tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89542004576204781652024-03-16T22:28:53.047+02:00Simply RootsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger410125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8954200457620478165.post-8363486285737839822022-04-03T12:48:00.004+03:002022-04-03T12:50:29.161+03:00Guest Post on Dianne Jacob's Blog<p>I finally read Dianne Jacob's book, "Will Write for Food" after finishing the 5th cookbook. As the saying goes, "better late than never". For those who inspire to write their own cookbook one day, this book is definitely full of useful information that will guide you to do your best. </p><p>I contacted Dianne to let her know how much I appreciated the book. She asked me to write a post on her <a href="https://diannej.com/">blog</a>, which I highly recommend too. She asked me to write on how to become an award-winning cookbook author. Am I an award-winning author? Ah yes! So I wrote from the heart without any pretense to guide others on their journey to write their own story. You can read the post <a href="https://diannej.com/2022/how-to-write-award-winning-cookbooks/?fbclid=IwAR3-z1O_2YXx3DfGKT77q55Z2Z4ow5e20n6l-Njn1zXheKObm1zY39Pzy04">here</a>.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRuCJAWb5kfQpORNZltMzYOXMiFFJ7zECqKji48XiPIjOID3s9-K2Bp7cUbh4SoA1Lana7itmhBTJV4mZfTNAiU5k_Oy3fp9rNj8PUs3JIcsGcqY_UyfGELTLBrvr55oDBxYZTolgbyrFS-WI7dWCDbdnR1Ndw_UFWZYfkCl8j31NoADogLueWw9geXw/s640/gourmand-cookbook-award-2015.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="426" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRuCJAWb5kfQpORNZltMzYOXMiFFJ7zECqKji48XiPIjOID3s9-K2Bp7cUbh4SoA1Lana7itmhBTJV4mZfTNAiU5k_Oy3fp9rNj8PUs3JIcsGcqY_UyfGELTLBrvr55oDBxYZTolgbyrFS-WI7dWCDbdnR1Ndw_UFWZYfkCl8j31NoADogLueWw9geXw/w266-h400/gourmand-cookbook-award-2015.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gourmand Cookbook Award Ceremony<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> <p></p><p>Here are the basic points in a nutshell:</p><p>1. Don't ever let anyone undermine your dreams.</p><p>2. The journey matters more than the destination.</p><p>3. The subject of the book has to become one of the main focuses in your life 24/7.</p><p>4. You must have luck on your side.</p><p>5. Get support and don't give up. Your work will pay off.</p><p>6. Each book should have it's own traits and characteristics.</p><p>7. Leave room for serendipity.</p><p>8. Find the right partners.</p><p>9. Find your muse.</p><p>10. Think big.</p><p>11. Stay humble. <br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8954200457620478165.post-33199605698496795732022-02-02T11:00:00.005+02:002022-03-04T12:04:39.389+02:00New Chapter (New Cookbook)<p>It's been a while, I know! Sometimes when there are too many things going on in your life, it's best to keep silent. </p><p><b>So I have been silent on the blog ... </b></p><p>In spite of the pain of what my country is going through I decided to act. I did this with my work - writing a new cookbook. It's done, actually it's being printed as I write these words. It was not easy to work under these dire circumstances, but there are always good people out there who believe in your work and open doors to give you a helping hand. The book is called <a href="https://www.interlinkbooks.com/product/forever-beirut/" target="_blank">Forever Beirut: Stories and Recipes from the Heart of Lebanon </a>(Interlink Publishers) with a foreword written by Chef Jose Andreas (who arrived with <a href="https://wck.org/" target="_blank">his team</a> to help after the Beirut blast). The book will be available for sale in all major bookshops in the USA and on all online platforms around the world in summer 2022.. You can <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Forever-Beirut-Recipes-Stories-Lebanon/dp/1623718538" target="_blank">pre-order </a>a copy today. For each book sold, $1 will be donated to the <a href="https://lebanesefoodbank.org/" target="_blank">Lebanese Food Bank</a> to fight hunger in Lebanon. </p><p>I gave my blog a new look, do you like it? Sometimes, it is necessary to make changes to grow. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidSVIi-3lVQa9Eg-yqo0TOhO14_5ENtuX9Qe-R7pzmr1NNrd6B6jQpWxa0hBKjlZVPJPeA9FOcAnRrwekTkM-TvFEXzxzAS0tu0h3Oh0HodfeAnrybw489cNF_uS6Fe3aHOqXyP0T2ZB4YkZEPOCVKMSJVEvtvUf8GNE3Nu9vOOt3Ofa68en33p6DKBw=s5616" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5616" data-original-width="3744" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidSVIi-3lVQa9Eg-yqo0TOhO14_5ENtuX9Qe-R7pzmr1NNrd6B6jQpWxa0hBKjlZVPJPeA9FOcAnRrwekTkM-TvFEXzxzAS0tu0h3Oh0HodfeAnrybw489cNF_uS6Fe3aHOqXyP0T2ZB4YkZEPOCVKMSJVEvtvUf8GNE3Nu9vOOt3Ofa68en33p6DKBw=w426-h640" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"The images are raw, fragile, sensitive, shocking, emotional, and true." </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"> W<b>HY FOREVER BEIRUT?</b> </span></i></h2><p style="text-align: center;"><i>* This is a summarized exert from the book. </i></p><p></p><blockquote>"On August 4, 2020, a massive explosion shook the port of Beirut—and with it, my world and the worlds of all who love Lebanon. But its aftershocks also hastened an unraveling of the country’s fabric that has been going on for years. Political instability, unemployment and poverty, the Covid pandemic on top of a refugee crisis, shortages of basic necessities such as gas, electricity, housing, medical care, and food—the country seems to be hurtling toward the abyss. But like other countries in the region and our world, Lebanon has faced disasters before. And as Fairuz’s popular song reminds us, how can we help but love our homeland? So, like anyone who loves and cares about the city of Beirut and Lebanon, how could I not try to do something? And the way I lend a hand—and my heart—is with food. I write cookbooks, so I decided to work on a book highlighting 100 recipes of our culinary heritage, to conserve and safeguard this treasure. I wanted the book to help share our culture and to raise funds to support the work of the Lebanese Food Bank, who are doing such great work feeding families in need during these dire times. I portray our culture with my affection and nostalgia for the old Beirut, mixed with our present fate, through words and images that are raw, fragile, sensitive, shocking, emotional, and true. The streets of Beirut never cease to inspire me, offering glimpses of faces of the many different communities of this country and reflecting the emotional roller-coaster ride we are living on a daily basis. A recipe is so much more than just a set of ingredients or a to-do list. It can be a custom that brings us to our senses, enabling us to reflect on, embrace, and preserve the ties that bind us. All the tiniest steps described in preparing these dishes are small, indispensable gestures of caring in which cherished memories of trust and of closeness to loved ones are stored for safe keeping. My hope is that remembering and retracing them may help heal and renew us, in times like these”.</blockquote><p> Here are some reviews of the book for those who had a sneak peek.</p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;"></span></span></p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></p><br /><blockquote>"Through Forever Beirut, Barbara Massaad puts into evidence the vast traditional and authentic culture of Lebanese cuisine. Her recipes are enriched by context and stories that make the reader understand the particularity of this beautiful food heritage and shows why the Lebanese are so rooted in their gastronomy. During the difficult times Lebanon is facing right now, this work is a sign of peace and hope.” — Carlo Petrini, founder, Slow Food International <br /><br /> “I applaud Barbara Massaad’s vital work in preserving Lebanese culture and its unique culinary traditions. Her inspiring new cookbook, Forever Beirut, offers a multilayered vision of a city, its people, and its cuisine with recipes, stories, and photography that truly and effectively honors the spirit of Beirut. I will cherish this book.”