Over the Labor Day weekend, I took the kids to visit my family in the D.C. area. I have a love-hate relationship with big cities. I was so apprehensive about the traffic and being stuck in the car with two toddlers, but luckily that worked out well and our timing was perfect. On the love side, I just get giddy …
Romano Beans Salad with a Garlic Lemon Dressing
My favorite time as a child was the first week of school (although I don’t remember being the nerdy type!). I just loved the smell of new books, getting all the pens ready and pencils sharpened, putting together my math rulers (no calculators were allowed). It was just exciting to see old friends and teachers and meet new ones. Last …
Lamb Kafta Meatball Stew
It’s been raining here for two days (I love rainy days). We are surrounded by pine trees and the raindrops hang on the end of each pine straw and makes for a sparkly sight, especially when sun rays peak out of the clouds. It’s fun to watch (and yes my life is THAT exciting!:)). I can’t think of anything better …
Sweet Blinis (Atayef) Stuffed with Walnuts and Pistachios
Sophie (my daughter) is getting the last of her chewing teeth and it hasn’t been quiet around here. She seems to not have any pain tolerance, and she has turned into an insomniac. I wonder why previous generations don’t share the details, trials and tribulations of raising children (just so that we’re prepared psychologically). I don’t remember anyone telling me …
Fragrant Halwa with Nuts and Raisins or Mahdawiye
Sometimes, a particular dish can be so memorable that it sticks with you for a long long time. I had this dessert one time when I was around seven or eight years old. We were spending the summer in Lebanon. During the cool summer nights in the mountains, cousins and relatives get together and spend hours talking, laughing and joking …
Eggplant Casserole or Lebanese Moussaka
I never was a big fan of eggplants until recent years. For some time, I couldn’t shake the memory of being forced to eat some awful eggplant dish at boarding school. We weren’t allowed to leave the table until our plate was finished, so my brother and I would pretend to eat it and stuff the food in our uniform …
Baby Arugula and Sunflower Sprouts Salad with Grilled Shrimp and a Conadria Fig Vinaigrette
Three more weeks until school is in session and that means more jumping, playing, and running with my son (and my daughter). I look at him in amazement of the endless energy that exudes from him. He wears me down! So these days, I’m lucky to get a lunch break or even a snack, which usually consists of what they’re …
Minty Mango Coconut Gelato and a Mango Chocolate Soufflé
Summer is not kidding around. It’s incredibly hot around here and I find myself daydreaming about long gone days spent at the beaches of Limassol (Cyprus), enjoying the Mediterranean breeze, hanging out with friends all day long, then going home to clean up and heading right back out for a night of food – souvlakis and cola floats!! (wow! Makes …
A Rainbow Potato Salad
Potatoes. When life goes a little nuts, I like to de-stress with a simple and easy lunch with no fuss, just sticking with the basics. This salad has always been a staple in our home as kids. I don’t know if it’s a recipe that is popular all over Lebanon, but it sure is in my hometown. When all else …
Grilled Zucchinis and Sea Scallops and Two Sauces
Hello June. Where has the time gone? School is out this week and it’s time for a break, so in a few days I pack the kids and a million of their necessities and we drive to Virginia to spend some time with my family. It’s always fun there, lots of friends and family, and in Lebanese that translates to …