The last ten days of Ramadan are upon us and it’s a special time for Muslims to really try as hard as possible to dedicate a good amount of time (especially in the night hours) to prayer, spiritual reflection, repentance and worship of the Creator. Most people aren’t thinking so much of food and gatherings as much as earlier in the month, but planning for ‘Eid-ul-Fitr, or the three-day celebration that marks the end of the holy month of fasting, is somewhere in the back of our minds.
Where will ‘Eid be spent? What will we make for guests? If going to someone’s home, what’s a good hostess gift to bring? If visiting multiple families and friends, what’s an economical yet thoughtful way to say Eid Mubarak (Happy ‘Eid)?
The first day of ‘Eid (the day after the last day of Ramadan, which is also the last day of fasting) begins early. The special ‘Eid prayer is only conducted in the morning and there are usually two prayers to accomodate people, some of which begin as early as 8am. Often times the turnouts are so large that in places like Chicago, stadiums or banquet halls are rented out to fit all the people who attend.
After ‘Eid, most people will go somewhere to eat lunch or brunch, either at a restaurant or someone’s home for what is often referred to as an open house. I like to bring desserts because often times it’s either an afterthought for a busy host, and/or truly enjoyable for them and the rest of the guests to have something homemade and different from what they might be used to eating.
This ‘Eid, I’m also thinking of light foods- it’s still summer her in the Midwest and after all the scrumptuous food on ‘Eid day, it’s hard to refuse a light dessert that won’t put you over the top.
My recipe for Ricotta Pie is one such dessert that I absolutely love sharing. Most people think of ricotta cheese as going in lasagna dishes, but it’s actually a wonderful cheese for desserts, too. It bakes well, it seasons well (savory or sweet) and is lighter than cottage or cream cheeses, so pies made out of ricotta are a huge welcome when other heavier foods abound.
[yumprint-recipe id=’72’](UPDATE- this giveaway is now over)
Is there a particular food item(s) at Whole Foods Market that you would give as a gift to your family, friends or neighbors on ‘Eid?
Your answer in the comments section of this post will enter you into the giveaway for FIVE FREE Saffron Road halal frozen, redeemable at Whole Foods Markets AND a $100 Whole Foods gift card, redeemable at any U.S. Whole Foods stores.
Coupons will only be sent to U.S. addresses, as they are redeemable at Whole Foods Markets in the United States.
US Sweeps will randomly choose a winner selected from those who follow the giveaway eligibility guidelines.
Giveaway ends August 29, 2011 at 12:01 am.
To Enter the Giveaway:
*please note: if you have already subscribed and/or signed up to the pages below, there’s no need to do it again- you’re already eligible!
1) Leave a relevant comment after this post that answers the question above.
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Entries (comments plus other requirements) must be received by 12:00 am on August 29, 2011
(please note: this is not a printable coupon)
Is there a particular food item(s) at Whole Foods Market that you would give as a gift to your family, friends or neighbors on ‘Eid?