Humbled and Crumbled
From love to money, any number of agitators can disrupt life, and occasionally, life bubbles over in the kitchen. Some households claim a member who consistently burns the toast or shirks doing dishes. It wasn’t dirty dishes that rattled our harmony, but herbs and spices. Sugar and spice have long conjured images of everything nice, […]
Treat holiday house guests to shakshouka brunch
Expecting house guests for the holidays? Shake up brunch with a spicy egg dish. But be warned. Your guests may try to extend their stay. Check out my latest column and this easy recipe for Sharif’s Shakshouka.
Spicy devotion
I thought I was I lucky enough to have a friend who keeps me well stocked with my favorite Middle Eastern blend of allspice: She knows what’s cooking in my kitchen. Then I received a spicy gift box of Penzeys from my gardening inspiration. That welcome surprise was followed by a spice selection by mail […]
Bread of hope for Syrians
Back in 2010, I shared an image of bread along the streets of Syria and the value of this daily sustenance. It’s certain that the scene has changed since I broke bread in Syria, and people throughout the country are experiencing loss beyond belief. If you’re able to gather these modest ingredients and fire up an oven, […]
My man Hazi and his eggplant stew
In the mood for stew? I make this stew often, and when eggplant looks especially tempting (I couldn’t pass them up last weekend at the farmers’ market), this dish makes an appearance. I discovered this stew with a wonderful Arabic teacher in California, and posted this recipe a couple of years ago. Try Hazi’s Stew […]
Layer of life street food
Layer of life street food What’s the value of . . . street food? It depends on where we go, what we’re willing to experience, and how we interpret sources of life. I closed The Cookery for a while last month and explored Syria. With my kids in tow, we found our daily bread along […]
Order up . . . New design spices up The Cookery
Hello, friends! With a new season in mind, I’m re-launching my site and blog with an enhanced design and fresh menu at The Cookery. It’s been my pleasure to collaborate with Imedia Web Inc. of Austin, with the talented Robert Lopez taking the lead. We’ve been working on the new look over the summer, and […]
Best price on pomegranates
If you can beat this price on pomegranates — $1.50 each — please put your hands in the air. Pomegranates do seem like a luxury of rich comfort, but Sprouts makes them look affordable in Austin this week. I love adding pomegranate to salads and spiking sauces with pomegranate juice. But the real reason for this week’s haul […]
Couscous carbo load
Can you tolerate a few more carbs in your diet? If you’re on board, try the couscous carbo load. My family lines up for second helpings when we prepare pearled couscous. Prep your own or take a shortcut with Near East’s version of pearled couscous.
New Year’s fiber fix: hummus
Hummus Who’s coming to dinner? This hummus recipe satisfies every generation. 1 cup cooked chickpeas 3 cloves garlic, crushed juice of 1/2 lemon 2 tablespoons tahina (sesame) 1/2 teaspoon salt olive oil 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped paprika Reserve 1/4 cup of liquid from boiled chickpeas (garbanzo beans). Mix crushed garlic, lemon juice, tahina and […]