1667. Strawberry Shortcake

My cute baking date chose strawberry shortcakes for this round, and heart shaped no less. We did enjoy the process, and indeed the result, but frankly I always felt strawberry shortcake was overhyped compared to the actual product, which is somewhat rustic. 

1666. Orzo Pasta Salad

I happily munched on this salad for multiple iftars during Ramadan. It was a refreshing change from cooked meals, and substantial enough to satisfy cravings and hunger simultaneously. 

1665. Filipino Pastil

Mary's sweet farewell gesture was to make us all some traditional Filipino food. Filipino Pastil consists of rice topped with shredded sautéed chicken. It usually served in wrapped banana leaves. 

1664. Summer Cake

I do not know why this cake is called Summer Cake, but that is how it is called in the recipe my cute baking date picked for this round. It was a good choice: so simple but with a surprising elevated flavor profile. 

Eid Al-Fitr Mubarak 1443

 

1662. Semolina Walnut Maamoul

In all honesty, I prefer flour maamoul over semolina ones. Semolina, although traditional, gives me a hard-life vibe because it is so coarse and textured. Flour maamoul on the other hand simply melt in your mouth like a cube of sugar dissolves in a hot cup of tea.

1661. Koshari Rice

Let me start by saying that this is not the traditional Egyptian koshari rice, rather than a version of it. The traditional version includes pasta on top of everything else, which I just don't get because the rice is enough. You do not make koshari by accident. It is a muti-put, multi-ingredient, and time-consuming dish to make. One you taste it though, you will understand why it is worth the trouble a couple times a year. 

1660. Aubergine Kofta Casserole

I made a potato-kofta casserole version a while ago and it was very successful. One of those rare gems them immediately invite themselves into your go-to meal rotations. I got a great suggestion to adapt the recipe to an aubergine kofta casserole, with tomato sauce. I still kept the medley of vegetables to maintain the high nutritional value, just added tomato paste. 

1659. Palestinian Date Stuffed Kaak

The Arab and Muslim nation has so much to offer in terms of traditional Eid and holy days treats. I have shared plenty of Iraqi and other cultural pastries, and this Palestinian kaak is a keeper. 

1658. Lebna Walnut Vineleaves

Syrian food is one of my favorites out there. Lebanese food usually gets all the attention, and sure, there is some overlap between the two, but Syria has so many undiscovered gems, and this is one of them. Vineleaves are stuffed with a tangy concoction of sour lebna, walnut, olives, pomegranate, and other goodfuls, rolled up, and soaked in fruity olive oil.