Groats & Mixed Vegetables

A traditional dish served back at Home ( Bahrain ).

Ingredients: ( 3-4 servings)

1. 1 1/2 cup of Groats
2. 1 onion finely chopped
3. 2-3 tomatoes diced
4. 1 or 1 1/2 cup frozen mixed vegetables
5. 2 1/2 cups chicken stock ( homemade if possible )
6. 3 minced garlic cloves
7. 1/4 cup tomato sauce
8. 1/4 cup chopped parsley
9. spices to taste ( cumin powder, garam masala (or any mixed spice available ),curry powder,hot chilli powder,turmeric, 1 1/2 tea.s salt.

Method:

1. using a non stick pan brown the groats then set a side to cool.
2. using a pot , saute the onions first until browned then add the garlic
3. add the diced tomatoes and let it cook until its melts then add the tomato sauce and the mixed vegetables.
4. add the groats and parsley and season with the spices mentioned above.
5. add the salt.
6. gradually add the chicken stock while stirring on medium heat, until most of the stock is absorbed lower the heat and seal the pot with aluminum foil then cover and let it sit for 45 minutes aprox on low heat. you can check if its done after 30 minutes. if you feel it needs more moisture just add a little water on top and cover again.. Enjoy..

Roasted Vermicelli sweet balls

This simple treat will only take few minutes to prepare but with a lasting sweet taste to remember.

Ingredients:

1. 1 package roasted Vermicelli
2. About 1/2 can sweetened condensed milk(depends how sweet and sticky you like it)
3. Butter
4. Crushed pistachio (optional)

Method:

1. Crush the vermicelli in a bowel with your hands then Saute with some butter until its comes soft. It takes only few minutes.

2. Return it to the bowl and add sweetened condensed milk gradually while mixing until it sticks together and you can shape it with your hands or using a shot glass or something similar.add some crushed pistachio to the mix or just on top. Shape it into small balls or cones.

3. Cool in the refrigerator for 15 minutes at least before serving..Enjoy..

Tameece Bread

The most Delicious bread I have tasted yet!! You can eat it by itself :)
Its made inside the old clay or stone ovens but you can make it at you regular oven.
Its originated form the Arabian Gulf countries mostly in KSA(Saudi Arabia).Some stuff it with cheddar cheese , chocolate or even meat.

Ingredients:(6 medium disks approx)

1. 4 cups all purpose flour
2. 3 table.s milk powder ( I used Needo brand)
3. 1/2 cup melted butter or ghee ( you can mix them )
4. 1 table.s yeast
5. 1 table.s sugar
6. 1 tea.s salt
7. 1 tea.s baking powder
8. chredded cheddar cheese(optional )
9. sesame seeds and milk to brush the face
10. warm water

Method:

1. mix the dry ingredients first then add the melted butter.
2. add the water gradually while kneading until you got an elastic dough.
3. cover and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours
4. after it doubles in size cut the dough into how many balls you desire.
5. have a griddle or pan on the stove on medium-high heat ready to use and your oven on on the broiler.
6. roll the ball into medium thickness then sprinkle with cheddar cheese or brush with chocolate spread if desired.and flip it close and roll again.
7. brush  the top with milk and saseme seeds. and poke it with a fork or with your fingers.
8. cook it on the griddle until you see it rise a bit and check that its browned under then transfer it to the oven to brown the top.it takes few minutes the whole process.Enjoy :-)

A date with DATES!

DATE CAKE

Ingredients:

1. 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
2. 5 eggs
3. 3/4 cups sugar
4. 1 cup oil
5. 1 cup crushed walnuts ( optional)
6. 30-40 dates + 1 table.s butter
7. 1 table.s baking powder
8. 1 tea.s ground cardamom,cinnamon and ground fennel seed
9.1/2 tea.s vanilla

Method:

1. in a small sauce pan heat up the dates (seeds removed ) with the butter until its all melted and set a side.
2. whisk the eggs with the vanilla extract and cardamom,cinnamon powder and ground fennel seeds
3. add the sugar then the oil
4. add the flour and baking powder and then add the dates paste and walnuts.
5. pour into a greased cake pan or Pyrex and bake in a pre-heated oven on 360 F for 40-45 minutes..ENJOY..
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Date Rolls

Ingredients:

1. thawed spring rolls
2. around 15-20 dates
3. cinnamon powder and ground fennel seeds,ground cardamom ( optional) to taste
4. 1 table.s sweetened condensed milk
5. Tahini for garnish

Method:

1. in a small sauce pan heat the dates ( seeds removed) with some butter (optional) and add the condensed milk
2. melt the dates and add the flavorings and set a side to cool
3. cut the square spring roll sheets into four small squares 
4. fill each square with little of the dates paste and roll up, seal it with water if needed
5. fry until golden brown in medium heat ( it will take few seconds to cook)
6. drizzle with Tahini and serve..Enjoy..