― Alice Waters <br /><br />“A Lebanese love letter … From the sumptuous array of traditional Lebanese recipes to Barbara’s stunning photos and stories that jump off the page and into our hearts, Forever Beirut is an essential cookbook for those many of us across the globe who cherish Lebanon and her culinary traditions. We owe a debt of gratitude for this celebration of a country that has endured and given so much. I hardly know where to begin in my excitement to taste every glory here.” ― Maureen Abood, chef and Lebanese cookbook author <br /><br />“Food has a way of bringing people together. Cooking and sharing food with people and loved ones is a basic ritual around the world. And what a beautiful way of capturing the life and soul of Beirut through food.” ― Sami Tamimi, chef and award-winning author of Falastin: A Cookbook <br /><br />“This book beautifully captures the spirit of Beirut … And it’s not just about Beirut; it is a global book, connecting every city and country that has been touched by immigration of the Lebanese people.” ― Chef José Andrés<br /> <br /> “Forever Beirut is an aftershock of love to the rich cuisine and kind people of our beloved Beirut. The book warms your heart with beautiful pages that embrace what many Lebanese hold on to so dearly to heal and keep going.” ― Anas Atassi, author of Sumac: Recipes and Stories from Syria <br /><br />"Barbara Massaad’s lovely new book brilliantly captures the soul of my favorite city as well as the indomitable spirit of the Lebanese people. The authentic and enticing recipes serve as a great introduction to my beloved country’s cuisine but they’re also a reminder of the many ways in which food connects and enriches us, even through the dark times."― Greg Malouf , Australian chef and award-winning cookbook author<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></p>
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<p></p><p></p><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2Beirut, Lebanon33.8937913 35.50177675.5835574638211511 0.34552670000000063 62.204025136178842 70.6580267tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8954200457620478165.post-71732263021335216332020-03-25T10:05:00.000+02:002020-04-05T11:21:29.522+03:00A Trip to Turkey Cappadocia & Kırşehir<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Last year in May 2019, I was sitting with my good friend Ayfer Yavi, a food history/culture writer and convivium leader of Slow Food Istanbul’yagmur boregi’. We were both invited to North Cyprus for the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Organization/Slow-Food-Komi-Kebir-1320915567945984/">Komi Kebir </a>Mediterranean Festival for the second consecutive time (lucky me). During a short break, while overlooking the sea, I promised her that in 2020, I will focus on Turkish cuisine and plan a trip together. Little did I know that the world would change completely. I had no goal in sight except participating in the Lebanese revolution and trying to keep sane while Lebanon was crumbling before my eyes — day after day. I shall quickly spare you the details and focus on the rest of the story.</div>
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One of my favorite food in Lebanon is Armenian cuisine. I have always included Armenian recipes in all my books, as the food has become part of our local culture. I am no stranger to the people and to the places where one can find these delicious fares. Throughout the years, I have shared very special moments learning and of course eating the foods of the Armenian community in Lebanon. In fact, when I was doing my food segments on local TV, I had the opportunity to do a few reports: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xU4zeVA3KBQ&t=18s">Red pepper Season in Anjar</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVChFVrW9Io">Mayrig restaurant</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a67q1hkPr2k">Sona at Tawlet</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjy0q29Vb-c">Ishkhanian Bakery</a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EutZLwrkMlI">High-Food</a> ( since then has closed down). When the Armenians came to Lebanon, they brought their food culture with them. The principles are much in line with Turkish cuisine. Flavors, textures, cooking techniques may differ, but to understand one is to understand both. Thus, I am focusing in parallel on both in 2020. No politics involved.<br />
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"The world is an open table, we should enjoy it instead of focusing on how to separate flavors and faiths. Instead of praising the Armenians for their skill in olive oil dishes, the Kurds for meat, Turks for pastries, Ottoman Greeks for their seafood, we could coexist, with mutual respect to each other's values, faiths and way of life." As Musa Dagdeviren wrote in his book, The Turkish Cookbook.<br />
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With no travels in sight, due mainly to capital control of our local banks. I was literally stuck in Lebanon, not a good feeling, as I love to travel to food destinations all around the world. This is the best way to educate myself. I learn the culture, meet people, take photographs, eat the food and come back with a wider scope of the world. This has helped me shape my own philosophy of life. Soon after, I get an email from the civil society organization, Anatoliacadsa, inviting me to Cappadocia and Kırşehir Turkey to introduce me to their local cuisine. The project’s aim is to introduce food writers to the food and wine of Turkey. I was delighted to hear of such an opportunity. The universe answers to the energy one emits when one really wants to pursue a certain plan of action. It has happened to me in the past and I know it will continue in the future. I am confident.</div>
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The organizer asked me to suggest another candidate in Lebanon. I contacted Krystel Riachi Harb, as I follow her blog <a href="http://notesofatraveler.com/">Notes of a Traveler</a>; she could be the perfect applicant. Her husband is the winemaker of <a href="https://levinsept.com/">Sept Winery</a>, which made perfect sense for him to join on the adventure. On the 5th of March, despite the rising fear of the coronavirus, we were on a plane to Turkey to discover the wonders of the food and wine culture of the region. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyjO2JS5BlDJdX8dRKllLOy9su4MgJIlpUhqPKBFDERzuR7iHF9hBvg7D0cGWhoMb9pI6MtEXS8lGY-1737rw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><b><br /></b> <b>A Night Out in Istanbul</b></div>
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Our first stop was in Istanbul. We arrived late afternoon, dropped off our suitcases at the hotel, which was very well situated. We did not want to waste time so we met at the lobby early to wander on the streets to discover the locals and the food culture. We walked for a while, reaching Beyoglu to find the perfect place to have our first meal in Turkey. We all agreed that we wanted to avoid touristic eateries and searched for a restaurant where locals ate. By chance, we found the perfect place, a kebab house —<a href="https://eskibabel.com/">Eski Babel Ocakbaşı</a>. It was packed, mostly with rowdy Turkish men. I whispered to Krystel that we were the only women there, but of course, we didn’t mind. We ate very well.</div>
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We started with a few appetizers:</div>
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1. Hummus – very different from our Lebanese variety, no tahini is added or very little. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hummus, pickles, grilled vegetables</td></tr>
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2. Two plates of yogurt – one plain and another seasoned with peppermint and garlic.</div>
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3. Ezme – a mixture of chopped tomatoes, onion, parsley, spices with lemon juice and olive oil. This was perfect with the kebabs, as the juices melted with the meat.</div>
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4. Turşu – pickles fermented without any vinegar. The process is made by placing the vegetables into a mild salt solution, which allows naturally occurring Lactobacillus to ferment all sugars present. The result is lactic acid, appearing as cloudy brine. I find it easier to eat this type of pickle throughout the meal in quantities.</div>
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5. Tulum – a special Turkish cheese served with a huge slab of butter and walnuts. I am no stranger to this cheese, as we have a Lebanese cheese that is very similar called <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtSHvoL3AHk&feature=emb_title">Darfieh</a>. I have spoken widely about the lost cheese of the Lebanese mountain in a regional conference during the event of <a href="https://www.slowfood.com/what-we-do/themes/slow-cheese/">Cheese</a> organized by the international <a href="https://www.slowfood.com/">Slow Food</a> movement on the making of our variety and had the opportunity to taste the Turkish version. We don’t eat Darfieh with butter.</div>
