Cider Can Turkey with Nutty Couscous Author: Bethany Prep time: 20 mins Cook time: 2 hours 30 mins Total time: 2 hours 50 mins Serves: 6 It’s always best to bring a turkey to room temperature for at least an hour before cooking it, as this allows it to cook evenly. In addition, follow Harold McGee’s advice and apply an icepack to the breast during the last 30 minutes of this defrosting period, as this will slow down the...
Photography by Sarka Babicka Positioned between the glistening Mediterranean and exotic charm of the Middle East, Lebanon still remains much misunderstood in the West. However, while it may be easier to sell terrorism than tourism to newspapers, this tiny country is ripe for exploring. It's also a country where food plays a role in society which borders on the obsessive and there are few ways of really getting to know the culture as well as by...
It's hard to define Abu Kassem in a few words but genuine, humble and generous would be a good start. He is known for the za'atar he grows in the fields surrounding his home in the south of Lebanon and considered to be one of the few enterprising farmers who started domesticating the wild za'atar plant (thyme), which was previously only collected from the wild. He's since developed the brand Za'atar Zawtar which combines the fruits of his...
Freekeh (frikeh) is my number one grain and preferred starch to use. I find it so versatile to cook with and I cherish the unique, nutty undertone and smoky aroma it carries. This ancient grain is typical to the cuisine of the Middle East. Growing up I enjoyed it the traditional way in the quintessential freekeh ma' djej/ Lahm or freekeh with chicken and/or meat. However, freekeh can be used in risottos, salads (this salad was a big hit when I...
What happens when a Brazilian, a Brit and a Lebanese-American get together? Well, food of course but also some pure comedy moments! If you are not yet acquainted with Nando's delicious Brazilian food blog, Cuca Brazuca, then you need to get over there quickly! Nando shares great recipes, great food photography and always well edited videos. In fact, I had the chance of trying his Mini Acarajes and I had to be polite by warning him I was going...
It's been an honor playing host for this month's mingle and delving into the intricacies of Lebanese cuisine with fellow food bloggers from around the world. Over the last month, I have discovered new blogs as well as very interesting twists and reinterpretations on the cuisine of Lebanon. It's been truly wonderful and I thank all who participated. To view pictures of the creations visit the photo gallery here. Links to all the scrumptious...
The last few months have been extremely hectic. Thankfully I have been kept very busy with different projects and prospects although this has meant a little less time for blogging. Holiday season is nearing and I'm really looking forward to more recipe creations and new inspirations. One thing that has also been on my mind is creating football friendly food, like these cauliflower fritters with tahini dressing. So, over the next couple of...
Lebanese cuisine has become synonymous with mezze, hummus and tabouleh. But, did you know that there is a whole other side to Lebanese cuisine that seems to be relatively unexplored and still very much a secret to the West? Tabkha (s.) refers to any home-cooked, wholesome dish that is traditionally prepared by mothers and grandmothers around Lebanon. I have fond memories of coming home from school to one-pot dishes and stews simmering on the...
On my recent trip to Lebanon, my brother and I spent quality time together making these moreish stuffed Swiss chard fingers and I think they're just the right treat. I had never made them before and when I asked my aunt for the recipe her response went a little like this:" a handful of this, pinch of that, taste and see..." and well we had to make 3 different batches before we got it just right. Making these heavenly chard fingers was also...
I'm back home, in Brighton, after spending two lovely months in Lebanon. I am always so torn between where home lies for me. I feel I belong here and there and I love each place for entirely different reasons. When I'm here I want to be there and when I'm there I want to be here. Now, if I could just get it right... One of the very wonderful aspects of Lebanon that I cherish so much is the natural bounty that abounds. Lebanon is a very blessed...
I've been in Lebanon for a month and a half now and I am starting to blow fuses because of the ridiculously slow internet connection. Apparently, there are only 3 other countries with worse internet than Lebanon and I was shocked to learn that internet in the Palestinian territories is actually much better. Since my arrival to Lebanon, one of the projects I've been working on is the photography for a Lebanese cookbook that was first written...
I'm still here in my beloved Lebanon and well you can only imagine how many frareej meshweeyeh (grilled chickens) I've had... It's one of my all time favorites with extra toum, of course! Char-grilled butterflied chicken is very much a fast food item in our household. Although we prepare it ourselves when we throw barbecues, we also tend to pick it up ready made on our way back home when we don't have the time and energy. We keep things simple...
I'm back from a lovely, relaxing holiday in Antigua where I sunned my self brown and drank rum punch galore. I've got some gorgeous pictures I can't wait to share with all of you in my next post. Antigua is so picturesque and I can't wait to return. Holidays are great for rejuvenating the mind and inspiring all kinds of creativity and ideas. I love it when I find inspiration on Holiday. I think it's a good sign that I relaxed the mind and soul....
I always love a really good Lebanese rice pudding. It is so easy to make and a blend of some of my favorite flavors. This one in particular has one I don't get to use so often; mastic gum. Mastic gum reminds me of the Lebanese milk & mastic ice cream we used to have all the time growing up. It was and still is one of my favorites. I love how the ice cream gains a very light stretchy pull, as a result of the mastic gum. You can imagine how...
Family road trips or even day trips can be mind-blowing. I mean that in a good way. I really really do. As we are always up for a good laugh, a good cry or just a good mental breakdown, we decided that we would make a day trip to Baalback, all of us, together, in one car. This day trip would include my father, my step-mother Aliona, her daughter Alina, my brother Eli, and let's not forget me. Baalbeck is home to some of the biggest temples ever...
Back in the good ol' days when there was no twitter, facebook, television, oh and a food processor there were lovely ladies who made kebbeh b jorn; minced lamb pounded for at least an hour in a jorn or mortar. Those days are long gone! I had to state the obvious. As you can imagine making kebbeh this way is lengthy, exhausting, dramatic and I'm not sure makes that much difference in taste or texture. I couldn't tell and nor did anyone else....
Sharab el Toot is one of Lebanon's most traditional drinks; a thirst quencher served to guests on hot summer afternoons. It is an exotic, revitalizing, wholesome drink that is sweet yet tangy and is rich with antioxidants. There is also a history that comes with Mulberry syrup, delving back into Lebanon's past... At the turn of the century, Lebanon was known for its high-quality silk industry. Bestowed with ideal climate and...
Tripoli is a city with a lingering history; the air stained with the scent of orange flowers, bustling sounds coming from the streets, markets and mosques, with lavish sweets to appease your lusty cravings, and a beautiful seaside for relaxation. "Tripoli, the second largest city in Lebanon, is located in North Lebanon on the East Mediterranean coast and enjoys a strategic position with the added advantage of offshore islands and natural...
I arrived to Lebanon over a week ago, during the "mouneh" months; pickling and preserving summer produce for the winter months. Preparing the mouneh is a practice that goes back for centuries and is an essential part of the Middle Eastern kitchen. We pickle and preserve pretty much everything. Alina, my father's girl friend, and I have been trying out some traditional recipes and some rather non-traditional recipes. We've been in the mountains...
Make your website live today!
GET A FULL COPY OF THIS EXACT DEMO THEME IN YOUR WORDPRESS WITHIN MINUTES.
