![Facebook Live Series: What’s Really In Our Food?]()
by Yvonne Maffei | Sep 21, 2016 | Halal Topics, HOME, Presentations, Videos & Web Chats, Wellness
I’m really getting used to this Facebook Live thing! I love how many of you have been adding comments and feedback to join in the discussion on “What’s Really in Our Food?”. It’s a five-part series where I’ll be discussing the nuances of food labels, insight into the processing of food and food industry ingredients and how food is marketed to us and our children.
You won’t want to miss these! Mark your calendars for the next three Wednesdays at 11:00 AM CST (except 10/5/16).
You can see a recap of Episodes 1 & 2 in the videos below.
Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter for more information on the books I mention in the live chats. To subscribe, go here.
To order my newest cookbook, click here to get it on Amazon.
1st FB LIVE Chat (9/14/16)- An Introduction
2nd FB LIVE Chat on 9/21/16- About Fat & Sugar
3rd FB LIVE Chat on 9/28/16- Focus on American Food
4th FB LIVE Chat on 10/12/16- Focus on Italian & French Food
5th FB LIVE Chat on 10/19/16- Focus on Latin & Asian Food
![Look at What’s Growing on My Trees!]()
by Yvonne Maffei | May 2, 2014 | HOME
Ever since I moved out to the countryside, I have been intrigued by vast amount of trees and and how moist the area is. I see moss growing and also a lot of mushrooms. At first thought, I said it would be a great place to grow mushrooms- and now, look at what I’ve recently found growing on a nearby fallen tree! Some sort of mushroom species, although I will not attempt to touch, pick or consume them until I know exactly what they are. Perhaps the Illinois Mycological Association can help me figure it out?
by Yvonne Maffei | Apr 22, 2014 | HOME, Thoughts on Food
Being the documentary lover I am, when I heard about this recent one about what’s really in our food, as well as the high cost (to our health) of cheap (in quality and price) food, so I just had to share. It’s another great one you can watch with the whole family. What will you and your family do to support local, fresh and organic growing and eating?
![5 Inexpensive Beauty Products I Can’t Live Without In Winter]()
by Yvonne Maffei | Jan 9, 2014 | HOME, My Favorite Things
We are all pretty well aware that this has been our coldest winter or record. Polar Vortex, ChiBeria, Snowmageddon, whatever you call it, it doesn’t look like we’ll be forgetting this one any time soon. As we remain warm and comfortable (alhamdullilah) in our homes to ride out the cold wave, each time I look down to my red, dry hands I am reminded of the products I need to re-apply. It’s the constant washing of dishes, laundry and general hand-washing in this super dry and cold environment that is really beating up my skin. However, each night in the winter I have a specific regimen I follow, using one or more of the following products as well as using them sporadically throughout the day as needed. They are the best I’ve been able to find that fit my criteria of being free of toxic chemicals, drying alcohol and of course they must have a positive effect (i.e. something I can feel and/or see) on my skin.
Here’s my rundown of favorite products for winter-time skin:
1. Soap Bark & Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream by Burt’s Bees
I was first attracted to this product because chamomile is so calming and the packaging almost made me think it was an Italian product with a very similar look. Burt’s Bees is one of my favorite brands because their products are mostly (if not all) vegan or vegetarian and the ingredients are natural and interesting. For example, this also has coconut oil and cocoa seed butter which are incredibly moisturizing. The creaminess of the cleanser is my absolute favorite reason for using it. My skin feels amazing after I wash it with this.
2. Humphreys Alcohol Free Witch Hazel- a skin softening facial toner without the alcohol is hard to find. I looked around for a while and this was the only one I found without alcohol in my local drugstore, although online I am sure you can find more. What I like about it is that it smells very nice and really does soften the skin. I apply it after washing my face with the cream cleanser above. It helps to remove any other dirt that didn’t come off in the washing.
3. Egyptian Magic
I’m not crazy about the name or the info on the jar that isn’t related to the content itself (I’m not exactly sure what it is or what to make of it) and I haven’t quite figured out if there’s anything else going on in the advertising of this product (let me know if you find out). I actually hesitated quite a bit to mention it simply because of it’s name but the only reason Idid is because it works absolute wonders on my skin- and it’s not actually from Egypt, just in case you were wondering. Hailing all natural ingredients, it’s one of the best products I’ve ever used (and I’m not young), a kind of oil cream perfect for red and chapped hands or dry skin on elbows and legs, too. Think Vaseline without the petroleum, which is very important if you’re trying to avoid petrochemicals. I put it on my face and leave it there for a while (almost like a mask) when I don’t have anywhere to be in the near future. I was surprised to find that it can be purchased at Costco in a larger (4-ounce) and small jar (2-ounce). It’s main ingredients are beeswax, olive oil, bee propolis, royal jelly extract and bee pollen- some of the best beauty ingredients in the world.
