Ramadan Kareem!
Yesterday marked the first day of the holy month of Ramadan – where billions of people around the world refrain from food and drink from sunrise until sunset for 29-30 days based on the lunar calendar. It is a time to reflect on your life, reconnect with god and be thankful for everything you have, most notably a kitchen full of food (which those less fortunate do not have the luxury of having). (more…)
Thanksgiving at the Fayyad household is an occasion not to be missed. Excluding a couple years – I can count them on one hand – Thanksgiving has always been held at my parents’ house. Preparation begins around 6am, when my mom becomes one with the turkey and trimmings. She might as well block off the kitchen and put up a “DO NOT ENTER” sign.
Mom’s hard work is far from unappreciated. No one does thanksgiving like momma Debs. The “Thank you’s” begin when the food is set out and end when everyone leaves. We generally have so much food, we have to set it out buffet style, and have leftovers for days. It’s all about family – aunts, uncles, cousins and cousins’ kids. So you can just imagine that even though I’m way over 21, I’m still required to sit at “the kids table.” (more…)
It’s pumpkin season. Not that it wasn’t already made obvious by the Halloween and pumpkin decorations all over the Metro DC area. I’ve finally given in, and treated myself to a pumpkin spice latte (tall, skinny). It’s insane how into pumpkins we are around here! And yet, October would not be complete without a trip to the pumpkin farm. I haven’t been out to the pumpkin farm since I was a kid … and let me tell you, you are never too old to enjoy the hay rides, the face paint, the slides and the hot apple cider. Even in my late 20s, I’m transformed into a small child the minute I get near the pumpkin farm — go figure! (more…)
Cheesy nachos at any Mexican restaurant can put a serious dent in your daily calorie count… if you’re counting. Step away from the cheesy nachos and look for something better. Before you start freaking out and guilt-tripping yourself out of cheesy nachos for life, try making your own. Oh the horror! Not having someone prepare it and serve it to you on a silver platter. Before you go complaining about how everything that tastes good isn’t good for you, try these cheesy white bean nachos. I promise, you won’t be slaving away in your kitchen for these. They’re easy for snacks or for an addition to Mexican night. (more…)
I was browsing around the grocery store last weekend, hoping I’d come up with some brilliant idea for a weeknight dinner. That’s when I came across these mushroom caps. I’ve made cheesy stuffed mushroom caps in the past, but I wanted to try something new. I decided to fuse together one of my previous recipes to create delicious Crab Parmesan Stuffed Mushroom Caps. I’m thinking I can use these as appetizers for a dinner if I use smaller mushrooms.
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Nutrition Information: Cals 335. Carbs 21g. Fat 11g. Protein 24g. Sodium 903mg. Sugar 5g.
As I was browsing foodgawker a few weeks ago, I came across this recipe for Buffalo Chicken Bites on Sweet Pea’s Kitchen I was instantly in love. Healthy-ish boneless chicken wings? Is there such a thing? Yes, there is. These are super easy to make. It was a little bit messy because I used my hands to form the bites. But the outcome is absolute deliciousness. These bites are great alternatives to a deep-fried night at Buffalo Wild Wings. To complete the meal, I served them baked homemade fries and two side dips; marinara dipping sauce and spicy light ranch.
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