My favorite foods are those that have character, history, and culture. They are also the ones that bring me the most pleasure to make. It is almost like taking a mental a spiritual vacation for a moment. I find it quite therapeutic to work with ingredients that speak about a people, lifestyle, and tradition. My…
The Beauty of Simple Things
When I was in Southeast Asia, I learned the beauty of simple pleasures. The importance of taking a moment to slow down the rhythm of life made sense. We have the ability to enhance those moments that bring us peace, calm, and inner fulfillment, states of mind that cannot be achieved through an intense work…
Strawberry and Olive Oil Tea Cake
It is officially the much anticipated strawberry season in the Eastern Mediterranean and I can barely contain my excitement for all the recipes that I have in mind. That is the beauty of eating fruits in season. Not only are they naturally more delicious and flavorful, but they are also appreciated more. My strawberry and…
Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles
I have been attempting to create a recipe that combines two of my favorite desserts; cheesecake and pumpkin cake, and all while requiring little time and effort. After some experimenting, I found just the perfect combination of ingredients. Here are my absolutely decadent pumpkin cheesecake truffles. Made with smooth cream cheese, pumpkin, cookie crumbs, and rich spices, you…
Feta and Zaa’tar Twists
One of my favorite things to do in recipe development is fusing different cultural cuisines. Indeed, little can go wrong when combining two world famous culinary traditions. This recipe consists of Palestinian flavors with a delightfully French twist. Crispy, tangy, and loaded with Mediterranean goodness, these zaa’tar and feta twists will quickly become an all-time…
Paella Valenciana
Olé! Today, I am returning to my Spanish roots with an enchanting and delicious Paella Valenciana. With so many different flavors and influences, it has so much to offer those with the privilege of enjoying it. Every herb and spice plays a valuable role; the saffron, paprika, oregano, and rosemary all make a mark leaving…
Mediterranean Spinach and Ricotta Pie
During the chilly autumn and winter seasons, I get inspired to get creative with pies. As this will be my first winter in the Eastern Mediterranean, I decided to make a savory pie that reflects the region’s flavors in all their glory. This Mediterranean spinach and ricotta pie is accompanied by various Middle Eastern ingredients….
The Sacred Olive Tree
Ah… the sacred olive trees. Many of them, thousands of years old, have stood throughout the years in the holy lands to provide and to serve. They have witnessed humanity’s peaks and downfalls, history’s breakthroughs, and the future’s developments. Yet, every year, they stand still for the same purpose; to provide and to serve. There is…
Italian Gnocchi and Middle Eastern Meatballs
It is chilly and rainy at the moment and I have never been more tempted to spend the day nestled up in a warm blanket with a large bowl of gnocchi. Perhaps there is something about gloomy autumn weather that makes me nostalgic for Sicilian comfort food in all its richness and splendor. Although, gnocchi is eaten throughout…
Mediterranean Chocolate and Pomegranate Cake
It’s pomegranate and olive season in the Mediterranean and nothing is quite as comforting at the moment as a chocolate cake combining these flavors. This comes from a passion of mine of bringing together nontraditional ingredients. When I was younger, I always loved challenging myself in the kitchen by creating dishes out of whatever we had in our…
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