Recipes - Measuring Cups, Optional

Pumpkin Pecan Cheesecake

The leaves have turned, it’s gotten pretty chilly and not to mention we had some snow flurries over the weekend. It can only mean one thing; Thanksgiving is right around the corner.

While some only remember to be thankful around the winter Holidays, I’ve been keeping up with counting my blessings year-round. And this year, I have so much to be thankful for. In Arabic, we say Hamdellah [الحمد لله] which means Thank God, My list may be a bit long, but some of the major things I’m thankful for are: (more…)

Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits and the Secret Behind My Curls

categories: 500 Calories or Less, Desserts, Posts, Recipes

Completely unrelated to cooking, I’ve gotten several questions from my friends and followers about how I get my hair to curl so well. I’d love to say I get it done at the salon everyday but that’s far from the truth. Honestly, once I figured out how to do my hair at home, I prefer doing it myself than having a salon touch it. My biggest frustration is when they concentrate on getting my bangs perfectly placed and I end up with over-hair sprayed strings hanging down the side of my face. (more…)

Ghraybeh [Arabic Butter Cookies]

categories: Arabic Food Made Easy, Desserts, Posts, Recipes

One of my favorite Arabic sweets is Ghraybeh [غريبة], with all of its sugary, buttery goodness. Honestly, the best ones I’ve tasted are the ones in Amman that come in a little “s” shape. I can devour an entire box in one sitting — they’re that good. Shatila comes in at a close second with their ghraybeh, except for the fact that each piece is massive, and they (sadly) post the calorie content of each piece, making it impossible to eat more than one without feeling guilty. Oh, the struggles of not being skinny. (more…)

Toasted Pumpkin Seeds

categories: 500 Calories or Less, Appetizers, Posts, Recipes

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…)

Party Loaf and a Taste of Switzerland

categories: 500 Calories or Less, Breads, Posts, Recipes

In December 2010, my mom and I took a mother-daughter vacation in Europe. We took advantage of Christmas break to tour four European countries in the span of two weeks.

We started our adventure in Italy, starting in historic Rome and made our way to Venice and Florence, where we splurged on Italian leather, gelato and espresso. Then we spent some time in Switzerland, mainly Lugano, and Lucerne where we spent Christmas Eve and reveled in Swiss breads, cheese and chocolates. We made our way through the snowy Swiss Alps to Paris, where we spent magical nights at the Eiffel Tower and the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. From Paris, we took the Eurostar to London. We extended our stay to spend New Year’s Eve in Westminster to watch the fireworks on the Thames with the backdrop of the London Eye. It was one of the best vacations I’ve taken. Aside from the historic wonders of each location, we were given the opportunity to try specialty foods in each of the four countries. (more…)

Orange Spritzers

categories: Beverages, Posts, Recipes

I have a serious obsession with brunch. If I could host brunch every weekend, I would be a very happy person. I mean, really, who doesn’t love eating around late morning/early afternoon, getting together with the girls, and eating perfectly portioned and styled foods? You get extra points if you can host at an outdoor venue on a gorgeous fall or spring day. The go-to brunch drink of most people’s choice is Mimosas. However, if you’re trying to keep your brunch a little less boozy, it’s time to venture into spritzers. They are so easy to make, you could whip up a pitcher-full as your guests take their seats. (more…)