Milk Pudding (Muhallabiyeh)
I read one time the results of a study on what taste men in general were drawn to: it was “creamy” things, like vanilla ice cream or whipping cream. The study concluded by stating that it was certainly derived for the primal longing for mother’s milk that accompanies men throughout...
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French onion soup
My son was taunting me: “can you make a French onion soup as good as Panera’s (a chain of bakeries in Dallas)? as the French say mon sang n’a fait qu’un tour. I will make a French onion soup that will knock your socks off, said I. There! I, who...
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Couscous (Moghrabiyeh)
Some dishes are fit for royalty. This is one of them. I remember the anticipation of having moghrabyeh prepared for us by my dad’s favorite cousin in the mountains in the village of Maad; hers was the best and I still have her recipe that she passed on to...
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Breakfast, Lebanese-style
Mmm…This is such a lovely sight! Fresh labneh, luscious extra virgin olive oil nestled in its fold, juicy tomatoes, always a bowl of olives and of course fresh mint and some pita bread…I am in heaven! This is the traditional Lebanese breakfast that will set your day right! I tear...
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Cauliflower fritters with Tarator sauce
I know what you’re thinking! Cauliflower! How dull! Well, trust me, this dish will completely change your mind about this admittedly unexciting vegetable. In fact, you will first try one, just for kicks, then another, then you will not allow anyone to get close to the plate! You will...
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Biscotti (chocolate and orange)
TO CHASE THE BLUES AWAY! These days I feel like retiring to a deserted island somewhere, never ever watching the news and just listening to the sound of the waves nearby. So I head to the kitchen instead and bake a batch of biscotti! ( easy fix for...
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Labneh (yogurt cheese)
We were told in high school that Marcel Proust loved his madeleines, because when he would bite into one a flood of childhood memories would overtake him and he would experience bliss… I am willing to bet that for a large majority of Lebanese expats the feeling is similar when...
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Garlic paste
This is one of the essential items in Lebanese food. You can make it every week and store it in the fridge. Garlic paste or toom is used in a myriad ways: Slather it on pita bread when making sandwiches or falafel or sheesh tawuk Use it as an ingredient...
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Lentil and Swiss Chard soup
This is my all-time favorite soup! It is rustic, comforting, with the wonderful taste of lemon in the broth and it can be prepared in a snap! It is made up of ingredients which constitute an absolute powerhouse of nutrients! Lentils are rich in fiber, iron and magnesium ( good...
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