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6. Patlıcan soslu – a mixture of grilled eggplant, tomato, green pepper, garlic and tomato sauce. Anything made with eggplant I love. The Turkish version of our Lebanese moussaka.</div>
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Then we tried two sorts of kebabs:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patlıcanlı Kebab</td></tr>
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1. Urfa Kebab – minced lamb meat mixed with spices and hot pepper, grilled on skewers. The spice mixture and fat content ratio were perfect.</div>
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2. Patlıcanlı Kebab – minced lamb kebab with eggplant. The eggplants melted in your mouth. The meat had lots of fat, seasoned with salt and maybe pepper.</div>
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We drank Yeni Raki, an anise-flavored spirit popular in Turkey, which made perfect sense with our choice of foods. We shared stories and laughter, as we deciphered the recipes of each plate — food detectives! I even shared with them my story of how I got involved in the campaign production for <a href="https://vimeo.com/111535254">Yeni Raki</a> years ago in London. Quite a tale to tell!</div>
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We were offered a plate of fresh citrus fruit for dessert. The staff was really friendly, shaking our hands individually as we left.</div>
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We slept late, with full bellies, soon after reaching our hotel nearby. Our wakeup call was quite early, no time for breakfast, unfortunately. I gulped a cup of instant coffee offered in the room, not my favorite. We headed to the new international airport in Istanbul Havalimanı to catch our flight to Nevşehir, Cappadocia. There we met Paul, an American journalist who speaks fluent Turkish because he has been residing there since college.</div>
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<b>Cappadocia</b></div>
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Our flight was not very long, about an hour and a half. We were welcomed by our host Kubra. We climbed on the bus and drove to our first destination.</div>
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Our first visit was the ceramic museum, <a href="http://www.guraymuze.com/en/">Guray Muze</a>. The director took some time to describe the process of how modern ceramics were produced while walking us through the maze of the museum to appreciate Turkish archeological artifacts, contemporary, traditional and folk ceramic, they were well preserved, displayed and showcased. What a treasure! I was very tempted to buy everything at the shop. I chose two modest handmade pottery vessels. They would be perfect for our mountain house, reminding me of this wonderful journey.</div>
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The highlight of the museum was a brief experience of pottery-making. The feeling of handling the wet clay on my hands while the rolling pin spins are so relaxing and therapeutic. Do you remember the movie <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_(1990_film)">Ghost</a>? It felt like that. I will definitely research on that subject. Maybe, a new hobby!</div>
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And suddenly, Krystel felt pangs of hunger… Our host quickly found a solution. It turned out to be a perfect snack overlooking the scenic view of the caves of Cappadocia. One word to describe the view: Breathtaking! We arrived to find hot tea with Turkish flatbreads, Gözleme. Gözleme is a traditional food made with unleavened dough, rolled thin then filled with different types of toppings. It is sealed and cooked over a hot griddle. Butter or oil is brushed on the surface. Ours was filled with cheese and wild edible greens.</div>
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Dogs, cats and birds roamed around us. The dogs begged us for a piece of Gözleme. I was thrilled to see them and share my snack. I have noticed that in Turkey dogs and cats are treated very well. I am an animal lover, two dogs and four cats live with us. We consider them part of our family. I have so much respect for a society that treats its animals well. Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way in which its animals are treated.”</div>
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We listened to our guide attentively as he gave us some historical background of the region. I was no stranger to these facts. I’ll let you in on a little secret: I have been watching for weeks a Turkish series on Netflix, perfect timing before this trip. Serendipity you say… The series is called <a href="https://www.netflix.com/lb-en/title/80127001" target="_blank">Diriliş: Ertuğrul</a>, in English Resurrection: Ertuğrul. The show is in Turkish so my ear is getting used to the language, English subtitles are available. A quick description from Wikipedia “The show is a Turkish historical fiction and adventure television series created by Mehmet Bozdağ, starring Engin Altan Düzyatan in the namesake leading role. It was filmed in Riva, a village in Beykoz, Turkey, and premiered on TRT 1 in Turkey on December 10, 2014. The show is based on the history of the Muslim Oghus Turks and takes place in the 13th century. It centers around the life of Ertuğrul, the father of Osman I, who was the founder of the Ottoman Empire.” Some of my friends in Turkey do not share the same enthusiasm I have for the show. I can understand that because I would feel the same if someone told me they were watching Lebanese series.</div>
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We quickly set off to drop off our luggage at <a href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/tr/dervish-cave-suites.en-gb.html?aid=311984;label=dervish-cave-suites-6MPrcHghdd8V9QBsmEmp6wS261043845820%3Apl%3Ata%3Ap1%3Ap2%3Aac%3Aap%3Aneg%3Afi%3Atiaud-285284110766%3Akwd-348914743907%3Alp9070351%3Ali%3Adec%3Adm%3Appccp%3DUmFuZG9tSVYkc2RlIyh9YXwxhKG0pUU-mcMVT-JwQpc;sid=f36e4dc38b10343658adba1abaa42fa3;dest_id=-750642;dest_type=city;dist=0;group_adults=2;group_children=0;hapos=1;hpos=1;no_rooms=1;room1=A%2CA;sb_price_type=total;sr_order=popularity;srepoch=1584598179;srpvid=63652b515c1d00e7;type=total;ucfs=1&#hotelTmpl">Elegance Cave Suites</a>, a hotel in the center of Cappadocia in Göreme. This boutique hotel is made of cave and stone rooms – built in accordance to the historical structure of the region with a view of fairy chimneys. It was very cozy and the staff was super friendly. Friendly cats roam the hotel as if they own it. I befriended a fat male feline and cuddled him while waiting for the others to arrive.</div>
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Our next destination was lunch at a local restaurant near our hotel called <a href="http://www.dibektraditionalcook.com/tr/index.html">Dibek</a>.</div>
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This restaurant is known to serve traditional home-cooked meals in a quaint, warm and charming refurbished house. “The site was built over 400 years ago. The ground floor was originally used as stables and storage area. The upper levels were the living quarters.” It was completely restored and redecorated in 2004. We entered the premises that led to a private room where we were seated on cushions around a table. Our host wanted us to taste Testi Kebab – a meat and vegetable dish slow-cooked in a sealed clay pot (testi). The pot is cooked for approximately two hours, more or less depending on the heat source. It is sealed with dough to ensure a pressure-cooker effect. The clay pot is brought from the oven to the table then the waiter breaks open the clay pot with a small hammer and slowly pours the stew on your plate, served with rice with a garnish of red cabbages. I asked the waiter to repeat the ritual again in a different setting suitable for photography. I don’t think he was pleased. Small bowls of spices were set on the table with sumac, oregano, black pepper, red pepper, salt, and mint. I love that! I added sumac and salt to bring out more pungent flavors. We tasted two types of salads: The shepherd’s salad and a green salad with red cabbage. Plenty of bread was served with pickles, which were lightly fermented. We drank Ayran, Turkey’s national drink made of yogurt, water, and salt.</div>
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The Testi Kebab is made by adding the following ingredients into a clay jar:</div>
