1411. Chicken Strips

If there were a universally accepted version of chicken coming just after a roast chicken are chicken strips. There is just something irresistible about a breaded and fried cut of chicken that appeals to children and adults alike. This particular recipe marinates the meat in a spiced yogurt mixture, maximizing tenderness and flavor.

1410. Pantry Chocolate Cake

No eggs, no butter, and just two tablespoons of milk, this is an pantry recipe is there ever was one. Even the lemon juice can be swapped for white vinegar. As for the oil, use any liquid vegetable oil you have on hand.

Yemen Is Being Starved

It is a rare event when I choose to diverge from the raison d'être of this blog and talk about something else. In this world where the mentality of "dog eats dog" prevails, it is rendered difficult to associate with and practice a fundamental concept in Islam, that all Muslims are brethren. Our brethren in Yemen are being starved for months now. Yes, Yemen is being starved, and not Yemen is starving, because the starvation is a calculated and intentional act performed by power-hungry men in suits and their vapid racketeering puppets barely qualifying as humans with an agenda.

1408. Breakfast Egg Sandwiches

Quarantine has turned into the longest weekend where every morning deserves a weekend breakfast. I found mini pita breads in the market and found this is one of the best ways to use them in a breakfast. As non-recipe recipe, I suggest the best ingredient combination, and you feel free to adapt quantity or variations as preferred.

1407. Joojeh Kabab

This is a farsi classic that I believe might qualify as fast food as it seems to be a popular street food in their district. Chunks of chicken (I used boneless skinless chicken breast but bone-in chicken thigh chunks can also be used) are marinated in an onion, saffron, and yogurt mixture overnight.

1406. Blueberry Ricotta Cake

This is a simple and easy cake that can be served over breakfast or for an afternoon tea. Ricotta renders the cake delicately moist. The cake is very lightly sweetened because you should not skip the sweet lemon glaze!

1405. Shrimp Tacos

Tacos are sandwiches, a la Mexican. They pack in a healthy dose of protein and vegetables all wrapped in a pliable tortilla bread. This version uses garlicky shrimp paired with crunchy shredded cabbage for a nice contrast in texture.

1404. Brain Food: Soaked Almonds

It is a fact of life that as one matures (mentally before physically), so does their perspective in life. Food is especially relevant to changed perspectives as one matures. You see, there comes a time when some people are forced to change their diet due to health concerns. Other people may have observed health debacles in third parties and decided to lean from others' experience. Degenerative brain conditions are poignantly terrifying if you have ever witnessed it first hand. The duaa "اللهم احفظ لي عقلي و ديني" suddenly appears so wise and knowing that you cannot help but desperately supplicate it on the daily.

1403. Berry Mango Pudding

This was a refreshing end to a wonderful iftar over Ramadan. Key word being refreshing. It is a tropical fruit puddling-like dessert laden with Arabian flavors in the forms of fragrant rose water, orange blossom, saffron, and pistachio.

Best Of MCW 301-400

Here we are already at the fourth installment of Best Of MCW series. While I like to structure these posts in chronological order of the meals of the day (breakfast, lunch, snacks, desserts), I simply had to begin with my all time favorite Iraqi dill fava bean rice. So flavorsome, it can be served by itself with a simple salad (my favorite way), or with red meat, or chicken, or even fish!

1401. Scones

Scones are a classic British afternoon tea accompaniment, commonly laden with jam and clotted cream. The scone itself is very rustic and rudimentary. Quite plain, to be honest. There is no point in eating it by itself, since it has no charm, flavor, or even texture going for it; it truly needs to be laden with cream and sweet jam. Another thing, since these scones take about 15 minutes to make and bake, the only way to consume them is fresh warm out of the oven.

1400. Mulberry Jam

Little humans grow so fast, may Allah bless them. This year's mulberry harvest had them picking the fruit high in the tree and standing over a steaming pot of bubbling jam, diligently stirring to a thick and glossy perfection.

1399. Chinese Beef Broccoli

I know the term "better than take-out" is over-used, but this is a recipe that seriously beats take-out cravings. Like mongolian beef, the steak is sliced and marinated, then dusted in cornflour and fried into meat chips. An incredible sauce is made in the meantime, and some broccoli is sauteed.