I often get carried away at the farmer’s market. Do you do this too? I buy bags and bags of stone fruit and berries thinking somehow the family will eat it all. And don’t get me started when the market is about to close and the farmers slash everything 50% off, just hoping you will…… Continue reading Transform Overripe Summer Fruits!
Tag: vegan/vegetarian
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!
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!
Don’t Boil That Asparagus! Learn How to Cook This Peak Season Veggie!
People either love or hate asparagus! Honestly the only difference is preparation. If you prepare the asparagus correctly, you will LOVE this vegetable. If cooked successfully, asparagus should be tender, slightly crisp, and taste like spring. Bonus flavor if you add garlic, lemon zest, parmesan cheese, or go big with a cream sauce. If prepared…… Continue reading Don’t Boil That Asparagus! Learn How to Cook This Peak Season Veggie!
Never Buy Boxed Cornbread Again!
Out of all the breads in the world, there is always one type I can never resist, and that is cornbread. I love that cornbread tastes delicious both sweet (with a little butter and honey or jam) or savory, dunked into soups, stews, or chile. In part 2 of my cooking series to celebrate and…… Continue reading Never Buy Boxed Cornbread Again!
My Favorite Childhood Treat: Spinach Pies! (Fatayer Sabanekh)
With Arab American Heritage Month, Eid al Fitr, and Greek Orthodox lent upon us at the same time, there is one dish that fits the bill for all 3 occasions, Fatayer Sabanekh, or Arab style spinach pies! The word “fatayer” itself means pastry in Arabic. These vegetarian hand pies, which are popular in Palestine, Lebanon,…… Continue reading My Favorite Childhood Treat: Spinach Pies! (Fatayer Sabanekh)
Bread Baking Tips from a Sourdough Master!
There is something about a cold rainy day that makes me yearn to bake homemade bread. The art of baking bread makes me nostalgic for the days of my childhood, reminding me of my gentle great auntie Bahieh. She NEVER bought bread from the store, instead baking her own loaves every Saturday. I could smell…… Continue reading Bread Baking Tips from a Sourdough Master!
A PotLuck Pal: Maftoul with Roasted Veggies
Hello Dear Friends, Today’s video came in response to multiple viewers that requested I share a dish they could take to their next potluck, and I immediately thought of my roasted vegetable and maftoul salad! Maftoul is like couscous, only larger so that it is more chewy to eat and absorbs that much more flavor.…… Continue reading A PotLuck Pal: Maftoul with Roasted Veggies
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!
Dramatic Dessert: Wine Poached Pears!
Growing up eating a Middle Eastern/Mediterranean diet, the primary dessert in my family was fruit, perhaps with a side of cheese. During hot summer days my mother took breaks from cooking to give us a dinner of fruit, cheese, and bread–usually grapes or watermelon with farmer’s cheese. She would apologize that the house was too…… Continue reading Dramatic Dessert: Wine Poached Pears!