continue reading Vegan Cabbage Rolls: MALFOUF!

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!

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

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!

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!