Most people know stuffed grape leaves by the name Dolmas. While many cultures and families across the globe create their version of this Mediterranean favorite, mine happens to be a recipe from Assyria. I learned to make Aprah Du Zayto from my friend Suheyla – and believe me they are one of the best! Everyone who eats a Suheyla’s table …
Koobideh Persian Beef Kabobs
The Story of Kabobs There is a beautiful connection between food and ethnicities that often bind us together in the pages of history. Over time, each culture creates and defines their version of the same dish mainly depending on the climate and ingredients available in those regions. Kabobs have been around for centuries with many cultures laying claim to the …
Instant Pot White Chicken Chili with Turmeric and Barberry Sour Cream
Fall is one of my favorite season of the year, especially in Minnesota where colder weather means it’s time to pull out those big cozy sweaters and create some of my favorite comfort foods like this warm Chicken Chili with Turmeric and Barberry infused sour cream. If you haven’t guessed by now, I’m a huge fan of international cuisine. I …
It Begins at the Table Cookbook Sneak Peak: Homemade Za’atar
Za’atar is an aromatic herb blend that combines a variety of healthy herbs and spices to create an exotic mix of flavors with countless uses. Za’atar is an Arabic word for “Thyme” widely used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking. Although you can find Za’atar in many grocery stores, you will not find the fresh, dramatic flavor that burst from …
STUFFED PITA WITH MOZZARELLA & ZAATAR
After testing a new recipe for homemade za’atar, this aromatic herb blend is responsible for the magic behind this dish. Stuffed pita with mozzarella and za’atar is one of my new favorite small bites. A quick and easy appetizer perfect for last-minute guest, small or large gatherings, and game night. Stuffed with melted mozzarella cheese, I coat the soft pita …
Turmeric Bread and Butter Pickles
Life is full, and the days of preserving the summer harvest to enjoy during the long winter month seem to be a thing of the past. In the age of fast food eating and DoorDash where you can order in from a large selection of your favorite restaurants, the desire to can and preserve foods like fruit jams and old-fashioned …
Persian Yogurt And Spinach Dip | Borani Esfanaaj Recipe
Borani Esfanaaj is a Traditional Persian appetizer made with Yogurt and spinach. I first tasted this delightful dish at a dinner party hosted by my gorgeous friend, Sohiela, who makes the most wonderful Persian food. The word “Esfanaj” in Farsi means Spinach and “Borani” is the yogurt part of the dip. What I love about Sohiela’s version are the fresh …
Schloof – Suryani Eggplant Dish
Last year I visited my friend Laurie in Florida for a long weekend of recipe testing her collection of recipes for my book. That is when I was introduced to Schloof, a traditional Suryani recipe served as an appetizer or side dish. To be honest, I didn’t think the usual combination of basic ingredients found in the many Mediterranean dishes …
Bahārāt Middle Eastern Spice Blend
At the start of every new season, I like to make a bucket list of things I want to learn before the next season begins. At the top of my culinary bucket list is to learn to make the hard to find spices I use in my recipes. The challenging part of global cooking is finding spices unique to a …
Koobideh Persian Beef Kabobs
There has never been a dish I have made that has quite the intriguing history that Persian Kabob Koobideh does. The story goes: during medieval times, Persian warriors used their swords to roast meat over an open fire. The sword would heat up, cooking the meat evenly from both the outside and the inside. This technique resulted in a cultural …