This is a very easy and tasty dip that takes no time to make. Prepare it for friends and family and make sure to refrigerate the leftovers! Ingredients: 1 can salmon (7 ounces) 1 tablespoon cognac 5 ounces cream cheese 1 tablespoon capers 1 red onion, chopped Dash of Tabasco sauce Juice of 1/2 lemon … [Read more…]
The word Fatteh means “to crumble” in Arabic and this is the thought behind this Lebanese dish. Traditionally, it is made with ground beef or lamb, fried pita bread and eggplant. The way I make it is with toasted pita bread and broiled eggplants to make it healthier. You sure can add ground beef or … [Read more…]
Farfalle pasta is the beautifully shaped one that looks like a butterfly or bow tie. I like this pasta because it’s versatile and goes very well for pasta salads. Today, I mixed it with medium size cooked shrimp/tails removed, balsamic vinegar, lemon zest, olive oil and other delicious ingredients. The taste was fresh just perfect … [Read more…]
Chicken Piccata is one of my favorite dishes. There are many recipes for this amazing dish however, I came up with this recipe one day and it turned out really scrumptious (if I may say so myself, lol)! This is an easy and fast recipe to prepare, it took me about 20 minutes and voilà. … [Read more…]
My sister-in-law Siham gave me this recipe a while back and I’ve made it ever since. It’s a good way to use and recycle the extra apples you may have. The sweet smell that emanates from the kitchen while these apple bars are baking brings on an irresistible aroma of Thanksgiving! This dessert is easy … [Read more…]
Hummus is a staple in the Middle Eastern cuisine. It’s a creamy dip, healthy, versatile and delicious. You can add avocado, roasted peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, cilantro or anything you like. All the main ingredients are super foods in their own right. It’s got chickpeas, sesame paste, garlic and olive oil in most traditional versions. You … [Read more…]
The Middle Eastern Diet is very healthy especially the Lebanese diet (I can be partial here, lol). We tend to eat many vegetarian meals that are delicious and filling. When it comes to eating stuffed zucchini (koussa mehshee) as we refer to it, I prefer the vegetarian kind and my family likes the zucchinis stuffed … [Read more…]
Potatoes with Garlic and Cilantro is a famous appetizer that everyone likes! In Lebanon we refer to it as Batata Harra or Hot Potatoes (spicy). There are many ways to enjoy this Lebanese staple, the traditional way is to fry the potatoes before adding the cilantro and garlic. My healthier version is to broil them … [Read more…]
Flat breads (non leavened) were made throughout the Middle East as early as 7,000 B.C. but probably didn’t have bananas until later. Banana bread recipes for the most part are ‘quick breads’ leavened with baking powder or baking soda. Quick breads recipes were not developed until the end of the 18th century. In ‘American Cookery’ … [Read more…]
Tabboule is a traditional Lebanese dish made with bulgur wheat that’s been soaked and marinated in a simple dressing of olive oil and fresh squeezed lemon juice. It’s mixed with lots of fresh parsley, mint and tomatoes which gives it a unique refreshing flavor. The ‘jewels’ in this Tabboule refer to the dried fruits and … [Read more…]
Our kids are visiting from out of state tomorrow and we’re so looking forward to it!!! I wanted to make something very special for them and decided on this Italian Lemon Cheesecake. The process is time consuming because the layers have to be refrigerated in stages however, believe me it’s so worth it. The presentation … [Read more…]
These Cinnamon Rolls are out of this world and so easy to make! You can freeze the unbaked rolls till ready to use, just bring them to room temperature and bake accordingly. There are so many Cinnamon Rolls recipes out there however, I like this one because it’s a lighter version and doesn’t compromise the … [Read more…]
These Moroccan Semolina & Date Cookies are a real treat and they’re usually served for special occasions. They’re soft, cake-like cookies shaped with a date paste filling, then baked or fried and drizzled with honey. Baking instead of frying is always a better alternative especially that these cookies are not easy on the waist! Moroccans … [Read more…]
The word pizza is Italian for pie, The common belief is that Italians invented pizza, but a baked bread with toppings has many other precursors in other cuisines. Italy’s version of the dish, especially from Naples, is the one we are most familiar with, though Pissaladière from Provence, Coca from Catalan, and Lahma bi Ajeen … [Read more…]
Cauliflower is considered a super-food because of its beneficial effects on numerous aspects of health. Some of its most impressive benefits are: Cauliflower contains a sulfur compound that has also been shown to kill cancer stem cells, thereby slowing tumor growth. Some researchers believe eliminating cancer stem cells may be key to controlling cancer. It … [Read more…]
Rainbow cake or Italian rainbow cookies can refer to any number of rainbow-colored confections. They’re three moist, almond paste-based cake layers dyed to Technicolor intensity, sandwiched with apricot or raspberry jam and coated with dark chocolate. Their moist texture, without being too dense has a pronounced almond flavor that’s nicely complemented by the fruity jam … [Read more…]
No need for a miracle drug; just eat like the Mediterraneans do! Past studies have found that following a Mediterranean diet can help lower the risk of heart and eye complications, protect brain function, reduce allergy symptoms and help you live longer. Following the Mediterranean diet can cut your risk of heart attack, stroke, and … [Read more…]
The Sesame Seed is very essential in the Mediterranean cuisine. The seed has been one of the most important summer crops in the Middle East for thousands of years, which explains why sesame is everywhere in our cooking, from savory to sweet. On the Mediterranean block, each culture calls this candy differently. The Greeks call … [Read more…]
Summer is here and the air is infused with an irresistible aroma of fresh fruits! As if you’re out in a beautiful field filled with bouquets of flowers and their amazing perfume is pervading the atmosphere!!! I love fresh fruits, especially Apricots, not only because they’re delicious, they have many health benefits as well. Apricots … [Read more…]
Atayef (kataif or قطايف) are thin and lacy stuffed Arabic pancakes that are cooked only on one side. Atayef is the general name of the dessert as a whole, but more specifically, the batter. The result of the batter being poured onto a hot surface appears similar to pancakes, except only one side is cooked … [Read more…]
