Namoura, Basbousa, and Harisseh, the Arabic Dessert with Three Names!

Imagine a moist dense cake with the tang of yogurt, the sweetness of honey and a hint of rose. This cake is so popular it goes by three different names all over the Levant. The Lebanese call this cake Namoura, the Palestinians call it Harisseh, and the Egyptians call it Basbousa. No matter what you…… Continue reading Namoura, Basbousa, and Harisseh, the Arabic Dessert with Three Names!

“Baba Ghanoush” Tart

Thanksgiving is just brimming with so many sweet pies and tarts. Pumpkin, apple, pecan,  and rhubarb pies have all dominated our Thanksgiving dessert table for many years. However, as more and more family members have been diagnosed  with diabetes or weight issues, I thought why not make a rich, satisfying tart without all of that…… Continue reading “Baba Ghanoush” Tart

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

Middle Eastern Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Tahini Sauce…

I think this is the first time people really aren’t into the holiday spirit. I know some people dread Christmas because of the added stress of gift shopping, but Thanksgiving is when people really relax, indulge, and enjoy each other’s company. This year no one is even talking about Thanksgiving. Whatever side of the election…… Continue reading Middle Eastern Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Tahini Sauce…

Hashwa-Arabic Style Dressing for your Thanksgiving Feast!

Let’s face reality – Thanksgiving is not the ideal time to go low carb. The holidays are the ideal time to put away the protein shakes, the sprouted tortillas and the egg-white omelets and celebrate togetherness by reveling in some luxurious carbohydrates. My mother is known for putting everyone out into a sleepy stupor after…… Continue reading Hashwa-Arabic Style Dressing for your Thanksgiving Feast!

Burbara–Middle Eastern Wheat Berry Porridge!

This isn’t your typical porridge… December marks one of my favorite food traditions in my family–the feast of Santa Barbara. Palestinian, Syrian,  and Lebanese Christians celebrate this feast every year beginning on December 4 for Roman Catholics, and December 16th for Greek Orthodox Christians. They commemorate this holiday by making a sweet dish called Burbarah…… Continue reading Burbara–Middle Eastern Wheat Berry Porridge!