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<li>Lamb shank (cubed); substitute with beef or chicken </li>
<li>Onion </li>
<li>Garlic </li>
<li>Green pepper </li>
<li>Tomato </li>
<li>Bay leaf </li>
<li>Thyme </li>
<li>Paprika</li>
<li>Sumac </li>
<li>Red pepper (mild) </li>
<li>Black pepper </li>
<li>Salt</li>
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I have the intention of doing this recipe when I move to the mountains soon…I have collected pottery vessels and will find the right one, I am sure. Oum Ali built us an oven outside which could be a great way to heat the clay pot. I will add a cinnamon stick, some allspice, sumac, more onion, and garlic to the mix, a small chili pepper, maybe add cardamom pods or cloves. Our host asked us what we thought of the kebab: I felt that the cooking time should have been longer to get very tender meat, ours was chewy. The high temperature and pressure inside the clay pot is the secret behind the Testi Kebab. I wanted the flavors to scream, hence the reason why I would add more spices. I might add some olive oil to the mix too to tenderize the meat. If in season, I would also add a few strips of bitter orange skin to give a zesty kick. Apparently, after a bit of research and found out that beans can be cooked in a similar way, a great variation for vegetarians. I am open to suggestions here. Please comment.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Clients enjoying their meal</td></tr>
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After a hearty meal, we were off again to meet Chef Cem Aydogdu and Chef Melih Icigen – two chefs/instructors and their students at the <a href="http://www.kapadokya.edu.tr/">KUN</a> University of Kapadokya at the culinary department. The highlight of our visit to the university was a cooking demonstration and a tasting. YES, more food. No one had told us that we were going to eat again! I would have left some space, regardless I made do and tasted all that was offered: Lentil soup, stuffed eggplant with burghul, eggplant dip with yogurt, and the main focus was Mutancana, an ancient dish favored by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mehmed_the_Conqueror">Mehmed the Conqueror</a> – the seventh sultan of the Ottoman Empire who at the age of 21 conquered Istanbul, ending the 1000-year-old Byzantine Empire. If you are interested to learn more about his trajectory, watch <a href="https://www.netflix.com/lb-en/title/80990771">The Rise of Empires Ottoman</a> – a new series on Netflix, which again incidentally I had watched before my trip (again before I knew I was going to Turkey). I am sharing the recipe they made.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KUN University of Kapadokya</td></tr>
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<b>Mutancana</b></div>
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<li>3 tablespoons butter </li>
<li>750 g lamb meat, cubed </li>
<li>15 pearl onion, peeled </li>
<li>1 tablespoon flour </li>
<li>2 cups warm water </li>
<li>1 cup Rezaki (local) grapes, substitute with ½ cup dried red currant </li>
<li>2 tablespoons honey </li>
<li>2 teaspoons sumac </li>
<li>Salt </li>
<li>½ cup raw almonds, blanched and sliced </li>
<li>4-5 dried figs, sliced </li>
<li>5 dried apricots, sliced</li>
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Melt the butter in a cooking pan. Add the chopped lamb meat. Roast the meat until it releases its own juices. Add the pearl onion to the pot and cook for a few minutes. Sprinkle flour and roast for another few more minutes. Add hot water and cook on a high fire. Add the red currant, honey, sumac, and salt 5 minutes before you take the pan from fire. Finely slice the pre-boiled and peeled almonds dried figs, apricots. Roast them for a few minutes in a pan and add on the top of the plate while serving. Pilaf rice can be served with this dish.</div>
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Food without wine, never… Especially that Maher was with us on this trip. <a href="http://www.kocabag.com/" target="_blank">Kocabag winery</a> was our next stop. We started the tasing with white varieties and then tasted the red ones. My favorite was made with Okuzgozu, a local variety of grapes. Locals appreciate Leo’s, a few suggested we skip the others and try this one. The winemaker was very hospitable and friendly. I am sure Maher will have lots to say on the subject. I will share the link to his article once uploaded.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNd1VxGdJdu7xNB1T6iVdlZXmr9uaKjy2tNElNaQx_FGHzVTyeAgQpiftgXtJDLaQbpxavai5nZ_KhvP1ffm6rjviP4h8b2LXZKzCjeymfsZw5Dr8PejB6sIdDomru0agmqcqztsFwZ_vB/s1600/SXCR8639.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNd1VxGdJdu7xNB1T6iVdlZXmr9uaKjy2tNElNaQx_FGHzVTyeAgQpiftgXtJDLaQbpxavai5nZ_KhvP1ffm6rjviP4h8b2LXZKzCjeymfsZw5Dr8PejB6sIdDomru0agmqcqztsFwZ_vB/s400/SXCR8639.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Underground cave of Kocabag Cappadocian Wines</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul and Maher chilling</td></tr>
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We were told that if we have time, we would visit a carpet factory called Metis Carpet. Yet, it was not a done deal, but I insisted so much that this was not something that I could miss.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful smile</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silk cocoons</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deniz Bulut, our adorable French-speaking host</td></tr>
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I am obsessed with colors and textures and wanted especially to learn more about the ancient techniques used to color silk and wool with natural flowers and herbs. I also wanted to see tribal and nomadic rugs. We were welcomed by an amazing host, Deniz Bulut, who spoke perfect French and is also the hotel manager of <a href="http://acropoliscavesuite.com/" target="_blank">Acropolis Cave Suites</a>. He had a lot of charisma and knew the subject well. He explained the process of silk-making, coloring, and weaving. Local women sat on pillows patiently working on their looms. Here the carpets are handwoven, some will take months to finish. Woolen carpets are woven on big looms, while the silk ones on smaller looms. The silk carpets are usually hung on walls, as precious as they are.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patchwork carpet</td></tr>
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I spotted a carpet made with patchwork and fell in love with it immediately. The only problem was its price! Never mind, I captured it through photography. At the end of our tour, we were offered tea and a viewing of twirling carpets to show how the colors change as they were rolled out. An experience I will never forget!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natural dye is used to color the wool</td></tr>
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At night, after a short break in the hotel, we walked down the street for a cheese and wine tasting. The cheeses were a disappointment, not that they were not good but because they were not local. I mentioned this to our host, and minutes later he sent someone to get us some Tulum cheese from a neighbor. I was so happy! We were also served soup: Eggplant soup. That was the first time I taste such a recipe. I was intrigued and asked the chef to share his recipe. He would not. He rambled on about, “special eggplants, special olive oil, special spices”. OK! I was mad. Anyway, nothing ever stops me from getting what I want, especially with recipes and food. On our last night in Turkey, in Istanbul, as I was walking through the streets I stopped and looked in a shop at a book. The book was in Turkish, but I opened it and what did I see? I opened the book on the page of the eggplant soup. A quick photo and translation and I had what I wanted. Cheers to the selfish chef who wouldn’t share with me his recipe. As I am writing this today, I have cooked the soup an hour ago. I altered a bit the recipe: I added a bit of cream, used white pepper instead of black, I garnished the soup with garlic and red pepper flakes fried in olive oil. The soup is amazing, the roasted eggplants are smoky and the texture is perfect comfort food.</div>
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<b>Eggplant Soup</b><b> </b></div>
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<li>2 eggplants</li>
<li>1 tablespoon butter</li>
<li>1 tablespoon olive oil</li>
