Let me to introduce you to the arabesque cousin of Pasta Puttanesca -Italian for 'in the style of prostitutes'- said cousin is the Arabesque Pasta Sharmatesca, pronounced with an Italian accent, to sound classier. The pasta sharmatesca differs to the pasta puttanesca with the addition of makdous which is pickled aubergines stuffed with walnuts and chilli. It’s not entirely a substitute for the capers, which you could do though. I used...
Yikes! It's been over 4 years since my last blog entry! To put it concisely, I've been on a much needed sabbatical that prioritised soul-searching and personal healing alongside focusing on finishing my second cookbook, The Jewelled Table, published by Hardie Grant and which came out this fall. I feel rather ready to embrace the world of blogging again and moving forward will endeavour to share recipes and other updates more...
(Photography by Sarka Babicka) Here's one for the weekend I think you'll really enjoy. Great served at a BBQ (weather forecast looks promising) for everyone to nibble on while, say, the za'atar and pomegranate lamb riblets cook. Serve with a fattoush salad (see The Jewelled Kitchen), maybe some grilled sweet potatoes and you've got a lovely hassle-free meal. Happy weekend. x Smoked Mackerel and Chermoula Pâté with Beetroot Crisps...
And so after 2 years of burns, cuts and tears, The Jewelled Kitchen cookbook is officially out today and in bookstores across Europe and Australia, and the Middle East in a week's time (US launch is October 1st). My fellow blogging friends and I are celebrating by taking turns and posting a recipe a day on our respective blogs over the next couple of weeks. Some of us are even in for a reunion over the weekend at the Food Blogger Connect...
Well folks, the #FBC12 "insane" giveaway has seen an incredible (1640 entries) turn out of participants. Thanks to all who participated and I'm thrilled to see so many of you keen to attend #FBC12, especially as returnees. Now, the news you've all been waiting to hear (maybe) .... A very big congratulations to a Rafflecopter giveaway Sally Prosser, please get in touch via email and we will arrange for your ticket and sessions to be booked....
I have a confession to make... I have no exact measurements for this recipe. I always write down my recipe measurements on a notepad as I go about in the kitchen. This system has worked a charm and I've never had a problem with loosing the notepad or forgetting it somewhere...Till now! I left Brighton and the notepad behind. When I arrived in Rome and realized this a few hours later I went bonkers. "NO! I don't have the measurements for my next...
We've been enjoying this soup for about two months now and we're still not bored of it. It's so delicious and a fantastic option for those of you looking to lighten up after the holidays. I enjoy fennel any way it comes but turning it into a warming soup as the snow tumbles outside, is the perfect cure for the winter blues. Adding flakes of white fish like cod makes it even more fulfilling and a perfect way to end the day while still keeping...
I make this lasagna a lot and it's always a huge hit. It puts a sparkle in peoples eyes. It casts a spell. You can get them to do anything just make sure you make enough for seconds. Now, before my beloved Italian friends raise hell, I know this has nothing to do with a traditional Italian Lasagna. Primarily because it calls for mascarpone or ricotta and does not include a bechamel or ragu sauce. It might make some...
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...
Majd, an old college friend from Lebanon, was visiting London last week. It's been nearly a decade since I last saw him, and I was so glad to see him. As is customary with Lebanese, the traveler will always ask "badeek shee" (addressing a female) or do you need anything from here? And the person being posed the question should ideally respond: "toussal b salemeh" (addressing a male) or "your safe arrival" But I just went straight for the kill...
I get a knock on my door the other day. My landlord is standing there with branches of bay leaves: "I thought you would enjoy these! I've been pruning the tree" he said. What a kind and thoughtful guy! One thing I love about summer cooking is knocking up perfectly simple and quick dishes like this one and the abundance of chilled Sauvignon Blanc, of course! I had some haddock that Chris picked up earlier that morning and thought I'd pair the...
This week, I was lucky enough to pin down Arlette, a family friend of Portuguese origin, and get her cooking with me in the kitchen. She shared a delicious Portuguese fish recipe while I tried my best during the whole lovely experience to snap a picture of her, but to no avail. She said she would rather remain mysterious, like the 'dark side of the moon'. I was not prepared to argue with this tough Portuguese cookie. This is one of those...
We started our delicious New Year's eve feast with this sumptuous appetizer. I originally wanted to use endive leaves, as they are in season. After looking high and low, all around town and to no avail, I settled for baby lettuce leaves. It worked just as well. Here's what you'll need: Smoked Salmon on a Bed of Lettuce Ingredients 250g Philadelphia cream cheese 2 tbsp of milk 1 tbsp dill + more for presentation 1 tbsp chives, finely...