Maglooba

Maglooba means upside down :)..
Its a rice dish made with meat or chicken or even shrimp and fried vegetables ( onions,carrots,potatoes,eggplant,tomatoes,squash) ( Middle Eastern ).

Ingredients: ( 2-3 servings )
1. I used lamb this time but you can exchange it.
2.  1 carrots cut into round or thin strips
3. sliced onion
4. sliced 2 potatoes
5. sliced almonds ( for garnish )
6. lamb spices used (a dash of black pepper,salt,cumin powder,turmeric,curry powder or any other mixed spice you got,3-4bay leaf,7-10cloves,7-10cardamom seeds,2-3 cinnamon sticks 2-3 inches long approx, ).
7. 1 1/2 cups of rice ( soaked in water for 15 minutes at least before cooking )

Method:

1. In a pressure cooker add your lamb shanks and add water until its covered or almost and the spices mentioned above. set it on high for 10 minutes then on medium heat for 1 hour.
2. meanwhile fry your veggies but not deep fry..add salt and pepper and cumin (optional ) to taste and set aside.
3. brown the sliced almonds and set a side
4. when the meat is done. take it out and broil for few minutes ( optional )
5. strain the water from the spices seeds and sticks and then bring to a boil and add the rice in it for 3 minutes plus 1 1/2 tea.s salt or you can add salt to your measurements. then drain it.
6. spread a little ghee butter or clarified butter in the bottom of the pot then place your potatoes and the vegetables then add the rice and top it with the meat and almonds and cover on low heat for 20-30 minutes or until its fully cooked..Enjoooooy :)

Breeka ( Tunisian )

A Tunisian Appetizer * I believe *, I have learned it from my lovely Tunisian friends..
The idea is simple : have a spring roll sheet ready and mainly stuff it with potatoes ( either boiled,fried,baked ) , eggs ( cooked or raw or both ) , cooked shrimp , tuna , parsley or cilantro and litlle spices to taste..plus cream cheese or shredded ( optional )
mostly when I have some leftover  cooked potatoes I make with it some BREEKA :)
The traditional shape is making a triangle, but you can do rolls too if you like , BREEK CIGARS ;)

Ingredients:

1. spring roll sheets ( thawed )
2. fried cubes of potato or boiled ( seasoned with little salt and pepper )
3. about 1/3 cup of chopped parsley or clinatro
4. half a can of tuna
5. few cooked shrimp ( optional )
6. eggs ( raw and boiled or just raw ) ( depending on your quantity , crack each egg at time and mix because you dont want the mixture to be too runny!! )
7. salt,black pepper,cumin,drops of lemon juice and hot chilli sauce to taste.

Method:

1. mix all the ingredients above in a bowel and as I mentioned above crack the eggs one at a time until the ingredients are well sticky together but yet not runny mixture!!
2. another way to do it is cracking only one egg on top of the mixture above in each triangle sheet of spring roll and seal the edges with water.
3. fry the triangles or rolls until golden brown..
4. Serve with a lemon wedge on the side..Enjoy...

Creamy Prawns

An Italian inspired dish..and as you may notice I like to serve almost everything with rice!! :p
But if you want to do it the Italian way mix this dish with penne pasta and cheese.

Ingredients: (2-3 servings )

1. 10-13 large or jumbo cooked shrimp
2. 1 small onion thinly sliced
3. 3 garlic cloves minced
4. 1 green bell pepper thinly sliced ( you can add red bell pepper too )
5. few Broccoli flowers ( optional )
6. 3-4 mushrooms sliced
7. 3/4 cup water
8. 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
9. salt,black pepper and cumin to taste
10. 1/2 tea.s flour
11. pinch of sugar (optional)

Method:

1. saute the onions in a large skillet until browned
2. add the mushrroms and some butter and brown them too
3. add the garlic wait until its golden then add the prawns and let it cook for few minutes
4. add the remaining vegetables
5. season with salt,pepper and cumin powder and mix
6. deglaze the pan with 3/4 cup of water and stir then gradually add the cream and cover for 10 minutes on low-meduim heat.
7. uncover and simmer for extra 10 minutes and add 1/2 tea.s of flour for a thicker sauce.
8. Go Italian: have a boiled penne pasta ready in a pot and pour the mixture on it and let it cook for few minutes then stir in the cheese and serve hot..Enjoy..

Beef Kofta

Beef Kofta can be served with rice or pasta in a heavy tomato sauce or mushroom sauce or just place them in a Sandwich!!

