1708. Raisin Water

What a game changer this is! Here we are again with another Islamic health recommendation stemming from the Holy Qura'an and the Sunna: raisin water. The top million hits on google completely leave out that this is an Islamic remedy, but that's to be expected in any case. 

1707. Dates in Olive Oil

There is a surah in the holy Qura'an that is titled "Figs and Olives", and is the inspiration for many a health remedy. For those who don't know, we have an entire school dedicated to natural remedies and health recommendations derived from the Qura'an and the Sunna. Just search "Medicine of the Prophet" and you will find no shortage of books.

Best of MCW 1501-1600

Welcome to the 16th installment of the Best Of series for MCW. The Arab influence is strong in this edition, from the seemingly mundane date dipped in fresh cream, boiled potato salad, and the cosy cup of milk tea, to the elaborate zaatar mutabbag, and zubaidi mutabbag. 

1705. Shish Barak

I am affectionate towards yogurt-based dishes, and have no hesitancy in ordering sheesh barak at a restaurant. My hesitancy in making it however was due to the labor intensiveness in forming each little ravioli. Problem solved when I stumbled upon a $3 mold haphazardly the other day. 

1704. Olive Salad

From the finest Lebanese restaurants, to the corner Turkish kebab shop, versions of this olive salad are aplenty. The secret lies in red capsicum paste and pomegranate molasses. Combined, you have an instant flavor bomb. 

1703. Anchovy Toast

When in doubt, go for toast. Whenever I find myself in an inspiration rut, toast always comes through. Toast can be sweet or savory, simple or elaborate. This anchovy toast is a favorite in the Italian antipasti world, and don't knock it till you try it. 

1702. Berry Jelly Refrigerator Cake

For some reason, many of the most popular desserts in the Arabian Gulf come from a myriad of cans, packets, and powders. This is typically so counter-intuitive to me as I tend to opt for whole food ingredients. Having said that, this dessert was unbelievable and I could have it every single day. 

Best of MCW 1401-1500

Welcome to the 15th Best Of MCW installment where we have a veritable mish-mash of cuisines, foods, and styles. We travel all over the world form the Levant with those special dressed zaatar maneeshes, to Europe with Italian inspired salads, to Mexico with some tacos and churros. 

1700. Iraqi Indian Pani Puri

I have been passing by the aisle of pani puris my entire life without a second look, until someone recently introduced me to proper pani puris, and I almost immediately invented this Iraqi-Indian fusion. 

1699. Pasta Pizza Skewers

A quick and cute idea merging pasta and pizza, all on a stick.