It feels like I’ve been away too long, well almost a month to be exact. And what a month! Flu season came early in our house, and there’s nothing worst than seeing your kids not feeling well. Now that everyone is back to a healthy and happy state, I can go on with my life as “planned”, sort of. I’m …
Roasted Red Kuri and Shiitaki Dumplings in a Hearty Lamb Sauce
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 …
From the Lebanese Pantry: Stuffed Garlicky Eggplant Preserved in Olive Oil
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 …
Date and Cashew Tart with a Sweet Tahini and Sesame Seed Top Crust
Over the Labor Day weekend, I took the kids to visit my family in the D.C. area. I have a love-hate relationship with big cities. I was so apprehensive about the traffic and being stuck in the car with two toddlers, but luckily that worked out well and our timing was perfect. On the love side, I just get giddy …
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 …
Sweet Blinis (Atayef) Stuffed with Walnuts and Pistachios
Sophie (my daughter) is getting the last of her chewing teeth and it hasn’t been quiet around here. She seems to not have any pain tolerance, and she has turned into an insomniac. I wonder why previous generations don’t share the details, trials and tribulations of raising children (just so that we’re prepared psychologically). I don’t remember anyone telling me …
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 …