Ingredients: ( yields 10-12 kofta )

1. 1 cup ground beef
2. 1 small potato shreded
3. 1 egg
4. 2 minced garlic cloves
5. 1/2 small onion finely chopped
6. about a 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro or parsley
7. salt,cumin powder,garam masala to taste.

Method:

1. mix the above ingredients and let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
2. shape into small balls ( I used an ice cream scoop to help ) and fry until fully cooked..
3. here I topped each kofta with tomato sauce and cheese and heat it until the cheese melted and served it with saffron rice..

Sweet & Salty Scoops!

Hello my dear viewers. I introduce today a traditional dish from KSA!
They mostly make it in the winter time and its almost like pancakes but Arabian Style hahaha..
Its called Mosabeeb which is something you scoop it down so I named it Scoops :) and it can be eaten either sweet or salty and you can even keep it in the fridge or freezer for later use.

Ingredients:

1. 1 cup whole wheat flour
2. 1 cup all purpose flour
3. 1 egg
4. 1 tea.s yeast
5. 1 tea.s sugar
6. 1 tea.s baking powder
7. 1/4 cup milk
8. 2 cups warm water
9. 1/2 tea.s ground cardamom seeds (optional )

Method:

1. whisk the egg with the ground cardamom until fluffy
2. add the rest of the ingredients and whisk until everything well blend in.
3. cover with a clean cloth and let it sit in a warm place for 30 minutes.
4. heat up an electric griddle or on your stove griddle and brush lightly with oil.
5. with an ice cream scoop, scoop down the mixture forming a round disk.
6. wait until the surface bubbles and almost dries up then flip it to cook on the other side.
7. Serve Hot with butter and Honey or you can roll it up or make sandwiches with any kind of filling you like..Enjoy..

Cheesy Puffs

Simple treat for the whole family :-)

Ingredients:

1. 2 cups all purpose flour
2. 1/4 cup milk
3. 1/4 cup oil
4. 1//2 cup softened cream cheese
5. 1 1/2 tea.s yeast
6. 1 tea.s baking powder
7. warm water for kneading

8. sesame seeds,Nigella sativa seeds for flavoring (optional)

Method:

1. mix the dry ingredients first
2. add the oil and mix then add the milk + cream cheese and knead..add warm water gradually to get a smoother elastic dough.
3.cover and let it rise in a warm place not more than 30 minutes.
4. with a rolling pin spread the dough no too thin or thick and start making desired shapes with cookie cutters..
5. for extra puffiness let the shapes rest for 10 mints or so..then deep fry on both sides..keep an eye on them because they take seconds to cook.
6.drizzle on top with honey or  any sugary syrup..Enjoy..

Homemade pitas

I love making my own pita bread because they taste so fresh and you can add some flavour each time you make them. For example a pinch of cumin, thyme,oregano,fennel seeds you name it..
You may notice in this recipe and any other pastry or bread recipe that I wrote I don't mention the exact amount of water used,that's because it depends on some factors that are different in each house. For example the room temperature,your water temperature if its a bit cold you will need more water and if its too hot you will need less.
I recommend in the winter season to keep your house very warm when making the bread and I heat my oven just for seconds and close it so its a warm place for my dough to rise in.

Ingredients: ( 8 medium pitas aprox)

1. 4 cups all purpose flour
2. 4 table.s sugar
3. 1 table.s+1 tea.s yeast
4. 1 tea.s baking powder
5. 1/4 tea.s salt
6. 1/4 cup milk
7. 1/2 cup oil
8. Warm water or room temperature

Method:

1. Mix in a bowl the dry ingredients first
2. Add the oil and mix . You will see the flour crumbles into small balls.
3. Add the milk plus 1 cup of warm water and knead..add water gradually while kneading until you get a non sticky elastic dough.
4. Cover with a cloth or a plastic wrap and keep it in a dark warm place. I always keep it in the oven. Let it rise for 1 hour or more.
5. After it doubled in size take the dough out and cut it into 8 balls less or more depending on the size of the pita desired.
6. Your oven should be on on the broiler with the oven rack placed just above the center line.
7. From a round pita and place it in the oven ( you can use a pizza stone or pan). It should take few minutes to rise and brown then flip it on the other side. Keep your eyes on the oven because some will be done in no time!
8. Enjoy...

Mandi Chicken ( Smoked rice & Chicken )

This is one of the easiest but yet tasty dish that you can fix for lunch or dinner.
You can make it with either chicken or lamb.

