Photo by Sarka Babicka I call these scrambled eggs "loved-up" because of the amount of time, love and care I invest towards their perfect development. It's a slow process, without the addition of cream or butter, just a generous dollop of butter, on very low heat, and lots of stirring. The lavender pepper is inspired from a similar blend I came across when living in Maui, Hawaii. There was a nearby lavender farm that made delicious edible...
I’ve strayed from tradition here, as kebab karaz, as it’s known in Syria, is usually made with veal or lamb served on Arabic bread. The spices used are not at all typical and in the traditional manner, kebab karaz, is served over flattened Arabic bread with the sour cherry sauce drizzled over. This notorious dish, which hails from Aleppo, is a real rustic, comfort kind of food in its traditional form. It truly is an alluring demonstration...
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...
Dearest Zizi, Congratulations on your beautiful newborn baby boy, Adam! As a new mother and now that your hands are very full, I'll keep it short and simple, offering you some wise quotes to keep in mind: Always end the name of your child with a vowel, so that when you yell, the name will carry. ~ Bill Cosby Diaper backward spells repaid. Think about it. ~ Marshall McLuhan The worst feature of a new baby is its mother's singing. ~ Kin Hubbard...
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...
Candied Pumpkin Jam and Labneh Cheesecake Author: Bethany Prep time: 1 hour 15 mins Cook time: 40 mins Total time: 1 hour 55 mins Serves: 6 This recipe is inspired by three different dishes: the Turkish dish kabak tatlisi, the cheesecake and, of course, Thanksgiving pumpkin pie. I do prefer this to the traditional pumpkin pie, as it’s far less sickly sweet. The pumpkin really gets to shine and it also melds well with the zesty labneh...
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....
Banana, Rum and Macadamia Cake Author: Bethany Prep time: 10 mins Cook time: 1 hour Total time: 1 hour 10 mins Serves: 8 This versatile recipe makes either a sweet banana, rum and macadamia cake or (by reducing the sugar quantity) an equally delicious banana bread, just waiting to be spread generously with butter while it is still warm from the oven. Heaven on Earth! I find the sweetness of the cake just right, but you could add a rum drizzle...
Happy New Year! This is my first post for the year and it's a very special one. It's been a longtime dream to write an article about Lebanon and 2010 saw me realize that dream. Accompanied by Roderick Field, we flew to Lebanon where we spent five days gorging ourselves. In fact, on one of the days, we managed to visit 6 different restaurants, and it wasn't just tastings that took place. Part of Lebanon's great charm is the abundant hospitality...
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...
I recently called my father in search of a ma'amoul recipe. A bit perplexed he proclaimed in Arabic: "Why do you want to trouble yourself with making ma'amoul. It's so much work and anyway I don't like ma'amoul. Really it's too much effort for nothing. Shou baddeek bi ha shaghle" See my father is not a baker. A fantastic cook but definitely not a baker. Also, the majority of people in Lebanon don't make ma'amoul anymore given the...
Can you believe it's March already? I woke up this morning completely unaware that we had stepped into a new month, till I received the news on Twitter (the source of most if not all my information these days)! Oh how I love March! March means the onset of spring even though it isn't officially spring till March 20th also known as the Vernal Equinox. It's a great month that signals a fresh start, longer days, the chirping of birds, the...
Once more, I will express my undying love for chickpeas: I Am M.A.D About Chickpeas! After all, how can one not succumb to such a delectable and pulsing love affair! The chickpea, belonging to the protein food group, is such a versatile and wholesome leguminous pulse. You can make anything out of it; falafel, all kinds of hummus dips, veggie burgers, bread, and it's also a perfect addition to stews, curries, salads... I could go on and on. And,...
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...
Happy New Year! The festivities have come to an end and now we make way for a new year and a new decade. I wish that the coming year brings everyone real happiness and sets you off into this fresh decade on the right path. For many of us, the delicious celebrations that we merrily welcome are also jubilantly welcomed by our waistlines. It's no secret that many of us start the new year with mighty resolutions, swearing that we will finally put...
Ghraybeh are Lebanese butter cookies laced wonderfully with orange blossom flower then individually adorned by a piece of almond, pistachio or a pine nut. They are usually made into either S shapes, diamond shapes and most often shaped into wreath- like shapes where the ends are sealed together with a nut of choice. They are very delicate and melt in your mouth. Ghraybeh cookies are served around the holidays and are delicious with a cup...
Well... It's that time of year again! The holidays are nearing and Thanksgiving is only in a couple of days. Yet, it doesn't feel so much like thanksgiving here, since the Brits don't celebrate it and especially because I'm so busy with all the FBC organizing, leaving me no time to host it. I did however manage to have my fair share of all the trimmings, in the run up and over the last several posts. But, before I round-up all the Thanksgiving...
There are many ways to make a chicken liver parfait, the following recipe is my preferred method. It's easy, uses only a few ingredients, is fairly quick to knock up and yields silky smooth results. So, what is the difference between a chicken liver pate and a chicken liver parfait? A chicken liver pate becomes a chicken liver parfait (French for perfect) when the cooked liver mixture is pushed through a sieve to remove any sinewy bits,...
I'm in love with green bean casserole! Not any green bean casserole, however. Dish me up the classic green bean casserole invented in 1955 by Campbell's Soup Company using canned ingredients and beware the dragon fire. As I've mentioned before, I like to use fresh ingredients and to build a dish from scratch. There really is nothing more satisfying, more delicious, more virtuous, more necessary. I realize that for some, the mere mention of the...
My American grandmother introduced me to Jackass! She came into the room and whispered hysterically: " Beth you've gotta come see this!" So, I dropped whatever I was doing and followed her anxiously, wondering what she was going on about? Then... I saw two men with bleach white bums running wildly across the screen, yelling out obscenities while my grandmother was on the floor in tears! I was petrified. Well, I tell a lie. I was amused...Well...
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