One of my favorite things about living in Jordan, is that I have access to herbs that aren’t available in DC. Za’atar leaves, for example, are pretty much everywhere here in Jordan. When I lived in DC, I craved these za’atar leaves. I wanted them so badly, so I could use them in recipes like Fresh Zaatar Focaccia. Now, I’ve got the goods, and I intend to use them for nothing other than deliciousness. First item of business, Savory Fresh Herb Za’atar Muffins.
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I’ve been dying to get my hands on some fresh zaatar to make Fresh Zaatar Focaccia. Unfortunately, fresh zaatar is hard to find around DC. Really hard to find. I, however, am a very determined woman. When I want something, I find a way to get it. That’s probably why I’ve been told it’s so hard to find gifts for my birthday. I usually get what I want before anyone knows I’ve been pining over it. Shopping and food cravings alike, I am determined to get what I want. This time, I wanted fresh Zaatar Focaccia. (more…)
I mentioned last week that we could start eating healthy again this week … but these Goat Cheese and Herb Popovers are just too good to pass up. What’s another week? Also, it’s just too cold to think about going outside, let alone going outside to the gym.
Since New Year, and actually just a few days before New Year, we were hit with some seriously freezing temperatures. I’m talking highs in the teens, and morning and nights below 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Bomb Cyclone is what they called it – how do they even come up with these names? Seriously. In any case, it’s been miserable. (more…)
Happy New Year! And Happy Date Filled Cinnamon Rolls! (we can hit the gym next week)
2017 was one heck of a year. I celebrated a major milestone birthday. Then had a magical summer and fall to follow. I did a ton of international travel. 2017 was my year. I felt energetic, brave and empowered; like I could take on the world. I didn’t let life beat me down. Chocolate Cake, may or may not have had the power to pull me out of a pretty brutal disappointment. As I look back, 2017 was good to me, for the most part. I guess there’s no such thing as perfect. (more…)
I love olives.
As a matter of fact, I find it downright offensive that restaurants want to charge you upwards of $5 for a small bowl (bowl is a generous description, it’s more like a soy sauce-sized bowl) of olives. Crazy right? I mean olives are such a staple of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern diets. We have at least two massive jars full of green and black olives. And I frequent Wegman’s olive bar at least once a month. They have these green olives stuffed with all sorts of things. I’m talking cheese, garlic, almonds (those are my fave).
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I’m all about simplicity. Mainly simplicity when it comes to cooking. Because really, who wants to spend more time making delicious food, like let’s say middle eastern meat pies, when you can cut that time in half? This girl right here. That’s me! I have no patience. I openly admit it. It’s something I’ve been actively working on for 30 years. However, the truth is, patience does not come easily to me. I have a hard time waiting for just about anything. So it’s no surprise that bread making is a serious test of my patience. I have made various breads in the past. I tested out some sesame bread that didn’t make it onto the blog, as well as Zaatar Bread, and Irish Soda Bread. (more…)
