1548. Free-Form Strawberry Tart

Walking into a pastry shop, the usual struggle lies between that sun-kissed coffee eclair, an unparalleled square of mille feuille, a dense slab of chocolate cake, and a glazed queen of a berry tart. This strawberry tart is something you won't find in the pastry shop, because unlike the usual creme patissiere, the layer between the crust and the berries is a very thin baked sweet cheese mixture.

1547. Preserving Palestine's Food Heritage, Part III

Third and final compilation post on preserving Palestine's food heritage.

Always remember: Jerusalem is Muslim. Palestine lives. Israel does not exist. Allah is most great.

1546. Preserving Palestine's Food Heritage, Part II

There are almost thirty different salads in this second part of the Palestinian food heritage compilation, just to show a snippet of the fertile soil and bounties of the land. 

Never forget: Jerusalem is Muslim. Palestine lives. Israel does not exist. Allah is most great.

1545. Preserving Palestine's Food Heritage, Part I

The watermelon (red, white, green, and black) has become the symbol of resistance in Palestine. It is not only people's homes and lives that are being stolen, but also our very own heritage. My Palestinian recipes are almost as popular as my Iraqi recipes on the blog. Another parallel, many Iraqi foods are suddenly being introduced to the world as Israeli kubba and what have you. As different as the originating causes of the nakba of Iraq and of Palestine, there are undeniable parallels going back to one single source: zionists. I will never grow tired of saying it: Jerusalem is Muslim. Palestine lives. Israel does not exist. Allah is most great.

Eid Fitr Mubarak 1442

اللهُم أصلح أحوال المسلمين ، اللهم آلف بين قلوبهم واطفأ فتنتهم ووحد كلمتهم ورد كيد الأعداء في نحورهم

1543. Iraqi Almond Kleicha

I find it a difficult question to answer when asked what is my favorite nut. You see, some nuts are better suited for some tasks than others. Roasted? Cashews, hands down. Butter? Peanut, all the way. Raw and soaked? It's a tie between almonds and walnuts. In a cake? In a salad? In granola? Now, this is kleicha, and while I never had tasted or even seen an almond kleicha before, it is a successful adventure I do not regret one bit (just in time for some Eid baking).

1542. Turkish Burghul Kubba

Delightful fun fact: the Turks also make kubba! There are some stark differences, but if there is anyone who knows how to make economical beyond-delicious food, it has to be the Turks. They are not shy of plenty of hard work, and the results pay off. The casing is simply extra-fine burghul and minimal seasoning/spices. 

Jerusalem is Ours

Jerusalem is Muslim.

Palestine lives.

Israel does not exist.

Allah is most great.

1540. Fresh Zaatar and Cheese Kaak

It is always a proper treat when fresh zaatar is available in the supermarket. While a good dried zaatar mix from Palestine is a staple, the fresh herb is almost a cause for celebration. It is the small things that make life beautiful.

1539. Raspberry Dots Cheesecake

I cannot imagine anyone not loving cheesecake. There are so many versions of them, how could anyone not like a single one? This is a fresh raspberry polka dot cheese cake that is convenience at its best: a few cans of this, a packet of that, all blitzed in the blender, pop in the oven and 30 minutes later you've got a cheesecake.

1538. Tomato Burghul

Rice is the staple grain on most dining tables in the world, but some other grains are sadly overlooked and deserve some love as well. Coarse burghul has a nutty quality to it which is rather wholesome. I have previously featured it cooked with mushroom and a side of farmer's salad; a peasant meal that is fit for kings.

1537. Fried Cauliflower and Tahini Dip

As simple as it gets, this fried cauliflower appetizer is just exactly that: fried cauliflower. Unlike raw or steamed, fried cauliflower is mellow, nutty, and a tiny bit sweet. A real treat.