Ingredients: ( 2-3 servings )

1. half chicken
2. 2 cups of rice soaked for 15 minutes at least
3. few strings of saffron soaked in 2 table.s of rose water for 15 minutes at least the more the better,if you have a shot glass you can fill it. 
4. chicken stock : 1 bay leaf, 4-5 cardamom seeds,3 cloves,2-3 inches long cinnamon stick,dash of salt 
5. chicken topping : 1 heaping table.s yogurt, 1 tea.s tomato sauce(if u have a paste make it 1/4tea.s) , pinch of turmeric, garlic powder and curry powder and cumin, drops of the rose water with saffron and if u like add a little of clarified butter.
6. 1 quick lightning charcoal briquet

7. sauted onions and tomatoes for garnish

Method: 

1.mix the chicken topping ingredients mentioned and set aside in the fridge.

2. boil the chicken in a pressure cooker for 20 minutes or until its done with all the chicken stock spices mentioned above.

3. when its done cover it with the topping sauce made earlier and broil it in the oven until browned

4. mean while boil the rice in the chicken stock with 2 1/2 tea.s of salt ( remember each cup of rice takes 1 1/4 tea.s salt ). boil for 2-3 minutes on high then drain it. return it to the pot and add a pinch of turmeric and the rose water and some clarified butter if u like just fold it in gently to give a little color and cover and let it finish cooking on low heat.

5. when the rice is done make a whole in the center and surround it with the chicken.
light up the charcoal until red and have a tiny heat standing ceramic or glass cup or whatever you got filled half way with oil and placed in the center of the rice and chicken.
when the charcoal is heated carfuly place it in the cup and quickly close the pot so it will absorb the smoke.
leave it for 15-20 minutes then its ready to eat...Enjoy..

Kashmiri Style Chicken

I have tried this recipe for the first time and tuned out to be a great success.

You can make it with cubed chicken breast or half chicken with bone.

Recipe: ( 2-3) servings

# chicken marinade :
1. half chicken cut in 4-5 pices
2. 1/2 tea.s salt,hot red chilli,tandoori spice(optional)
3. 1 tea.s garam masalla
4. 1/4 tea.s curry powder and turmeric
5. 3 table.s ketchup
6. 1 1/2 table.s oil
7. a pinch of sugar

# other ingredients:
1. 2 garlic cloves minced
2. 1 tea.s grated  fresh ginger root
3. 1/2 lemon juice
Parsley flakes or coriander to garnish

Method:

1. marinade the chicken cutlets and let it sit in the fridge for one hour at least. the more the better.
2. in a non stick pan brown the garlic and ginger.be careful not to burn it.
3. add the chicken and fry on both sides then cover until fully cooked with turning on sides each 5-10 minutes interval on medium heat.
4. add the lemon juice on each side if possible and serve..Enjoy..

Veggie Korma with Shrimp Karma

Hello friends,,I bring you a Vegetable Korma which was inspired by an Indian cook book.
Korma is a type of Curry usually made with yogurt,heavy cream,coconut milk and nut pastes..

What I love about this dish it is easy to make and you can add whatever vegetables you like to it.I added in this recipe cooked shrimp just for a change.

Ingredients ( 3-4 ) servings:

1. 1 small onion thinly sliced
2. 2 garlic cloves minced
3. 2 tea.s cubed ginger
4. 2 cloves and 4 cardamom seeds
5. about 3 inch long cinnamon stick
6. 1 bay leaf
7. 1 table.s coconut powder ( fine coconut shreds)
8. 2 cups water
9. 1/4 cup heavy cream
10. 3 table.s yogurt
11. 1/2 tea.s cumin,curry powder and tumeric
12. 1 tea.s Garam masala1
13. 1 green chilli chopped , 1/4 tea.s or less hot chilli powder (optional)
14. a pinch of sugar
15. salt to taste
16. your favorite vegetables( potatoes,carrots,cauliflower,broccoli,mushrooms,okra,green beans)
17. about 1 1/2 cup cooked shrimp (optional)

Method:

1. saute the onion in large skillet in butter until browned
2. add the garlic and ginger plus cloves,cardamom and cinnamon stick until slightly browned
3. add mushrooms and the rest of the veggies.plus shrimp
4. add spices and saute for few minutes ( 3-5 )
5. add water and cover for 10 minutes ( cook in medium ) 
6. cook uncovered for extra minutes if necessary
7. lower the heat to low and add yogurt and cream plus coconut powder
8. let it simmer on low heat until desired thickness reached.
9. add sugar and adjust salt if needed.
10. Serve with rice or bread..Enjoy..

 

Chicken with Mushroom Sauce

I love this dish with mashed potatoes on the side and you can eat it with rice too.

Ingredients: (2 servings )

1. 1 chicken breast cubed or sliced
2. 1 small onion chopped
3. 6-8 mushrooms sliced
4. 1 cup chicken stock or water
5. 2 table.s sour cream
6.1 1/2 tea.s flour for thickening
7. salt,black pepper ,oregano and cumin to taste

Method:

1.saute the chicken cubes in little oil and season
2. in a different skillet saute the onions in butter until browned then add the sliced mushrooms
3.add more butter if needed and saute the mushrooms until browned season with salt and pepper
4. add the chicken and sour cream and mix together then add the water or chicken stock
5. let it simmer on low medium heat until the chicken is fully cooked.add flour to thicken the sauce of needed..Enjoy..

