by Yvonne Maffei | Apr 5, 2020 | BOOKS, Halal & Tayyib (Pure/Organic), Halal Industry, Halal Topics, The My Halal Kitchen Cookbook, What is Halal?
My second video in a series of discussions about what halal means and how that affects what we put into our bodies. In this audio presentation, I discuss various issues pertaining to halal when it comes to consuming dairy products like yogurt, milk and cheese.
This content is a discussion based on the research that went into my book, My Halal Kitchen: Global Recipes, Cooking Tips and Lifestyle Inspiration which can be purchased on Book Depository (free global delivery) or Amazon at this link.
by Yvonne Maffei | Jun 28, 2014 | Appetizers & Snacks, Latin, Mexican
No time for suhoor, but you need something hot in your tummy? These super-quick quesadillas are so easy to make- you may want to take out the hot sauce and fire-roasted chiles (peppers) if your stomach can’t handle the spice in the wee hours of the morning, though.
*White cheddar cheese is produced by Cabot and certified-halal by IFANCA.
Two-minute quesidallas with white cheddar cheese, roasted green chiles and hot sauce. Use a non-stick pan if you prefer not to cook directly over the flame.
![Bruschetta with Tomatoes, Garlic and Cheese]()
by Yvonne Maffei | Oct 13, 2012 | Appetizers & Snacks, Italian, Recipes
Finger foods aren’t just for parties. When it’s really hot outside, I don’t like to get too complicated in the kitchen. When it’s cold outside, I like comfort food. Bread and cheese fit in both of these categories, so here comes my recipe for simple Bruschetta, or Italian toasts. They can be made on the grill if you don’t want to crank up your oven; alternatively, they can be made in a toaster oven if you don’t want to remove all those pots and pans you store in there (not saying anyone I know actually does that…)
Bruschetta with Brown Tomatoes, Garlic and Cheese
I used black tomatoes in my recipe because they were intriguing and fresh at my market. They don’t taste much different from other tomato varieties, in my opinion so if anyone is apprehensive about the color affecting the taste, tell them there’s no need for that.
Serves 4, 6 or even 20- if everyone can eat just one each…
½ loaf Italian or thick French bread, about one-inch around
4 cloves garlic
3 black tomatoes, finely diced (or any type of tomatoes you have on hand)
1 bunch flat leaf Italian parsley
good quality extra virgin olive oil
Freshly grated Parmesan, Provolone or any of your favorite type of {halal} cheese
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°.
Slice bread into about 20 pieces.
Place bread slices on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Remove immediately.
Rub fresh garlic on each piece of bread (top only). Add a sprinkle of diced tomatoes on each piece and then top with fresh parsley, a drizzle of olive oil and a bit of Parmesan to top.
Bismillah and Buon Appetito!
![Ricotta Pie]()
by Yvonne Maffei | Aug 24, 2011 | Dessert, Eid, Italian, Mediterranean, Recipes, Sicilian
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.
2) Subscribe to the MHK Monthly Newsletter and the blog’s email updates.
3) “Like” the Whole Foods Market Facebook Page
4) “Like” the Saffron Road Facebook Page
5) Subscribe to the Whole Story blog.
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?