<li>1 teaspoon flour</li>
<li>3 cups hot water</li>
<li>1 glass milk</li>
<li>1 pinch salt</li>
<li>1 pinch black pepper</li>
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Roast the eggplants on medium fire on a gas range. Roast for 20-30 minutes, turning as it roasts. Alternatively, you can roast the eggplant in the oven. Preheat oven to 400° F (200 C°). Place eggplant (sliced lengthwise) on a foil-lined baking sheet. Rub with olive oil. Peel the eggplant and slice. Melt butter and olive oil, add the flour and cook for 2 mins. Add the diced roasted eggplants and cook for 2 mins stirring. Add the water and cook on low heat until thickened. Add the milk and cream (if using) stir and boil for 2 more minutes. Finally, add salt and pepper. Stir and remove from heat. Serve warm.</div>
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The next morning we woke up early to the sound of the morning prayer. Our meeting was set at the lobby of the hotel before breakfast. Luckily, I had a balcony in my cave/stone room. I opened the door and saw multi-colored balloons flying above the skyline. What a beautiful sight! We gathered together and walked to a site up the road where the view was spectacular, breathtaking to say the least! After our morning walk, we sat down to eat breakfast back at the hotel, where a generous open buffet was served.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cappadocia skyline</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tulum cheese for breakfast with honey</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the balloons flying off</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiID2FIhQ4G77Yc1sH20v11DTBoQtYT3j6ZRkGfiNlk5RLHE_WbsbU2G-eqNUjYvYefK6bcFHOapY1ckjWb-OebvC4QilDX59IgRH2KasE_aMpQbBnwCQc28-yTLVi9cT_hq1shs5nRaPYe/s1600/IMG_3251.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiID2FIhQ4G77Yc1sH20v11DTBoQtYT3j6ZRkGfiNlk5RLHE_WbsbU2G-eqNUjYvYefK6bcFHOapY1ckjWb-OebvC4QilDX59IgRH2KasE_aMpQbBnwCQc28-yTLVi9cT_hq1shs5nRaPYe/s400/IMG_3251.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Goreme Open-Air Museum</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqP2bel87jNJL01RSJ1LFkcGxHVtMV56J8qfW1U5SVpPRvCdLrYW5ZETCqCSGzvY6ob1PDb5JezdjBx4Tw-zdbC5ZZVz7Pe2KxO9qRulqCbN2TN4TRnlI2-a_5N8sqkAueM5ugAVIoCuV/s1600/IMG_3246.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqP2bel87jNJL01RSJ1LFkcGxHVtMV56J8qfW1U5SVpPRvCdLrYW5ZETCqCSGzvY6ob1PDb5JezdjBx4Tw-zdbC5ZZVz7Pe2KxO9qRulqCbN2TN4TRnlI2-a_5N8sqkAueM5ugAVIoCuV/s400/IMG_3246.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresco inside caves</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span>We went on to visit the <a href="https://www.goreme.com/goreme-open-air-museum.php">Goreme Open Air Museum</a>. “The Goreme Open-Air Museum resembles a vast monastic complex composed of scores of refectory monasteries placed side-by-side, each with its own fantastic church. It contains the finest of the rock-cut churches, with beautiful frescoes (wall paintings) whose colors still retain all their original freshness. It also presents unique examples of rock-hewn architecture and fresco techniques. The Goreme Open Air Museum has been a member of the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1984, and was one of the first two UNESCO sites in Turkey.” One of the churches onsite is named St. Barbara Church, you can imagine my surprise. It dates back to the 11th century. It is such a humbling experience to visit this site, very peaceful and serene. Luckily, we went early, had the place to ourselves before tourists took over an hour later.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA80xmSRVa9TCuSqgDhuzs0DFssaV59Z0YIAja5YH-5ogmX9e1ePKd6AfIVOinYosLLX-DCdj6tOtjTJGTBwAUBX71O3SjX5wOCQEMtlOSMkqK6WvnfliZxE5yMHFM0P-Prg2GmIIOw1Fz/s1600/index.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA80xmSRVa9TCuSqgDhuzs0DFssaV59Z0YIAja5YH-5ogmX9e1ePKd6AfIVOinYosLLX-DCdj6tOtjTJGTBwAUBX71O3SjX5wOCQEMtlOSMkqK6WvnfliZxE5yMHFM0P-Prg2GmIIOw1Fz/s400/index.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo Maher Harb</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span>As we drove back to town to pick up our host Kubra to head to Kırşehir, I noticed an open-air bazaar in the center of town. I quickly pleaded to be dropped off to live the experience. When I travel around the world two main attractions are inevitable: a farmers’ market and the local flea market. Old artifacts were displayed on the ground. I wanted to buy everything. I was tempted by an old church bell; unfortunately, it weighed 40 kg and was priced for 1,000 USD. Not in my budget! Then I spotted a wooden antique dough bowl box. I collect vintage artifacts that have to do with bread making. I was afraid to be disappointed with a high price. I asked the vendor what the bowl was used for and how much he would sell it to me. He only spoke Turkish, so a young boy came to help us out. He said to me, “hamur”. Hmmm, what is "hamur"? Then the boy said, “It is dough”. I must have this!!! Price, please? He said 100 Turkish Lira… I made a quick calculation; it turned out to be 15 USD. I couldn’t believe it. Quickly I gave him the money before he would change his mind.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">40 kg bell - wish list</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our bus driver showing us his vintage car</td></tr>
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Traditionally, in the past, bakers and farmhouses in Turkey and other Eastern European countries used this type of bowl for bread making. The ingredients were mixed and kneaded into dough, then covered with a cloth and left to rise. The use of wooden bowls was preferred as the wood held the heat generated by the fermentation of the yeast. I examined mine carefully and recognized that it was a vintage piece because it bears individual marks of use, including small cracks, patches, and wormholes. I could just imagine a cute Turkish grandmother kneading her dough, a scarf on her head, using all her muscles and strength to provide her family with bread. A quick search on the net on <a href="https://www.littlethings.com/antique-dough-bowl-table/">littlethings.com</a>, I found this, “dough bowls were more than just a kitchen utensil. They symbolized the two most important facets of early American life: family and farm. In fact, dough bowls were so significant to families that husbands commonly carved them by hand as wedding presents for their new brides.” Also in <a href="https://www.alabamapioneers.com/grannys-dough-bowl/">alabamapioneers.com</a>, “The dough bowl was each woman’s equipment for crafting biscuits, yeast rolls, or piecrusts, and was a symbol of her mastery of the womanly cooking arts. Having it made especially for her greatly increased its value”. These sites refer to early American settler’s use of the box. How romantic! I was literally jumping for joy. The bus came to pick me up the moment I had the wooden bread bowl in my hands. Maher couldn’t believe my luck, as he accompanied me during this quick bazaar trip. I could already envisage this beautiful piece in our mountain house in Lebanon. I couldn’t wait to tell my son the great news, as we share the same passion for bread making. This box will probably become his in the future. Ah yes, also… Later I tried to put the bread bowl in my suitcase, but it was too large. Luckily, Krystel brought a larger suitcase on the trip and was kind enough to let me invade her space.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carpets on the streets of Cappadocia</td></tr>
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<b>Kirsehir</b></div>
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We drove off to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K%C4%B1r%C5%9Fehir">Kırşehir</a>, which took about an hour and a half from the hotel. The aim was to experience their local food traditions and culture. We had a meeting set with Eyüp Temur, the Kırşehir city deputy manager of culture and tourism at a local restaurant, <a href="https://agalar-konag.business.site/">Ağalar Konağı</a>. We were seated quickly and got down to business immediately – food tasting that is! The local press came to cover the event with <a href="https://www.haberler.com/amp/unlu-yemek-yazarlari-kirsehir-in-lezzetlerini-12993131-haberi/">photography</a> and <a href="https://www.sondakika.com/amp/haber-unlu-yemek-yazarlari-kirsehir-in-lezzetlerini-12993489/">video</a> interviews.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy2DP5kCXQiwal6doMyriJ-ZJJGobD5lkkzW5-RoavW8CJzDgLoxDFgU3pq1fBDVTMDXKurVuqsaN-X7daw2Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Small plates came coming at a fast pace, while our host, poor Kubra, translated and explained everything to us.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gang hard at work</td></tr>