# you can do it as well in one pan first saute the onions then add the chicken then mushrooms and spices then jump to step no. 4 :)

Chicken Makhani

Chicken Makhani is an Indian Pakistani cuisine served along with rice or bread.
Its sauce is thick and rich in flavor.

Ingredients ( 2 servings ) :

1. 1 chicken breast cubed
2. 1 small onion chopped
3. 2 garlic cloves minced
4. 1/2 tea.s salt and cumin and turmeric
5. 1/4 tea.s paprika and curry powder , hot chilli powder
6. 2 table.s sour cream and tomato sauce ( or paste )
7. 1/2 tea.s sugar ( optional)
8. 1 cup chicken stock (optional)

Method:

1. saute the chopped onions in butter until browned
2. add the chicken cubes then season with the spices
3. when the chicken almost cooked add the minced garlic and mix don't let it burn
4. add the tomato sauce and sour cream and mix together
5. deglaze the pan by adding a cup of water or chicken stock if available and cover for 10 minutes let it cook on medium high
6. then let it simmer uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked ( add the sugar and adjust the salt if needed ) you can thicken the sauce by adding 1 tea.s of flour if desired.
7. serve with white rice or bread..Enjoy..

 

Fettah Talk ! Not the cheese

Yes Im not talking about Feta cheese.
Fettah is a side dish or appetizer that 100 % always contains chick peas and 90% contains eggplant.
There are many ways in creating a Fettah and you can always be creative with it and add your own touch.
I'm introducing here three ways to make a delicious Fettah.

Recipe #1 ( Layered Fettah )

Ingredients:

1. 1 small eggplant peeled and cubed
2. 1 1/2 cup chick peas ( about 2 cans)
3. 2 garlic cloves minced
4. 1 cup yogurt
5. 2 lemons squeezed
6. 1/4 tea.s white vinegar
7. 1/4 chopped onion and 1 diced tomato
8. salt and oregano to taste,cumin
9. sumac and parsley and small fried pita bread squares (optional ) for garnish


Method:

1.saute the eggplant cubes in olive oil until done,then season with vinegar and oregano
2. in the bottom of your serving bowl or Pyrex mix in the chick peas with minced garlic and a pinch of salt with 3/4 of the lemon juice
3. saute the onions then add the tomatoes and cook until melted together.season with cumin and salt (optional)
4. top the chick peas with the sauted onions and tomatoes then on top of that put the eggplant
5. mix the reaming lemon juice with yogurt and pour it on top,sprinkle sumac ,parsley leaves and fried pita squares...Set it in the fridge to cool for an hour or so...Enjoy..

Recipe #2 ( Mixed Fettah )

Ingredients:

1. 1 eggplant peeled and cubed
2. 2-3 potatoes peeled and cubed
3. 1 1/2 cup chick peas ( about 2 cans)
4. 1 cup yogurt
5. 1 1/2 table.s Tahini
6. 1 lemon squeezed
7. salt,black pepper,garlic powder,turmeric for seasoning
8. sumac,parsley flakes for garnish

Method:

1. saute the eggplant in olive oil until done then season with little salt
2. fry the potatoes and season with turmeric ( optional ) and salt and black pepper
3. in the serving Pyrex mix in the chick peas and garlic powder then add the eggplant and potatoes and mix
4. mix the yogurt with Tahini and lemon juice and spread evenly on top.
5. garnish with sumac or parsley flakes...Enjoy..

Recipe#3 ( Saucy Fettah )

Ingredients:

1. 2 cans chick peas
2. 2 tomatoes
3. 3/4 cup chopped parsley
4. salt and black pepper and cumin to taste,a dash of sumac ( optional )
5. 2 lemons squeezed
6. 3/4 cup yogurt
7. 2 table.s olive oil
8. 1 minced garlic clove
9. fried pita bread squares

Method :

1. in a food processor or blender,blend in the tomatoes with parsley,garlic,lemon juice,seasoning and olive oil
2. in a serving bowl mix all together with the chick peas and yogurt.
3. cool for 30 minutes or so then serve topped with fried pita squares...Enjoy..

#you can adjust the mixture color and taste by reducing or adding more tomatoes and parsley or yogurt..This recipe you can play with :)

Grits & Groats the Arabian way (Jareesh)

Grits or groats cooked with chicken is an old famous traditional dish made back home in the Arabian gulf (GCC countries).
Its a hearty meal and for its smooth texture you can give it to your baby when he's 8 months old or older. But exclude the spices :p

Ingredients:

1. Cup of grits ( soaked in water at least 1 hour)
2. 3 cups chicken stock (homemade preferably)
3. 1 cooked chicken breast
4. 1/4 cup milk
5. 1 table.s cream cheese and butter
6. 1 1/4 tea.s salt
7. fine chopped onions and diced tomatoes
8. A pinch of black pepper,curry powder and cumin to taste.

