Milky & Sweet Saffron Tea (sponsored)
This is my version of Karak Chai, a milky tea popular in Gulf countries and South Asia, this one utilizing beautifully aromatic saffron by Heray…
Heray Spice #ad
Several months ago, I was approached by Mohammad Salehi, Founder and Owner of Heray Spice, asking me to try his saffron. So often I’m approached…
10 Foods Mentioned in the Qur’an
There are many beautiful (Halal, or “permissible“) foods mentioned in the Holy Quran, many of which you will often see at the table of Muslims…
AEGEAN GREENS PIE
The book: Food and Life in the Blue Zone Ikaria by Meni Valle is one of my absolute favorite and very well-used cookbooks for everyday…
ROASTED EGGPLANT & PEPPERS on RICE
I love eggplant and I love peppers, but on a day when I’m in a huge hurry and don’t have time to fry the eggplant…
WHITE BEAN HUMMUS
It’s only been the last couple of years since I’ve started cooking with white beans (also known as cannellini beans, great northern beans, and habichuelas blancas in Spanish). I’m…
SAUTEED EGGPLANT MEZZE
I think eggplant might just be the quintessential Mediterranean vegetable. You find it in every Mediterranean country’s cuisine in such a variety of absolutely delicious…
MOROCCAN-SPICED BEEF, RAISIN & ALMOND APPETIZER
Yesterday was the first Friday of Ramadan, the month of fasting for Muslims around the world. And there are some really delicious Mediterranean dishes shared…
VEGAN MUSHROOM PASTA
Some links in this post are affiliate. I may earn a commission from purchases made through these link, at no cost to you as a…
SHEPHERD’S SALAD / ÇOBAN SALATA
Çoban Salata (Cho-ban Suh-la-ta), also known as Turkish Shepherd’s salad is by far the most well-known Turkish salad outside of Turkiye. You’ll find very similar…
HALAL SUBSTITUTES FOR ALCOHOL IN BAKING
There are some really wonderful pastry and baking dishes found in French, Italian, Latin, Asian and American cuisine that call for alcohol and liquors, so…
HALAL SUBSTITUTES FOR PORK
So many people end up avoiding restaurants, recipes and other great family meals because they’re often times unaware of the ways around consuming pork and…
HALAL SUBSTITUTES FOR ALCOHOL IN COOKING
Above is my list that you can print out as a chart and use it for dishes that call for a variety of alcoholic beverages…
Where to Get Your Dates & Date Products
There are so many date companies to choose from, but I tend towards those that I have a deep familiarity with and can really understand…
5 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO BOOST YOUR IMMUNITY
update: I wrote this at the start of the covid-19 pandemic, but I think it’s just as relevant now than it was then, considering the…
Steaming Basics
Steaming is universally known as a healthy method of cooking because little fat, if any, is needed in the process. One of the oldest known…
HOW TO USE PRESERVED LEMONS
If there’s one ingredient that says “Moroccan cooking” it’s preserved lemons. They’re smaller than most lemons found in the U.S. and also sweeter. Traditionally preserved…
CREAMY ROASTED VEGETABLE PASTA
A day in the life of recipe testing goes a lot like this: Creamy Pasta with Roasted Vegetables
Culinary and Cosmetic Uses of Argan Oil
Have you ever tried argan oil? It is some really amazing stuff that is great for cooking as well as making yourself beautiful on a…
Spicy Olive Tapenade
Appetizer aren’t just for entertaining guests. I’ve come to learn that keeping homemade appetizers around my house is a great way to eat healthy by…
A Simple Way to Jazz Up Your Refrigerator
I finally had some free time on my hands to work on a few projects on my ‘someday’ list. Since moving recently, I really wanted…
Ruby Red Grapefruit & Blood Orange Juice
One of the ways I try improve my overall health is by making fresh juice most mornings and sometimes again later in the evenings for a…
Chicago’s Green City Market and Roasted Chestnuts Recipe
Saturday was a crisp fall morning perfect for heading out to any farmers’ market, even if just to take a look at all of the…
How to Dry Citrus Peels
Whether you have tons of lemons and limes around or just a few, it’s easy to preserve the outer skin, or zest, for future use…
Shrimp Arrabbiata
This is a great appetizer or party dish for weekend gatherings, Iftar during Ramadan, or even Eid. Or, just make it for yourself and family,…
Grilled Vegetable Salad
When you have a plethora of vegetables, there are only so many things you can do with them without getting tired of the same old…
Yogurt with Blackberries, Honey & Mint
This is more of a suggestion than a recipe, as you really only need a few ingredients and they are variable. Good quality yogurt, delicious…
CREAM CHEESE DIP WITH NUTS & HONEY
I’m always on the lookout for quick and easy recipes for when I entertain- something healthy and that utilizes much of what I already have…
AFFOGATO: ITALIAN COFFEE & ICE CREAM
If you love coffee and ice cream, this quick dessert recipe is for you. Affogato is an Italian word for the super delicious coffee drink with ice…
Cultivating a Kitchen Garden
Most of you know how much I absolutely love plants and all things about growing and gardening, whether it be on a balcony or in…
Smoked Salmon Crudites
This is such a tasty, elegant and rather quick recipe to make for a party in any season, really. I’ve made them for Ramadan Iftar…