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Here is what we tasted:</div>
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1. Cullama – a dish made with a cooked combination of flour, tomato paste, chicken broth, cooled to room temperature then topped with shredded chicken breast, seasoned with red pepper flakes fried in butter.</div>
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2. Grape molasses – sweet and sour grape molasses, locally produced and very much esteemed by the people. Our host told us if someone is quirky around here, they call them molasses brain. When soldiers wanted to avoid mosquitos in summer in their tents, they would put grape molasses next to them for the flies to stick to the surface. He also spoke of villagers during a fire: They are more willing to save their stocks of grape molasses then to save their family. Of course, he was joking, but this goes to show how important grape molasses is to locals.</div>
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3. Kırşehir Kaman Walnut – the best-tasting walnuts I have ever tasted in my life.</div>
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4. Mixed salad – cabbage, tomatoes, maybe onion. I was surprised to see florets of broccoli.</div>
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5. Çirleme – a hearty stew cooked with chickpeas, dried apricots, grape molasses, a hint of tomato paste and shredded beef. Sweet and sour using local ingredients.</div>
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6. Yufka bread – it was bread deep-fried. I would have preferred that it wasn't.</div>
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7. Yogurt – yogurt here is made using natural starters that date back in time. The taste is tangy, fresh and wholesome. I wish I could take some home with me. It reminded me of the yogurt I tasted in Sri Lanka last year.</div>
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8. Cemele Pepper Dolma – stuffed local peppers. The taste was out of this world. I think it was my favorite dish so far in Turkey. The stuffing was made with onion, burghul, tomato, and red pepper paste. I prefer the use of burghul instead of rice. It has a more authentic flavor to it.</div>
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9. Okra soup – a warm soup with tiny okra. In Lebanon, the okra is a bit longer therefore it is rarely used in soup. I love okra and really enjoyed having it served this way.</div>
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10. Manti – I am no stranger to Manti, here it is boiled as opposed to baked. A nice variation.</div>
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11. Leg of lamb with burghul – the leg of lamb was perfectly cooked, and I loved the fact that it was served with burghul cooked with lots of butter.</div>
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For Dessert</div>
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12. Baklava – a Turkish variation, different from what I am used to. It is not flavored with any rose or orange blossom water. It was a bit heavy.</div>
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13. Ahi halva – balls made of a mixture of cooked butter, grape molasses, flour rolled in sesame seeds. It was really good!</div>
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14. Hosmerim – balls made with a mixture of sugar, butter, oil, and flour, garnished with walnuts.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdirt1PzL3XBSmjmVlEf2UlOmJ8mQbdfKWa_GwfNYdhqrjvhtHIuZnBCL5wyg9_7v-56UzCtDnLVu55pzviL7H6_7Wv22zg34yYasleDCNZ2smxK25XA0i0HpsIZh2tFNoWJ4Q8wyTcwXf/s1600/IMG_3279.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdirt1PzL3XBSmjmVlEf2UlOmJ8mQbdfKWa_GwfNYdhqrjvhtHIuZnBCL5wyg9_7v-56UzCtDnLVu55pzviL7H6_7Wv22zg34yYasleDCNZ2smxK25XA0i0HpsIZh2tFNoWJ4Q8wyTcwXf/s320/IMG_3279.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baklava, Ahi halva, Hosmerim</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWXNC5rdWSuvKvR3XJGax6-cBAQOxy8ASgqBP7f3X-GrnImkhOQN1hRwywWooXOii1V0SLu3HNO_vW9UCeTR6EH4id1-QpUYVzTLQ0jIndd4MJL5Y-TzIPIXSMSx6uSCwIPhb1cAqvjMQZ/s1600/NSOI5049.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWXNC5rdWSuvKvR3XJGax6-cBAQOxy8ASgqBP7f3X-GrnImkhOQN1hRwywWooXOii1V0SLu3HNO_vW9UCeTR6EH4id1-QpUYVzTLQ0jIndd4MJL5Y-TzIPIXSMSx6uSCwIPhb1cAqvjMQZ/s320/NSOI5049.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A relaxing moment in the sun</td></tr>
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As we went outside to sip Turkish coffee, Eyüp Temur wrapped up the philosophy of food and culture here in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K%C4%B1r%C5%9Fehir">Kırşehir.</a></div>
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<i><b>"If you are cold, eat grape molasses. If you are hungry, eat walnuts. If you are sad or happy, listen to folk music".</b> </i> </div>
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More about folk music later...</div>
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We strolled around town with our guide. He led us to the Ahi Evran Shrine and Mosque led by the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahis" target="_blank"><b>Ahi Brotherhood</b></a>, "a fraternity and guild which for more than half a century was also a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anatolian_beyliks" title="Anatolian beyliks">beylik</a> in 14th century Turkey". We were welcomed by everyone, women quickly covered their heads and all took off their shoes to visit inside.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQ7ATnClLWe2d9R_Uu5pBIcd4ekhM2wNMFP8EFYPqo5R-4OsDm-QS9vOQanAe9svwmXcGU41UzDZAunx3ETvzCXnG5gNGofyu7ERkNASJdA6yJzreTuGM5H1QW-hQPfC3pXVX0gVgVrlB/s1600/IMG_3285.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQ7ATnClLWe2d9R_Uu5pBIcd4ekhM2wNMFP8EFYPqo5R-4OsDm-QS9vOQanAe9svwmXcGU41UzDZAunx3ETvzCXnG5gNGofyu7ERkNASJdA6yJzreTuGM5H1QW-hQPfC3pXVX0gVgVrlB/s400/IMG_3285.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ahi Evran Shrine and Mosque</td></tr>
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We continued to the Uzun Bazaar, in the middle of the town. We visited a spice shop and spent time asking questions and tasting some unknown spice, herb or sweet. I bought two different types of red peppers: a mild reddish one and another that is dark because it is brushed with oil after drying. Our guide wanted to stop there the visit to the bazaar, but I continued walking, fascinated by all those little shops. I looked for a goat collar with a bell attached to bring home to put in my car. Everyone thought it was a strange request, but I insisted. I love to hear the sound of those bells clinking, it reminds me of days spent with goats in the countryside in a small island in Greece called Kea.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFOnAz5aJnyxfv46sV7_NpP8gaeambAzkTedCqUqYtce5bwSZuuCmpmJFmieQLGgHzvFJ3LIZzdl-vfy4lrBffMupTRy5AqF9OaWDNyy5B616fBkZuUWHyeX1KY3uh8vgJ0VvrMNxySAzy/s1600/LBJB7935.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFOnAz5aJnyxfv46sV7_NpP8gaeambAzkTedCqUqYtce5bwSZuuCmpmJFmieQLGgHzvFJ3LIZzdl-vfy4lrBffMupTRy5AqF9OaWDNyy5B616fBkZuUWHyeX1KY3uh8vgJ0VvrMNxySAzy/s320/LBJB7935.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roasted chickpeas</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4zcz7EIy2rZFAOqvHV4VJoOdvT4QsFHPXbZHWpBGnrMvFZW20K4xhP3GmS0-eu706g_MXSXPRx3ieqfvUDCOOtd0qm1RgtTGWFBqZUTCW4Q-vGZixC0Pc6xpXNBovxDpMV-0D7y9G1hm7/s1600/IMG_3292.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4zcz7EIy2rZFAOqvHV4VJoOdvT4QsFHPXbZHWpBGnrMvFZW20K4xhP3GmS0-eu706g_MXSXPRx3ieqfvUDCOOtd0qm1RgtTGWFBqZUTCW4Q-vGZixC0Pc6xpXNBovxDpMV-0D7y9G1hm7/s400/IMG_3292.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spice shop</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTNAUCADvhTNJrWXI_8cHFqwZnYj_eFz1PNB0snpKXSaeDCO8qa2PBvRusbpd8zOaFAi1X2cr6dQC1oxkxwi-tsDsjjXezNGM_MVR8KtWyU_R-x6nlmxnB6X_JoU23EzbUhTD3_abWgb02/s1600/XZVE3313.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTNAUCADvhTNJrWXI_8cHFqwZnYj_eFz1PNB0snpKXSaeDCO8qa2PBvRusbpd8zOaFAi1X2cr6dQC1oxkxwi-tsDsjjXezNGM_MVR8KtWyU_R-x6nlmxnB6X_JoU23EzbUhTD3_abWgb02/s400/XZVE3313.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dried peppers and eggplants</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqACP6vzZmBvFfaaIhdzGWJwYuO2WwP8BpWESKR_kGngTZgYw3TKMC08fUJDx1wndJP_rMQv8TURVBEBv4671LzgqjS2HXDP0j05e_FjYblM9QkbEvNvk4-mT6FL7B1Oqcp8dTtR_sZw-L/s1600/IMG_3303.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqACP6vzZmBvFfaaIhdzGWJwYuO2WwP8BpWESKR_kGngTZgYw3TKMC08fUJDx1wndJP_rMQv8TURVBEBv4671LzgqjS2HXDP0j05e_FjYblM9QkbEvNvk4-mT6FL7B1Oqcp8dTtR_sZw-L/s320/IMG_3303.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All types of red ground red pepper</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGhoJ8ISTB1Q8HEJ0PIKc1051QsUcoMV3R1aVEga1F4oQ1ONgrPcQart_vkLbPXtGx024jb-IsSrI7HsZddUVt5dG1J8RiYkL2xOb2e63Denz2Fz3JgpxJtcPdn0TvOd6L0pm3Ap98gs2/s1600/NVJR0150.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1039" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGhoJ8ISTB1Q8HEJ0PIKc1051QsUcoMV3R1aVEga1F4oQ1ONgrPcQart_vkLbPXtGx024jb-IsSrI7HsZddUVt5dG1J8RiYkL2xOb2e63Denz2Fz3JgpxJtcPdn0TvOd6L0pm3Ap98gs2/s320/NVJR0150.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In my element</td></tr>
