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 …
Sugar-Free Pear and Brown Rice Cake with a Fruity Tahini Sauce
Flavors of my childhood were the inspiration of today’s breakfast. Fruits and tahini (sesame butter) were a treat that I always had at my grandma’s house. Since my detox period began three weeks ago, I’ve been restricted from eating any kind of grain (among a very long list of foods) except brown rice. So, I’ve been experimenting a lot. This …
Roasted Spaghetti Squash with Greens, Artichokes and Pomegranate
Hey friends. Didn’t mean to stay away for so long. Life has been a bit hectic, in a good way. Things are changing, morphing, and I like change. It keeps me focused and makes my brain a bit more creative. In other news, I am two weeks into a 3-months (as I was assured by Dr. S) detox period …
Baked Halloumi and Oregano Turnovers
Thanks for your sweet wishes dear readers. I am feeling much better, and looking forward to catching up on everything that fell through the cracks in my daze. This past week was a little challenging with the flu waltzing around between the kids and us. Food turned very simple quickly, and supplementing with loads of fresh squeezed juice and immunity …
Braised Lamb Shanks with Root Veggies and a Concussion in my Sleep!
Lately I have been admiring the spontaneity and unpredictability of Life. Whether on a worldly level or my own microcosm, I’m fascinated how quickly something can turn. And this feeling accentuates a million times with children. It’s not a bad feeling, it just is. A sense of the unknown around the corner, it keeps me entertained to say the least. …