It’s the first day of spring! Finally. It certainly feels like spring today with the sun shining and temperatures inching up to 60 F. With warmer weather we’re reminded that we’ll be peeling off our layers and trying to fit into our short shorts in a couple months. I, for one, realize how pale this extra long winter has made me and how badly I need to get back to the gym to work off the nice layer of fat I’ve accumulated to keep me warm (or so I rationalize). (more…)
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
I’m not even 1% Irish, but I love anything worth celebrating. And hey, why not! The DC Metro area is currently covered in snow. Yes, Mid-March and spring doesn’t seem to be anywhere in sight (minus the gorgeous 65F day we had on Saturday). Though the federal government is closed for the day, I threw on my favorite pair of jeans, a comfortable top and topped the festive look off with a green headband, then got to baking. (more…)
65 F degrees mid-February … yes please!
I cannot tell you how much I’ve missed the spring. As one of my friends, Ruby, has told me, I get inspired when the weather is nice – that is, any day above 60 F and sunny. And she is absolutely right. That’s why the minute I found out we’d be having a gorgeous 65 F degree day, I planned a low-key afternoon BBQ complete with my favorite Crab Parmesan Dip, burgers, garlic yogurt marinated chicken and cedar plank salmon. (more…)
Yes, I’m that person that complains and complains about the weather. But rightfully so, I think, since this has been one of the most brutal, coldest winters I’ve ever experienced in the DC area.
I’m over heavy winter coats, and slushy snow. I’m over the fear of sliding on ice during my morning commute to work, before the sun rises. I’ve worn my boots, and cute winter outfits and I’m ready for some warmer weather. 50 F just doesn’t cut it. I’m so ready to fire up the outdoor grill and try out some new recipes. So despite the fact that there’s still snow out, I’ve decided to create my very own indoor BBQ, complete with my favorite summertime dessert; smores! (more…)
Knafeh, a Middle Eastern pastry stuffed with sweet cheese and drenched in sugary syrup, is native to Nablus, Palestine. I haven’t had the pleasure of eating knafeh Nabulsiyeh but I’ve heard it’s the best! The closest I’ve come to amazing knafeh is Habeeba’s knafeh in Amman.
The debate continues over which one is better, خشنة khishneh (coarse) or ناعمة na3meh (fine). My personal favorite is Khishneh. I cannot tell you how excited I was to find out a sweet shop opened up in Northern Virginia offering freshly made knafeh. Jenin Pastry lets you choose between khishneh and na3meh and even delivers for parties! (more…)
We’ve all heard about the health benefits of salmon, namely that it has tons of omega-3 fatty acid. Did you know that it’s also packed full of vitamins D and B12? Well, you just learned something new. I love salmon but I haven’t gotten very creative with it. Aside from baking it, I did try making cedar-plank salmon on several occasions. Smoked salmon is amazing on eggs benedict and surprisingly good as a dip with Chobani Greek Yogurt, olive oil and fresh dill. (more…)