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An important destination in Kırşehir is the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ne%C5%9Fet-Erta%C5%9F-M%C3%BCzesi/755347534803856" target="_blank">Neşet Ertaş Museum</a>. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ne%C5%9Fet_Erta%C5%9F" target="_blank">Neşet Ertaş</a> is known as a renowned folk poet. We arrived at an old refurbished mansion, where the museum is housed. Exhibits of the heritage of Turkish folk music are showcased with an emphasis of his work. I don't understand the Turkish language, but when I heard his music, I was deeply touched. It reminded me of the Portuguese Fado, which I appreciate a lot too.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyl_Pedq7QvBTVNqWnG092sY3fVNpwfn77aHu4zxPYlQ6UfoNwDULTIPqy5PuvnikWpjzOoXYKIYHdsK8Dj5g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXSgrl64SDfrqwohCKeYdOpzkAFB20MKqcquz1f8Zljf5WA_vox-Fe_p5-AogAD7VPe8aiK4NGUNzk2V9a5qKFSAa_VDAaIX6pcBXsBtLAuUes-cxTyZ4SEHW0JxooJbKab8wobxPbTt66/s1600/BRHH4919.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXSgrl64SDfrqwohCKeYdOpzkAFB20MKqcquz1f8Zljf5WA_vox-Fe_p5-AogAD7VPe8aiK4NGUNzk2V9a5qKFSAa_VDAaIX6pcBXsBtLAuUes-cxTyZ4SEHW0JxooJbKab8wobxPbTt66/s400/BRHH4919.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sheer poetry</td></tr>
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We finished our tour of the city at the <a href="https://www.google.com/search?sxsrf=ALeKk03LFBqOKepNu-tszrgbfQzyXdqOtg:1584806919863&q=Hamidiye+Mosque+K%C4%B1r%C5%9Fehir&tbm=isch&source=univ&client=firefox-b-d&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi2x_vr-avoAhWTBWMBHVolDWAQsAR6BAgIEAE" target="_blank">Hamidiye Mosque</a>, a very modern take to decorating a holy place. It was beautiful, simply breathtaking. I felt peace as if I was in nature. The ceilings are painted with the colors of the sky, the walls with trees and plants. The floor is covered with a grassy green carpet. Anyone could feel humbled in such a setting. It's simple and inspires spirituality.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hamadiye Mosque</td></tr>
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We jumped in the car for our ride back, snoozing along the way. We were to eat tonight a special meal prepared by the chefs we met at the university: Chef Cem Aydoğdu and Chef Melih İçigen at <a href="https://lokal-sinasos.business.site/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=referral">Local Sinasos</a> in Ürgüp/Nevşehir.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8C15IF2h6nFqHbI3moO9vuDu5D7le5OexrQQB_qsNXEuI1zpQLNak3PifkQSn82EXVaUup0SEBM9ovFo9UoyZ4uXxnveaIX3IZCmjlvOy0tJQonx9BPTOo5ev_LdRtkAN-lNm_BByO_c/s1600/index2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8C15IF2h6nFqHbI3moO9vuDu5D7le5OexrQQB_qsNXEuI1zpQLNak3PifkQSn82EXVaUup0SEBM9ovFo9UoyZ4uXxnveaIX3IZCmjlvOy0tJQonx9BPTOo5ev_LdRtkAN-lNm_BByO_c/s320/index2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Recording every detail of dinner</td></tr>
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Here is what we were served:</div>
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1. Tandır Çorbası – A slow-cooked vegetable soup with garlic, onion, wheat grain, green lentil, chickpeas, tomatoes, green pepper, cooked in beef stock, seasoned with dried mint and red pepper flakes fried in butter. It really hit the spot, as it was getting cold outside. Very nourishing and full of flavors.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tandır Çorbası</td></tr>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span dir="LTR"></span>Kabak Çiçeği Dolması – Stuffed pumpkin blossoms with strained yogurt infused with fresh mint. The pumpkin blossom was stuffed with a mixture of rice cooked with olive oil and onion, seasoned with cinnamon, allspice, with currants, and pine nuts. The plate was garnished with pumpkin seeds.</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span dir="LTR"></span>Zeytinyağlı Yerelması – Jerusalem artichoke with olive oil. A simple entrée with a hint of lemon juice and zest and a drizzle of olive oil served with lentils “al dente”, cooked pearl onion with a garnish of chopped parsley. The balance of lemon and olive oil was very shy, I would have preferred more lemon and more salt to give more flavor. I spoke to the chef about my concerns. He said that he would use dill or wild fennel as a garnish too, and his original recipe is with orange juice, which would have given a better result. For this dinner, he only wanted to portray local ingredients. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zeytinyağlı Yerelması</td></tr>
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4. Ayva Dolması – Stuffed quince with bulgur and dried fruit. The quince was stuffed with a mixture of cooked burghul with apricot, apricot seeds, dried currants, seasoned with cinnamon and allspice. I am very excited to make my own version, as we have a tree in the mountain full of fruit during the season. After a quick search on the net, I found a recipe with meat too.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ayva Dolması</td></tr>
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5. Incik Kebababı – Slow cooked lamb shank with boiled potatoes, grilled oyster mushroom and garlic with a garnish of fried parsley. The meat just melts in your mouth.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Incik Kebababı</td></tr>
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6. Üzüm Pekmezli Cevizli Kayısı Dolması Kalaba Yoğurdu Ile – Sun-dried apricots with walnut and grape molasses with Kalaba yogurt.</div>
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7. Tahin Pekmez Suflesi – Grape molasses and tahini soufflé. Here is another fantastic idea to try. I love molasses: grape, apple, and especially carob. I think this is the start of something great. I love to travel around the region and find common ingredients to use in different ways. I will try to create a similar version. Watch the video, it will make you hungry.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dysHkONQAzrfix4IJo8NyG8eDNeThXNhiWCyixaRHitww0eJPNZ1AnpH9TNWLIZR96nXIMdQYI0MfJmoRj75w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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The dinner was amazing, a lot of effort to give us a taste of local flavors. We walked towards the <a href="https://www.seraphimcavehotel.com/" target="_blank"> Seraphin Hotel</a> for a glass of wine. Maher and his wife Krystel wanted to introduce Lebanese wine to our hosts. He brought with him a white variety made with local grapes – Obeidi . Obeidi is an old indigenous grape variety with a hint of jasmine in its bouquet. Maher was impressed with me that I guessed that! YES! We toured the luxurious setting of the hotel, visiting the cave rooms, the heated indoor swimming pool, sauna, hammam room. It's the perfect setting for a honeymoon. The staff was very friendly and welcoming. It was a perfect destination to end our trip to Cappadocia.</div>
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The next day we woke up early to catch our plane back to Istanbul. There, our host Kubra had arranged a special lunch at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ruleztesvikiye/">Rulez</a>, a restaurant owned by two women. We celebrated International Women's Day with a lavish lunch. The food at Rulez can be best described as a Turkish fusion modern cuisine with a twist, using local products to cook their food. Definitely my type of food philosophy.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cat spotted in a local bookshop in Istanbul</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Women's Day lunch at Rulez</td></tr>
