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Meat and Rice Stuffed Grape Leaves

Grape Leaves

Grape leaves. There are so many different types. Grape leaves can be served cold or hot; stuffed with meat, rice, and/or vegetables and are native in countries Greece to Iraq and every other country in between. Each of which has their own version of stuffed grape leaves. Some call them Dolma, and others Waraq Enab ورق عنب

My Tayta always made meat and rice stuffed grape leaves with tomato sauce served warm. It’s my favorite way. My mom, makes them the same. And today, I’m still using the handwritten transcribed recipe from my Tayta. I won’t deny, however, that if there are any leftovers, I eat them cold straight out of the fridge. I can’t be the only one who loves cold leftover grape leaves. (more…)

Seafood Freekeh Paella

Seafood Freekeh Paella

One of my favorite foods (even before I visited Barcelona in 2017 and experienced the authentic version) is Seafood Paella. What is Paella (pie-yay-ya; the L’s are silent)? Paella is a Spanish rice dish made in one frying pan, originating from Valencia, on the eastern coast of Spain. It began as a peasant/laborer’s dish that is now popular all over Spain. It is rumored that paella actually comes from the Arabic root word “baqiya” meaning leftovers. However, linguists actually credit the name paella to the frying pan in which the dish is made, known in Spanish as la paella.

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Fig & Honey Nicecream

Fig and Honey Nicecream

Nicecream. It’s like ice cream, but it’s really nice to your body. At least, that’s how I like to think of it. If you haven’t heard of Nicecream, today is your lucky day. I am so excited to be trying out my first few batches of nicecream. What is niceream? Nicecream is banana-based ice cream. As a matter of fact, plain nicecream is just frozen bananas and it’s super easy to whip up and keep in your freezer for those days (or nights) when you just have to have something frozen and sweet but don’t want to snack on something heavy. (more…)

Goes on Almost Every Salad Sumac Dressing

Goes on Almost Every Salad Sumac Dressing

When it comes to salad dressing, I like to keep it super simple. I’m not a fan of those complicated dressings with 101 ingredients that you have to go out and buy every time you want to try a new salad. Sure, I like to try new salad dressing combinations. But that’s not very often.

I have a go-to salad dressing that I use for basically all of my salads. The best part? It’s only 4 ingredients! Four ingredients that I always have in my pantry. I call it “Goes on Almost Every Salad Sumac Dressing.” Or “Salad dressing” for short.

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Savory Fresh Herb Za’atar Muffins

Savory Fresh Herb Za’atar Muffins

One of my favorite things about living in Jordan, is that I have access to herbs that aren’t available in DC. Za’atar leaves, for example, are pretty much everywhere here in Jordan. When I lived in DC, I craved these za’atar leaves. I wanted them so badly, so I could use them in recipes like Fresh Zaatar Focaccia. Now, I’ve got the goods, and I intend to use them for nothing other than deliciousness. First item of business, Savory Fresh Herb Za’atar Muffins.

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