Method:

1. Boil the grits in the chicken stock in a pressure cooker for 20 minutes. Keep it on high until it  starts to whistle then lower the heat to medium low.

2. Saute the onions in butter until brown then add the spices.

3.after the grits are cooked open the cooker carefully and set it on low heat with frequnt stirring.

4. Add the salt and cooked chicken along with half the amount of the browned onions.

5.stir and add the milk,cheese and butter and let it cook without the lid for 15 minutes.then blend it with the immersion blender.

6.add the tomatoes to the remaining onions and cook until its melted.

7. Serve the Jareesh topped with onion tomato mixture..Enjoy..

#If the grits is too runny you can add a table.s or two of rice flour and you can adjust the salt to your taste.

Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients:

1. 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
2. 2 cups oatmeal
3. 1 cup brown sugar
4. 1/2 cup white sugar ( or 1 cup sugar if chocolate chip is excluded )
5. 3/4 cup butter room temperature
6. 1/2 cup semi sweet or sweetened chocolate chips(optional)
7. 2 eggs
8. 1 tea.s vanilla extract
9. 1 1/2 tea.s baking powder
10. 1 table.s ground cinnamon
11. 1/4 of dried pomegranate or craisins or raisins (optional )

Method:

1. pre heat the oven on 380 F
2. whisk the eggs then add vanilla and sugar and whisk
3. add butter and cinnamon and mix
4. add the rest of the ingredients and mix
5. for big cookies you can scoop with an ice cream scoop or just use a regular spoon and place them on a baking sheet sprayed with some oil or butter or use parchment paper.
6. bake for 10-13 minutes or until done..let it cool...Enjoy...

Baked Potato Boats

These potato boats can be stuffed with anything you like. Great as an appetizer or main course.

Ingredients: 

1. baked potatoes (recipe follows)\
2. Whole kernel corn\
3. Chopped onions and red bell pepper
 4. Cream cheese and mozzarella cheese
 5. Boiled chicken breast (optional)
 6. Salt,black pepper and cumin to taste
 7. Dried parsley for garnish

Method:

 1. pre heat the oven on 400F
 2. Wash the potatoes and cut in half, drizzle with olive oil and season with little salt,paprika and oregano
 3. Wrap it with aluminum foil individually and bake until done, 30 - 40 minutes. Then cool
 4. Meanwhile saute the onions then add the peppers and chicken and cook for few minutes then add the desired or mentioned spices and mix and last add a table.s or two of cream cheese and mix together and turn off heat.
5. Carve in the potatoes but be careful don't be so close to the edge and not to deep.
6. Mix some of the potato mash carved out with the chicken and veggie mixture then fill in the potatoes.
7. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and dried parsley. Broil for few minutes to melt the cheese and serve. Enjoy..

Tangy Orange Cupcakes

Full of flavor and believe or not it has turmeric!

ingredients:

1. 3 eggs
2. 1 1/2 cups of all propose flour
3. 1 1/2 cups sugar
4. 8 table.s softend butter
5. 2 tea.s baking powder
6. 1/2 tea.s vanilla extract
7. 1 whole orange zest
8. 1 orange juice
9. 1/4 tea.s turmeric

#Frosting (optional ) : 1/2 cream cheese block,1/4 cup or less sweet condensed milk,1 tea.s confectioners sugar, 1 tea.s milk,orange zest.

Method:

1. Pre heat the oven on 350 F
2. Whisk the eggs first with the vanilla extract
3. Add sugar and mix
4. Add butter with orange zest and mix
5. Add flour,turmeric,baking powder and orange juice and mix well
6. Scoop with an ice cream scoop into cup cake pan and bake on 355 F For 20 minutes
7. When ready let it cool before frosting.
8. Mix the frosting ingredients and add more milk gradually if its too thick and frost the cup cakes and top with orange zest.keep cold and Enjoy..

Chicken Kung Pao

Its a sweet and chilli taste from China.

Ingredients( 2 servings) :

1. 1 chicken breast
2. 1 small onion or half an onion chopped
3. Thinly sliced red or orange bell pepper
4. 1/4 cup sweet & chili sauce
5. 1 cup chicken stock
6. 1/2 tea.s celery salt
7. A pinch of paprika,ginger powder and black pepp
8.1/4 cup browned cashews

#Chicken seasoning: 1/2 tea.s salt and white vinegar,1 table.s soy sauce,1 tea.s oil and corn starch, pinch of ginger and garlic powder.

