If I had to rank my favorite desserts, crème brulée would definitely be in the top three. No, wait. It would actually hold the Nº 1 spot. I love the variety of flavorings that can be infused, I love cracking the crusty caramelized sugar layer with the back of the spoon and digging for the silky sweet custard under it. …
Roasted Eggplant stuffed with Kale and Buckwheat in a Spicy Tomato Sauce
The mystery is solved !! It’s a Hyacinth, a bunch of beautifully blossoming purple ones. I am so proud of myself. I had no idea I can garden (I am using that term very loosely). I’ve never been able to grow anything, even a mint bush died on me last year, but you know, this Spring, something special is in …
Roasted Beets, Watercress and Apple Salad with Pomegranate Dressing
Have you ever had times when you’re drawn to a particular vegetable or fruit. It’s an odd feeling, but I occasionally get immense cravings for a particular item; like for instance last Spring, I couldn’t have enough peaches. Well, for the last couple of months, I never leave a market without beets. I use them in juicing, with carrots and …
Forbidden Rice Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
This is one of my favorite salads, inspired by one that I occasionally eat at Whole Foods Fairfax when visiting family. And while theirs is Asian inspired, mine relies on the sweetness of the pineapples and peppers with a hint of sherry vinegar and some agave nectar. It’s simple, flavorful and filling. And more importantly, when I have an upcoming …
Quinoa-stuffed Red Cabbage Salad
I’ve been attracted to deep colored vegetables lately. I guess I’m ready for Spring, a fresh morning breeze, blossoms on the trees and the sight of new life with all its colorful wonder everywhere. It’s been a long cold winter and I have cabin fever AND I live in the South!! Several years ago, I lived in Vail, Colorado and …
Levant Steamed Mussels with Whole Wheat Angel Hair Pasta
I have been craving some steamed mussels for a while now. Pre-kids, my husband and I used to love dining al fresco at our favorite restaurant VIVACE, and they served the best bowl of steamed mussels. My favorite part was dipping the crusty bread which soaked up the broth like a sponge. Deeelicious! Inspired by those mouth watering memories, I …
Baked Red Snapper with Tahini Sauce and Pomegranate
It’s been so cold around here. This weekend’s high is about 30’F (brrrr..). People here are not used to this kind of cold. In fact, the mere mention of a possible flurry for Friday morning prompted the school system to announce a two-hour delay (we didn’t even get one snowflake!) hehe.. So I was chatting with my brother Dany. yesterday, …
Cumin Eggs with Seaweed and Vermicelli
Happy New Year everyone! I am excited to welcome a new year, a new outlook and ready to tackle new goals and lists. One of my more pressing goals is to shed my baby weight. Sophie is now 13 months and I have no excuses anymore. Although sleep deprivation didn’t help the situation last year, these days her sleep is …
Date and Macadamia Nut Cookies
These are the perfect holiday cookies. Bite size, soft, crunchy, subtly sweet, makes a great tea or coffee side kick and is totally all around awesome. I was making some pistachio filled cookies the other day and had too much dough left. So I decided to make these date filled cookies using a tiny mold. Now you have to have …
Pistachio-filled Semolina Cookies and Naatef Marshmallow Mousse
Hmm.. Gooood. My absolute favorite cookie!! I love these little things, and I had to stop myself from finishing the batch I was making for my son’s school. They had a great idea this holiday season. A cookie buffet for the teachers where they could each fill a box from cookies of their choice. There were 75 volunteers and each …