Zaa’tar and Cheese Flatbread – Fatayer Zaa’tar

This zaa’tar flatbread is characterized by a rustic combination of olive oil-infused yeast dough, fresh zaa’tar, and goat’s cheese. The herb and cheese are folded into the dough several times in a way that produces layers and layers of goodness. I love baking, almost more than I love cooking. There is something magical about how…

Clementine and Almond Cake

This spiced clementine, almond, and orange blossom cake is a variation of a Spanish family recipe with Moorish roots. And it is as delicious as it sounds. I would describe it as a clementine in cake form. So moist, fragrant, and lively – it’s the perfect treat to enjoy with your morning coffee or tea……

The Ultimate Classic Brownies

This classic brownie recipe is anything but modest. With no rising agents to lighten the load, the result is pure, unadulterated, dense, chocolatey indulgence. And that, in my opinion, is the best way to enjoy a brownie. This recipe makes for a deliciously fudgy brownie with a satisfying crackling surface. It’s also one that I…

Flourless Chocolate and Olive Oil Cake

A flourless dark chocolate and olive oil cake that is as simple as it is divine. It is officially my favorite season, and that means plenty of baking and autumnal harvest. In respect to olive season, I thought I would share this treat with you. It is a dense, rich, and fudgy cake that’s very much…

Flan de Queso/ Cream Cheese Flan

This flan de queso or cream cheese flan is what dreams are made of. Silky, rich, smooth, and lush, I know of no other dessert that competes. The creamy custard is inverted after baking causing the homemade caramel base to generously flow over it. Simply divine. Growing up with Spanish/Puerto Rican culinary heritages, this dessert…

Zaa’tar and Cheddar Biscuits

The last of the season’s fresh zaa’tar, cheddar, and buttermilk biscuits. Oh, they are pillowy, soft, and infused with comforting flavors. I will say that this recipe is mostly characterized by the flavors of the American South. Growing up in Florida for many years, I developed an appreciation for regional foods such as fried chicken…

Freeform Tomato Pie / Galette

As expressed by Food and Wine, when they featured my tomato pie on Instagram recently, “it really wouldn’t be summer without plenty of fresh tomatoes.” And what better way to make your tomatoes shine than with a beautiful tomato pastry that is just as delicious as it is photogenic? This recipe will be sure to…

Fig, Apricot, and Spice Cake

This fig, apricot, and spice cake is a treat made to stir up the senses. Each bite offers an entertaining glimpse of the Mediterranean. Fresh figs and apricots, creamy yogurt, toasted walnuts, lemon, cardamom, cinnamon, and bit of love go a long way here. In summary, this is my kitchen in form of a cake….

Rustic Strawberry and Almond Galette

As spring comes to an end and summer approaches, the smell of strawberries comes to mind. And what better way to welcome the summer than with a farm fresh strawberry galette?  If strawberries are in season where you are, make the most of them. Otherwise, feel free to use any variety of fruit that is…

Baklava

  Baklava, or baklawa as it is known as in the Levant, is a staple Mediterranean dessert that can be found throughout eastern Mediterranean countries such as Greece, Turkey, Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine. Growing up, we often had it on our table for holidays, birthdays, and special occasions. It was not, however, until my friend,…