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 …
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 …
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 …
Purslane and Thyme Pies – Flavors of Summer
With temperatures soaring in the 90s and 100s here in NC for the last few weeks, cooking is somewhat out the window. Instead we’re opting for lots of salads, sandwiches and light vegetarian meals. The kids are splish splashing in their inflatable fun world and I’m trying to keep my herbs and tomato plants hydrated and alive. Lebanese Summers in …
Fried Egg over Grilled Asparagus with a Herb Yogurt Sauce
I was having a conversation the other day with a friend of mine about how crazy our lives have become. We’re both mothers of two, and trying to juggle what seems to be a never-ending list of chores, doing it all with the relentless pressure to be perfect: a perfect mom, a perfect wife, a perfect friend, just perfect. What …
Herb Eggs in Fresh Tomato Sauce with Goat Cheese
There is nothing more enjoyable than a delicious breakfast and a hot cup of coffee. Eggs are my favorite breakfast item, they are so versatile and present a blank canvas to be embelished. This is a very traditional Lebanese breakfast, popular during the summers. It’s fresh, juicy and full of bold flavors. It’s a great way to use up your …
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 …
Buckwheat and Pole Beans in Tomato Stew
This is a traditional stew made typically with Burghul and Pole Beans. My mom always served it with tangy homemade yogurt and pomegranate molasses drizzled on top. I used Buckwheat instead today – one because I was curious how it would work in that dish, and two because I didn’t have any burghul. In any case it worked out great. …
Toddler friendly Tomato Corn Soup
If you’re a mom, then I know you’re pressed for time. I seem to have a chronic issue with not catching up with all that has to be done, in 24 hours. When it comes to meal time, I have to keep it simple, fresh and interesting for my toddlers. Although my son is so finicky when it comes to …