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!

How to Make Halva (Halawa) 3 Flavors!

Yes it’s the time of year for pumpkin spice everything, and I love every bit of it! If you have been following my videos long enough, you know I love to combine Arabic traditions with an American twist, and today is no exception. Halawa means “sweet” in Arabic, and this sesame confection called halawa is…… Continue reading How to Make Halva (Halawa) 3 Flavors!

Baba Ghanoush- A Story of Love

Hummus gets so much attention and glory. Restaurants feature hummus mixed with every vegetable under the sun, ranging from sun dried tomatoes to red peppers. School children now eat this dip with pitas as a lunch addition without a thought. Nutritionists recommend hummus as a healthy snack. But there is one cousin to hummus that…… Continue reading Baba Ghanoush- A Story of Love

“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

Middle Eastern Lentil Lettuce Cups with Butternut Squash & Tahini Dipping Sauce

There is a fun element in vegan cooking that you just don’t get with meat based dishes. You get to tap into the fruits and vegetables of the season, and think of using them in creative and fanciful ways to appeal to the whole family. You can even get children engaged in vegan cooking by…… Continue reading Middle Eastern Lentil Lettuce Cups with Butternut Squash & Tahini Dipping Sauce

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…

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!

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!

Listeria Hysteria –Not in My Hummus!

Now here’s a big reason to make your own hummus–possible listeria in store-bought varieties. Recently Sabra hummus recalled 30,000 cases of hummus for possible listeria. What is listeria? It’s a bacteria that can cause a serious or even fatal infection. Symptoms include fever, nausea, abdominal pain and headaches. Would you like some dysentery on those carrot…… Continue reading Listeria Hysteria –Not in My Hummus!

My Baba’s Hummus…

The Egyptians are not only known for their pyramids—they have also been making and eating hummus for over 7000 years. The word hummus is Arabic for garbanzo bean, and is basically the peanut butter of the Middle East—popular among Egyptians, Palestinians, Lebanese,  Jordanians, and Syrians because it is economical, full of filling protein, and delicious!…… Continue reading My Baba’s Hummus…