There is really nothing more refreshing than eating light, fresh meals in the hot summer days. For the past couple of weeks, we have been doing just that – simple, easy dishes with lots of local and regional fruits. Can you tell I love peaches? I find a reason to put them in everything, can’t get enough. And every time …
Grilled Mussels and Herb Salad and a Peachy Dressing
It’s Summertime in the South, temperatures are already soaring close to 100ËšF and my oven is sort of taking a break. I love making playful light dishes with all the fresh greens and seafood from the local market, and proud to say that many of the herbs that I’m using now come from my little herb garden – oregano, marjoram, …
Herb Meatballs with Spinach and Zucchini
May has flown by! It’s been busy around here. With school ending in a couple of weeks, schedules are packed with birthday parties and school activities, kitchen is filled with the aromas of fresh produce, herbs and fruits. Lots of cooking and experimenting going on, and unfortunately I don’t always have a chance to take pictures and share with you. …
Peaches, Herbs, and Liver Salad
I now understand why mothers get frustrated with their children’s finicky eating habits. “Don’t be surprised, you were worse as a child”, Mom said. I do remember being that way and not eating much of anything. But there was one dish that my téta (grandmother) would make for me as a child that I just loved. When I would ask …
Cranberry Brown Rice Cookies
This recipe is based on a traditional Lebanese cookie dough made during the holidays and usually stuffed with nuts or date paste. They come in many different shapes and sizes, depending on the mold used. Some even go through the effort of creating their own artisanal molds. You can be very creative with it – filling and shape. So I miss desserts (a …
Sugar-free Vanilla and Spice Poached Pears
These delicious looking poached pears have been a part of my breakfast everyday for the last couple of weeks, on their own or with some brown rice pancakes. It’s pretty difficult when all types of sugars and desserts are out. These pears will satisfy any craving for that little sweet something after a meal or as a snack. Over the …
Lebanese Stuffed Cabbage with Pomegranate & the SuperMoon
I have a fascination with rolling and stuffing things, well in particular vegetables. It might be a Mediterranean thing, still not sure though. In Lebanon, we have stuffed grape leaves , stuffed cousa squash, stuffed eggplants, stuffed squid, etc … and stuffed cabbage, which may not sound so appetizing at first glance, but actually is delicious. The thing is though …
Cedar-wrapped Local Flounder with Fennel, Zucchini and Thyme
And finally Spring weather! A beautiful day to soak the sun and prepare a healthy super fast lunch. I’ve had the cedar paper sitting on the kitchen counter for a few days, my mind percolating different ideas. Until this morning as I walked to our local market and saw some gorgeous flounder calling my name. Suddenly everything fell into place …
Lamb and Brown Rice Porridge (Hreessy)
Hreessy (which is different than harissa, the Tunisian hot paste) is a traditional Lebanese dish made with pearled wheat and lamb or chicken, usually prepared in large quantities and shared with families. In our village, it is prepared by the groom’s family on his wedding day, among a very large buffet where the whole family is invited to celebrate the …
Grilled Winter Greens, Herbed Red Snapper and a Tart Apple Dressing
The idea for this plate has been twirling in my head for a couple of weeks and didn’t get to it until now. I love grilled foods and I always want some kind of dip, sauce, dressing with it. I was craving acidic, tart flavors, but citrus is out for the next few months (unfortunately!), I opted to make a …