Garlic and yogurt. Possibly two of my ultimate favorite ingredients, ever. Add to those some wal(nuts) and it’s pure bliss, for me at least. The Lebanese pantry is incredibly rich and versatile. You could potentially have a full meal without having to cook, slice or dice anything- just from the pantry. And that is practically true for most old civilizations, …
Aromatic Jute Mallow Soup with Fennel and Tomato
The picture above was taken yesterday on the campus of my kids’ school, where leaves are gloriously changing colors and carpeting the grounds. However, I find it a bit unsettling that we have welcomed Fall with a 101ºF. Dear Mother Nature, what the heck is going on? For now, I am pretending is a cool day, perfect for a nutritious …
Coconut and Fig Smoothie
Now that everyone is back to their routine, I’m still attempting to find mine. It’s taking me longer than I thought to get a solid schedule together for my newly found free time. I have decided to resume writing for NaturalNews.com among other things. And my brain is crowded with recipes that are itching to come out. I don’t know …
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 …
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 …