Method:

1. Slice the chicken breast longitudinally
2. Coat the chicken with the seasoning mentioned and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes
3. Saut the onions then add the chicken and let it cook for few minute
 4.add the peppers along with the remaining spices
5.add the chicken stock and that will deglaze the pan and let it simmer until the chicken is fully cooked
6.add the cashews and the sweet and chili sauce and stir let it on low heat until it reaches the desired thickness.
7. Serve with rice..Enjoy..

Tip of the day #6

The Art of Frying..

Over the years I learned how to fry perfectly.
.              
1. If your not deep frying then dont over put the amount of oil.

2. Only flip once!! You will know by experience how long each side of whatever your cooking takes time to cook before flipping it on the other side.

3. You can check if it's done by slightly lifting it. because too many flipings will cause your food to absorb more oil!

4.always heat your oil first before frying on medium heat. Dont go high or else the oil will burn!

5.Check the sizzling effect!!when your potatoes or chicken touch the oil and you hear the sound shhhhhh then its time to fry. Don't place your food in cold oil.

6. Don't crowd the pan! you think your saving time but your ain't believe me.                      

Cold Macaroni Salad

Ingredients:

1. 4cups macaroni (any shape desired)
2. 1 chopped green bell pepper
3. 2 diced tomatoes
4. 3 Shredded carrots
5. 1 can of whole kernel corn
6. 1/4 cup dried pomegranate
7. 2cups spinach
8. 1 can of tuna (optional)

#Dressing: 2 table.s cream cheese,1 table.s mayonnaise,1/3cup diced cheddar chees(optional) and shredded parmesan cheese,pinch of low sodium salt (optional),1 tea.s black pepper and papprika,1 table.s olive oil,pinch of sugar.

Method:

1. Boil the macaroni in water with some salt
2. Mix all vegetables
3. Drain the macaroni when its done and let it cool a bit before adding it to the vegetables
4. Mix together then add the dressing ingredients on top and mix well in a big bowl
5.garnish with hot chilli powder and olives.serve cold..Enjoy..

A Different KABSA

Kabsa is a famous rice dish in the Arabian Gulf. It can be made with meat,chicken or even fish and shrimp. But what I'm presenting here is a different way of making KABSA which I'm positive that you will love.

Ingredients:(2-3 servings)

1.half a chicken
2. 2cups rice (soaked 15 minutes)
3. Chopped onion
4. 2 minced garlic cloves
5. 2 diced tomatoes
6. thinly sliced green bell pepper
7.2 table.s tomato paste
8. 1 jalapeno pepper
9. 3 shredded carrots
10. Browned cashews and raisins
#Spices needed: 1 short cinnamon stick,5 cloves,4 cardamom seeds,1 bay leaf ,1/2 tea.s of cardamom powder,red chilli powder ,turmeric powder and cinnamon powder,1 tea.s curry powder,a dash of salt and a pinch of sugar (optional)
#Remember: 1 cup of rice = 1 1/4 tea.s salt

Method:

1. put the chicken in a pressure cooker with water,a dash of salt and the following spices:
Cinnamon stick,cardamom seeds,cloves,bay leaf. And leave it on medium to high heat for 20 minutes or until its done.#keep the chicken stock.

2. In a big pot saute the onions until brown then add the bell pepper

3. Add the carrots and then the minced garlic

4. Add the tomatoes and a dash of salt. Cook until it nearly melts.

5. add cooked chicken plus the tomato paste with the remaining spices mentioned above and nuts

6.cook on low heat for 10 minutes

7.Boil the rice with salt in the chicken stock for 2-3 minutes and drain.pour the rice on the chicken mix and fold gently until the rice is fully colored and cover on low heat for 15-20 minutes..Enjoy..

Greek Pizza

Ingredients :

1. 2cup all purpose flour
2. 1/3 cup oil
3. 1 1/2 table.s active yeast
4. 2 table.s sugar
5. 1/2 tea.s baking powder and salt
6. warm water

#Topping: onions, tomatoes , spinach, mushroom,pizza sauce ,mozzarella cheese and feta cheese

Method : 

1. mix the dry ingredients first
2. add the oil and mix until the flour is coated with oil and crumbles
3. add 1/2 cup of warm water and kned then add water gradually auntil the dough is elastic
4.cover and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour at least
5. pre heat the oven on 360F
6. when the dough doubles in size its ready to knead.
7. knead into a big circle shape or you can cut small circles and place it in the cup cake pan and you will have mini cup pizza (oil and dust your pan with flour first)
8. spread pizza sauce and mozzarella cheese then add sliced and diced veggies. Top with feta cheese
9. bake on 360F for 25-30 minutes..ENJOY..

