As soon as December hits every year, I know it is Burbara time. Burbara represents my favorite childhood comforts in a bowl: The nutty and chewy wheatberries become creamy and velvety from the addition of chickpea powder (which tastes like toasted tahini) . Warming spices like cinnamon, anise, and fennel are symbols of warmth and…… Continue reading The Holiday Palestinian Pudding I Wait to Eat Every December
Tag: palestinian food
Discovering Little Palestine: Where Community, Culture, and Flavor Come Alive
When I arrived in Little Palestine for the Arab America Summit, I expected a weekend of panels, performances, and passionate discussions. What I didn’t expect was how deeply this neighborhood would move me. Arab Americans from across the country had gathered to celebrate heritage, identity, and unity, and Little Palestine felt like the heartbeat of…… Continue reading Discovering Little Palestine: Where Community, Culture, and Flavor Come Alive
The Best Real Olive Oil in a Sea of Fakes!
Growing up Palestinian American, I always joked that olive oil runs through my veins. Actually, that is not an exaggeration. Olive oil is so much more than a cooking fat in my family. In Palestine, olive oil is heritage, identity, and livelihood. As a child, I would have to wait for my grandmother’s batch of…… Continue reading The Best Real Olive Oil in a Sea of Fakes!
Middle Eastern Grandma-Style Cooking… in IRELAND?!
Hello Dear Friends! Just returned from an unforgettable trip to Ireland — and I’m still processing how deeply moving it was. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by how warm, kind, and welcoming the people were. Locals went out of their way to offer directions, share their stories, or give me more information…… Continue reading Middle Eastern Grandma-Style Cooking… in IRELAND?!
My Arab Father’s Wacky Take on Peanut Butter and Flavors of the Levant Part 2!
In part 2 of Flavors of the Levantom KQED, things got real! I talked about what it was like growing up Arab American in the United States, taking unconventional lunches to school and yearning for a standard sandwich of peanut butter and jelly. Little did I know there would be a massive transformation in how…… Continue reading My Arab Father’s Wacky Take on Peanut Butter and Flavors of the Levant Part 2!
Middle Eastern Food Festival Tour!
Hello Friends! Fall for me is cookbook signing season, where I travel to food festivals and other events and get the chance to meet FITME viewers and middle eastern food aficionados in person! Truly it is my favorite time of year, not only because I get to connect with people on a one to one…… Continue reading Middle Eastern Food Festival Tour!
Our Za’atar Taste Test Review and Results!
My great auntie Bahia used to always tell me, “Eat za’atar every day to keep the doctor away!” She lived well into her 90s with no serious health issues. Her breakfast of choice? Fresh homemade pita bread she made weekly, with plenty of zesty za’atar, fruity extra virgin olive oil, and creamy labneh kefir cheese. …… Continue reading Our Za’atar Taste Test Review and Results!
Ode to Gaza: Sayadieh, The Fish & Rice Dish
Today I wanted to dedicate my blog and recipe to the people of Gaza, for this classic rice dish used to be ubiquitous in this coastal strip that is experiencing absolute horrors as we speak. This is my earnest desire to preserve their cultural heritage, and keep the spirit of their people alive. Sayadieh, a…… Continue reading Ode to Gaza: Sayadieh, The Fish & Rice Dish
Summertime Supper Ideas!
Hello Fitme Fam, This summer I have been actively setting aside time for prayer, speaking at fundrasiers for Gaza, and of course, family time. Sundays are my favorite, when my sister, mother, the kids and I get together for Sunday dinners. We seperate tasks, whether grocery shopping, cooking up side dishes, a main entree, and…… Continue reading Summertime Supper Ideas!
No Bake Cake Celebrates Palestine & South Africa!
Today I uploaded the final video of my South African cuisine series, and I saved the best for last, especially if you have a sweet tooth! As summer approaches, this supremely easy yet creative dessert is great for barbecues, potlucks, and parties. Behold, the South African style “fridge” cake: This dessert is no bake, so…… Continue reading No Bake Cake Celebrates Palestine & South Africa!