![Cheese Platters for Your Next Party]()
by Yvonne Maffei | Jun 21, 2016 | Entertaining
Every year that Ramadan comes around, I find myself looking for new ways to experience the Iftar (breaking of the fast meal). I want to enjoy what’s seasonal, make things look beautiful and taste fresh and delicious. That’s what I love and I know my guests will enjoy and appreciate the vibrant colors and seriously good food as a result- making everyone at the table happy!
This year, I scoured my garden for inspiration. I planted a French style potager garden where I incorporate veggies and herbs growing with colorful flowers like roses, zinnia, lavender, marigolds, Indian strawberries and so much more. I need to take pictures of that and share here…
One of the ideas I had this year was to offer a cheese plate with crackers, crudités and decorate with garden goodness when I had guests for Iftar. It turned out so beautiful that I’ve even been doing this just for myself, too! What a great way to make the Iftar special, even if you’re doing it alone.
The full platter I’ve been making contains a variety of cheeses. To make sure they’re halal, simply look for a halal label or look for microbial enzymes and microbial rennet or a vegetarian cheese.
To prepare a platter similar to what I’ve done here, pick some fresh garden herbs and edible flowers as decor. Dice each of the cheese varieties; plate the chips or crackers, add crudités (raw veggies) and serve. If serving at a later time, simply cover the entire platter in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Bismillah and Bon Appetit!
by Yvonne Maffei | Apr 14, 2015 | American, Appetizers & Snacks, FOOD, Halal-Certified Products, Mexican
I’m usually pretty good about not eating too late at night, especially heavy foods. Otherwise I have to get out some sort of vinegar in my pantry and chuck it quickly before the heartburn sets in…
I posted this picture on Instagram and a lot of people were asking me for the recipe so I thought I’d explain how I made it, which is super duper easy (see below).
First, get some of your favorite tortilla chips- make sure they’re non-GMO. I like the Trader Joe’s brand tortilla chips or Milagro brand.
Next, add some cooked and spiced ground beef. I use a homemade chorizo blend that is now my favorite (you’ll get the recipe in my upcoming cookbook, insha’Allah).
Add some cubes or thin slices of Cabot Cheese halal-certified varieties on top of the beef. I use their Sharp Cheddar, which is wonderful.
Microwave for 1-2 minutes on medium-high or put in a toaster oven for 5-7 minutes, using an oven safe pan.
When it’s still hot, drizzle some avocado salsa and hot sauce on top. I love the Valentina brand and I think all of the brands I’m using really do make the difference, but you can definitely choose your own. I was actually lamenting that if I had sour cream at home I would dilute it slightly and drizzle on top, but my the more I thought about it, I decided it would only cover up all the nicely spiced meat and other ingredients. The experimentalist in me will certainly want to try that next time..
How do you make your very own late night nachos?
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.
