It’s an incredibly beautiful Fall day. I’m writing this outside listening to the birds on the trees, the neighborhood kids screaming with joy and my tummy rumbling from hunger. Adding these pictures to the post isn’t helping either. These dumplings are my take on a very traditional dish made with lamb-stuffed dumplings in a dehydrated bulgur -yogurt sauce (kishk). After …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Freekeh Ratatouille
I feel like Remy in Ratatouille every time I make this dish. My mouth watered at the scene where Ego took his first bite. And when, during a recent visit to a Vaidya, I was told to focus on dishes that have plenty of cooked, seasonal veggies, I was excited at the variety of delightful meals I can prepare. …
Herb Roasted Chicken, Garlic Sauce and a Sandwich
I always get so excited for Spring. Around mid Winter, I start channeling a rural farmer and dreams of planting fruit trees like pomegranates and mulberries take me all around my backyard and back to the sofa. Every year around this time, I buy seeds and set out to planting them and then the city slicker that I am, I …
Spiced Pompano with Green Salsa
It’s been a bit hectic since we came back from Easter break with my family. We were able to really enjoy the Spring in full swing in Virginia, colors of all shades of pink, white, yellow, purple and this green. Amazing. The kids enjoyed their playtime with cousins whom they don’t really see as often as we would all like. …
Roasted Eggplant stuffed with Kale and Buckwheat in a Spicy Tomato Sauce
The mystery is solved !! It’s a Hyacinth, a bunch of beautifully blossoming purple ones. I am so proud of myself. I had no idea I can garden (I am using that term very loosely). I’ve never been able to grow anything, even a mint bush died on me last year, but you know, this Spring, something special is in …
Forbidden Rice Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
This is one of my favorite salads, inspired by one that I occasionally eat at Whole Foods Fairfax when visiting family. And while theirs is Asian inspired, mine relies on the sweetness of the pineapples and peppers with a hint of sherry vinegar and some agave nectar. It’s simple, flavorful and filling. And more importantly, when I have an upcoming …
Quinoa-stuffed Red Cabbage Salad
I’ve been attracted to deep colored vegetables lately. I guess I’m ready for Spring, a fresh morning breeze, blossoms on the trees and the sight of new life with all its colorful wonder everywhere. It’s been a long cold winter and I have cabin fever AND I live in the South!! Several years ago, I lived in Vail, Colorado and …