Syrian Almond Macaroons

My husband and I attended an Easter gathering at a friend’s house, which happened to fall during Passover. I brought these kosher for Passover macaroons (mostly for me, so I’d have something for dessert) but also in case anyone else happened to be sensitive to gluten or dairy (as…

Lebanese Talami / Talame Bread

Lebanese talami (also sometimes spelled talame) bread could be described as a Middle Eastern focaccia. It’s perfect paired with soup, sliced for sandwiches, or simply dipped in olive oil and za’atar. The dough is not your typical bread dough, however – it is much softer / wetter than a…

Indian Aubergine with Harissa Glaze

Aubergine (or eggplant) is one of my absolute favourite vegetables. Typically when I put out an aubergine dish for mezze it’s sliced into rather large rounds. These Indian (or baby) aubergines are quick to roast, easy to eat, and of course make a beautiful presentation on the plate.

I…

Chai Spice Pound Cake

My daughter’s teacher is celebrating her birthday today and her favourite drink is a vanilla chai – so C and I decided to make her a chai-infused cake to celebrate. I’m a bit of a spice hoarder, so we already had everything we needed to make our own chai…

Muhallebi Two Ways

Muhallebi (sometimes called malabi or muhallabia) is a Middle Eastern milk pudding. Traditionally made with rice flour, most modern muhallebi recipes feature cornstarch to give the pudding its thickness. It is lightly sweetened, and beautifully delicate and fragrant as its main flavour comes just from the milk and the…

Pistachio Rose Water Pound Cake

This easy pound cake recipe blends classic American baking with the flavours of the Middle East.

This rich but delicately flavoured cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of tea, or with a cup of thick spiced Turkish coffee. The recipe makes two full size loaves, so you may…

Syrian Charoset for Passover

This Mizrahi charoset makes a wonderful addition to your seder table. Made with dates, apricots steeped in Jasmine tea, rose water, pistachios, almonds, orange zest, and rose petals.

The word charoset derives from the Hebrew word cheres (חרס), which means “clay”, it represents the mortar that the Israelites used while…

Shorbat Adas (Red Lentil Soup)

This month I found myself finally getting a long-delayed dental procedure – which meant for two weeks my diet could consist only of soft foods. After glancing at the list and realising that many of the listed ‘recommended’ foods were things I didn’t like eating (seriously, I don’t like…

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