4. Tropical Traditions Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
My suggestion for this product isn’t just to keep a jar in the kitchen- buy an extra one just for your beauty regimen and use it for so many things (lots of interesting uses here). For the cold season, I use it to moisten up any dry spots on my face, lips and hands, but mostly my face. You can also put it in your hair. Just be sure to use minimal amounts, as it’s a solid when it’s cold and as soon as you get it onto your warm fingertips, it starts to liquefy. The best brand I know is a well-known source and the only one I’ve used for many years.
5. 100% Pure Organic Argan Oil (Cosmetic Grade) by The Olive Tree Soap Company
If you’re a long time reader of My Halal Kitchen, you’ll know that I have a huge affinity for Argan oil- and not just for cooking. I actually use the cosmetic grade for my skin more than I do in cooking, since it’s such a specialty ingredient here. For cosmetic use, it’s truly a blessing in the 30 mL that comes in this bottle. It’s been a wonderful natural treatment for spots of returning eczema and any areas where dry skin occurs. I also put it on my face to moisturize generally, but don’t put it anywhere near your eyes- that thin area of skin is sensitive to a lot of things, at least in my case, and something as pure and potent at argan oil might work a little too strongly in that area.
That’s my roundup of the products I’m using right now to protect and maintain my skin from the harshness of winter. They’re all a true bargain in exchange for the benefits they provide, so don’t be too alarmed at seemingly high prices for the ones that are sold in large quantities (i.e. coconut oil and Egyptian Magic)- it’s actually a much better deal!
What about you? How are you surviving the winter dryness and what are your go-to products to have on hand?
Note: I was not paid to receive or mention any of the products in this post.
![Super Quick Chicken Marinade]()
by Yvonne | Aug 9, 2013 | HOME
We’re all getting back to a more ‘normal’ routine after the month of fasting in Ramadan, which in my house actually means more cooking- or at least more need to be prepared for three meals a day instead of 1.5, as at least either our Iftar or Suhoor doesn’t take up a lot of our stomach space by the end of the fasting month.
So, I say let’s stay on a good schedule and keep the efficient kitchen momentum running by making quick, simple and healthy recipes beyond Ramadan.
Like this chicken marinade so many of you had requested after my frequent posts about making it over on the MHK Facebook page and Twitter and Instagram.
It’s so super easy that even a working mom who doesn’t have time to put this together the night or in the morning, it can be done as soon as you get home and be on the table within the hour because it’s not supposed to marinate too long, anyway.
I’m not that mom, but I’ve prepare this marinade so quickly on so many occasions- and it comes out great every time.
When it comes to cooking the meat after it marinates, you can pan fry it, bake it or grill it- whichever you like the most and is easiest for you to do.
Isn’t that exactly what you wanted to hear today?
P.S. I say the garlic is optional because if you are going to fry it up in a pan, it can easily burn; if you’re going to grill it typically just falls through the grates, anyway.
Also, be sure to peel the lemon before you cut it for the juice in this recipe; it doesn’t work well if you try to zest or grate a cut lemon.
Here’s what you need:
![How to Wash Mushrooms]()
by Yvonne | Jul 17, 2013 | HOME
In the wonderful summer season, don’t you crave grilled everything? Grilled meats, grilled vegetables, grilled fruit? There are so many interesting things to choose from at this time of year, and of course before cooking any of it, each one has to be washed properly- especially those that carry a lot of dirt.
Mushrooms are that kind of food. When you get them, there’s usually lots of dirt hiding all over the surface, but the advice is typically to remove the dirt gently with a towel or cloth. That doesn’t work for me, since I am a bit more cautious of eating them that way. I know, many people say the mushrooms can get water logged by rinsing them, but I’ve discovered a way that is simple and effective– and it works every time for me.
That’s why I’m sharing it with you now.
But, only do this just before you’re ready to use the mushrooms in your recipe, otherwise if you don’t dry them completely well they run the risk of becoming pretty limp quickly.
Simply place the mushrooms in cool water in a large bowl. Use your hands to swish around the mushrooms and wiggle off a lot of the dirt.
Pour out the water and add more cool water. Repeat.
Next, pull the mushrooms out of the water and place them on a clean cotton towel. Don’t put the mushrooms in a colander, as the water going on top is where all the remaining dirt is and will then just cling to the mushrooms. Instead, now you can use the cotton towel to wipe off any remaining dirt and dry the mushrooms very well so that they cook properly and aren’t water logged and soggy when you cook them.