The Eygptian way *Keshry*

It is a famous Egyptian dish containing  rice,macaroni , black lentils,vermicelli and topped with caramelized onions and a tomato sauce.

Ingredients (4servings):

 
1. 1 1/2 cup rice ( soaked in water for 15 minutes at least )
2. 1 cup elbow macaroni
3. 1/4 cup black lentils
4. 1/2 cup vermicelli
5. 1 onion for garnish
6. 2 cups chicken stock (optional)
7. 1 1/2 table.s tomato paste

#Tomato sauce: chopped onion around 1/4 cup,1 garlic clove,4 tomatoes diced and 1/4 cup or less tomato sauce,salt and cumin to taste.

Method:

1. saute the onions until caramelized with a pinch of salt and cumin for taste and set a side
2. boil the lentils until done and keep the water (optional ) 
3. boil the macaroni with a dash of salt and some cloves and a bay leaf  until its done and drain
4. brown the vermicelli
5. In a pot boil the chicken stock with some water(and the remaining lentil water) and tomato paste, then add the rice with the vermicelli plus salt
# remember 1cup of rice = 1 1/4 tea.s salt do the math ;p.. let it boil 2-3 minutes then drain and fold in gently the macaroni and lentils. Cover on low heat for around 15 minutes.


for the tomato sauce:


1. saute chopped onion then add smashed garlic
2. add diced tomatoes and let it cook until its melted then add a pinch of salt and cumin and drops of vinegar(optional)
3.add ready tomato sauce with little water and stir.
4. with a hand blender, blend until smooth and let it cook to reach desired thickness

SERVE THE KESHRY TOPPED WITH TOMATO SAUCE AND CARAMELIZED ONIONS AND ENJOY EACH BITE OF IT...

Green Caesar Salad

2Ingredients: (2-3 servings)

1.romaine lettuce
2.spinach and Italian parsley
4. Parmesan and feta cheese
5.pine nuts

Dressing:

1. 2table.s olive oil
2. 1table.s lemon juice
3. 1 tea.s mustard and mayonnaise
4.some drops of white vinegar and a pinch of salt and black pepper

Tip of the day #5

How about eating rice filled with aroma instead of that old boring taste..
I suggest adding these spices when the rice is boiling in water (mix and match) :
Bay leaves,cloves,cardamom seeds,Fennel seeds,black lemon,cinnamon sticks.
Add a touch of turmeric for color.

 If you want to go the extra mile saute some onions and tomatoes in the pot your going to cook the rice in,then take it out and boil your rice with the chosen spices for 2-3 minutes then drain and fold in gently the onions and tomatoes and a touch of turmeric on top. Cover for 15 minutes on slow heat..Enjoy..

 # For 1cup of rice I add 1 1/4 tea.s salt. 

It's FALAFEL!!

Oh yeah Falafel can be easily made at home.

Ingredients:(makes 40 falafel approximately)

1. 5cups chick peas (soaked the night before )
2. 1/2 onion & 2garlic cloves
3. 1 bunch of parsley and 1/2 bunch of cilantro (optional cilantro )
4. 2 table.s flour
5. 1 tea.s baking powder,salt and cumin
6. sesame seeds (optional)

Method:

1. wash the soaked chick peas and drain from water
2. blend till most of the peas are crushed then add chopped onion and garlic
3. add the parsley and cilantro and spices and baking powder
4. when the texture is smooth add the flour and knead with hands
5. form small balls then press gently to form somehow a disk shape
6. coat with sesame seeds 
7. deep fry on low to medium heat until its done ( 3mints approximately)..
8. serve with pita bread and hummus or tahini with lemon. Enjoy...

# You can fry the amount desired and freeze the rest for later use. Or you can fry the whole batch and then freeze it.

Beehive Treat

It is a savory sweet treat filled with cream cheese and topped with honey..

Ingredients :

1. 4 cups all purpose flour
2. 5 table.s sugar
3. 1/4 cup milk
4. 1 1/2 table.s active yeast
5. 1/2 cup oil
6. 1/4 tea.s salt
7. Philadelphia cream cheese and warm water

Method:

1. Mix all dry ingredients together
2. add oil and mix till all flour is coated with oil and crumbles
3. add 1 cup of warm water and knead then add water gradually till you have an elastic dough.
4. knead for about 3minutes then cover and let it rise at least one hour
5. pre heat the oven on 350F
6.when the dough doubles in size form small balls and fill with desired amount of cream cheese.
7. place in a greased Pyrex or a greased non stick pizza pan ( round preferably )
8. brush it with milk and sprinkle sesame seeds on top (optional )
9. place in the oven 360F for 20-25 minutes
10. when its done and hot drizzle with honey
11. serve warm or room temperature..ENJOY..