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The dishes started to arrive, as Pelin served us a local red wine called <a href="http://mozaikgmbh.com/tr/urunler-kavaklidere-ancyra-cabernet-sauvignon-syrah.html">Ancyra</a>, very smooth and easy to drink. It went perfectly well with the food served. I will admit I have a weak spot for wines that include the Syrah grape variety. We were off to a good start. The bread basket was filled with homemade sourdough bread, also an important detail that I look for when eating in a restaurant. Often, the bread is overlooked and this is a major weakness. </div>
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We were served a delicious menu in our honor:</div>
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1. Siyah Mercimek Köftesi – an amuse-bouche that really impressed me! It is made with yellow and red lentil mixed with green fresh herbs, burghul, squid ink and sea fennel. </div>
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2. Tahini Köz Patlıcan – roasted eggplant with tahini and yogurt flavored with carrot, baby spinach, beetroot, and lavender. It is served with tiny crispy bread. Maybe my favorite, especially the bite with lavender. </div>
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3. Pancar Salatası – beet salad with arugula, dried fig, goat cheese, saffron oil, sliced almond, and yellow poppy seeds. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pancar Salatası</td></tr>
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4. Ada Çaylı Su Böreği – Sage pastry with traditional Aegean cheeses, fresh herbs with crispy baklava dough. Comfort food at its best! </div>
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5. Çiğ Köfte Tartar – raw meatball tartar with burghul, vegetables, cherry glaze, and roasted pepper sauce. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhsJc2HBbdreHp363vtayeN14q7HH7_Uuwn9K1ixFAnMvs8-e3SVut_SjuGC5xWCgOyLLtfhqdawkiqRy9JJXQrDxObU7OoaZQ9vVOWUOGID3iGscvYcp6CzG0qNS2P29G8wygrWd1HgpW/s1600/IMG_3413.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhsJc2HBbdreHp363vtayeN14q7HH7_Uuwn9K1ixFAnMvs8-e3SVut_SjuGC5xWCgOyLLtfhqdawkiqRy9JJXQrDxObU7OoaZQ9vVOWUOGID3iGscvYcp6CzG0qNS2P29G8wygrWd1HgpW/s320/IMG_3413.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Çiğ Köfte Tartar</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
6. Musakka – fried, grilled and roasted eggplant, lamb and veal, served with sliced almonds. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqDi9wPLq0QPFx19PlnhYX-GtwGx9X1v1t8syjY6VeGrduLjxXUnt87nYwPyKtpnVT0jBKpZy0deMbOTIEC7U1fQhj6G5OaP76HjuT3ljPd74TtUnKk6RUHRkwQv8lT2qJZwanGssviql/s1600/EXVR5991.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqDi9wPLq0QPFx19PlnhYX-GtwGx9X1v1t8syjY6VeGrduLjxXUnt87nYwPyKtpnVT0jBKpZy0deMbOTIEC7U1fQhj6G5OaP76HjuT3ljPd74TtUnKk6RUHRkwQv8lT2qJZwanGssviql/s320/EXVR5991.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Musakka</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
7. Tirit – slow-cooked ribs with homemade sourdough bread with yogurt. This is a recipe that I want to explore, as it feels like peasant food. The taste was rich, hearty. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw9MaLSj5hxZ1raIe6-cIdo_r5chcr4w0LvhHtQHG-KkDQ7SDpQsZo7LNErARV979zhMHKa5bq7hCyBK_SA9ZVaOwIpWzBfhSAO4MbJjOqHUN0JJ0o_Vxq78WBnayp-MEvMIl-fG-Iqufr/s1600/EIGY8933.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw9MaLSj5hxZ1raIe6-cIdo_r5chcr4w0LvhHtQHG-KkDQ7SDpQsZo7LNErARV979zhMHKa5bq7hCyBK_SA9ZVaOwIpWzBfhSAO4MbJjOqHUN0JJ0o_Vxq78WBnayp-MEvMIl-fG-Iqufr/s320/EIGY8933.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tirit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
8. Sulu Köfte – juicy meatball with mashed potato, potato soup, seasoned with cardamom, thyme with coconut milk. I would use thyme or cardamom, not both together. Cardamom makes more sense, as it goes well with coconut milk. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghR4Yx6iR4zZbrwQeX059_oBJqkkp-pKZ9N0TXY-YkVGBOInI8TT0i7bgK8yw8_9EBm6lXCBvbxZIg3ZBDfB_7KkhPHZmp1jc-o27uhMsCDj14hnWrhDmmSlnxt9yza6BTAzSyfK67Yiq8/s1600/DCXL7739.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghR4Yx6iR4zZbrwQeX059_oBJqkkp-pKZ9N0TXY-YkVGBOInI8TT0i7bgK8yw8_9EBm6lXCBvbxZIg3ZBDfB_7KkhPHZmp1jc-o27uhMsCDj14hnWrhDmmSlnxt9yza6BTAzSyfK67Yiq8/s320/DCXL7739.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sulu Köfte</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
9. Sebastian Eleştirisi – feta cheese, milky turmeric, rice pudding with hazelnut. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJUxUAKo_JmZCREhyphenhyphenZ7VE5Fh13FKx8La37h73660eO9MSsWmii3Kqu1NyvSWHMaocaVvxv2ZfhGrq1kcCzsp9V_2OmXsGJGV2VAdHqyUlZMd-aKjtwmGQ4SD2Uw56hdrbRiJNxcFPcDSO7/s1600/index16.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJUxUAKo_JmZCREhyphenhyphenZ7VE5Fh13FKx8La37h73660eO9MSsWmii3Kqu1NyvSWHMaocaVvxv2ZfhGrq1kcCzsp9V_2OmXsGJGV2VAdHqyUlZMd-aKjtwmGQ4SD2Uw56hdrbRiJNxcFPcDSO7/s320/index16.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sebastian Eleştirisi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
10. Revani – crispy semolina with mint pudding, pumpkin seeds with orange cream and orange segments.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz2GCb_zTv4sJTI8oAK82M91QvnHooetoK71eDakVUE37yklF5gqVwD0WLVIbe4TMAwc3DL_H0AUV4NHrHyiksLWDuSPCjyrfriQhRpZ_jPAgMFEMNeqOPMvTtDPfPnQ9lE8c3xx3qa3Xq/s1600/index15.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz2GCb_zTv4sJTI8oAK82M91QvnHooetoK71eDakVUE37yklF5gqVwD0WLVIbe4TMAwc3DL_H0AUV4NHrHyiksLWDuSPCjyrfriQhRpZ_jPAgMFEMNeqOPMvTtDPfPnQ9lE8c3xx3qa3Xq/s320/index15.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Revani</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_9EG5RBE4Cg92CNb3J9n8j-2OfGHuyTy2isdXbw0DmgBZjrvZBFHmXhoze3bUF3E0hsSj57_yyju7xRgk6K5pEN3Cc9OLgIyUKp5XAXifgYCxMepyC9adUxdSiWxIiOwPQs9o7gdCYou/s1600/GCJI5391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_9EG5RBE4Cg92CNb3J9n8j-2OfGHuyTy2isdXbw0DmgBZjrvZBFHmXhoze3bUF3E0hsSj57_yyju7xRgk6K5pEN3Cc9OLgIyUKp5XAXifgYCxMepyC9adUxdSiWxIiOwPQs9o7gdCYou/s400/GCJI5391.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A friendly guest visits as we eat our lunch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvKbeqQL6nzlBj7b0Ercu9E0Mbon0ch9AF_Ated2vN_bdyBQtGBU2HaLIwimAsw7x_HCTQ1EDt-dI7E0O8ENSkD6E5cKZ_PVlUhy0KtQPTMinEkETfi62_m4hakdZ_P0djuav1PEyCACm2/s1600/rulez1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvKbeqQL6nzlBj7b0Ercu9E0Mbon0ch9AF_Ated2vN_bdyBQtGBU2HaLIwimAsw7x_HCTQ1EDt-dI7E0O8ENSkD6E5cKZ_PVlUhy0KtQPTMinEkETfi62_m4hakdZ_P0djuav1PEyCACm2/s320/rulez1.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Head Chef Mehmet Sahin, sous Chef Necmi Sarıbağ</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We said our goodbyes with a heavy heart, strolling down the road to take advantage of our last hour in Istanbul. The streets were full of people enjoying their Sunday break. We knew it wouldn't last, as the Coronavirus would reach the world soon. Rumors of Lebanon locking down made us anxious. We took in these precious moments and headed to the airport to catch our ride back to Beirut. The future was uncertain, but the memories we had in Cappadocia would give us the energy to face the worst. Future plans would be postponed to Turkey, but I will never lose hope. Until we meet again for more food adventures ...<br />
<br />
If you would like to read more about this adventure through another angle, here is Paul's article: <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10Cappadocia, Turkey38.3534949 35.091115635.167423400000004 29.9275416 41.5395664 40.2546896tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8954200457620478165.post-2885816495369468282019-01-21T15:34:00.001+02:002022-02-02T11:13:14.638+02:00Zimi - A Mediterranean Oven Eatery<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I’ve started a new chapter in my life, <b>Zimi</b>. I’d be happy to celebrate with you the launch of our new Mediterranean eatery with the signing of the 2nd edition of the Mouneh book on Saturday at 4 PM – 6 PM. Let’s gather, drink, eat and have heated conversations around our oven.<br />
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Hope to see you there! <br />
Barbara xoxo</div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/zimieatery/" target="_blank">Instagram </a><br />
<br /> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">WE HAVE CLOSED DUE TO ECONOMICAL COLLAPSE IN LEBANON! </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1ZIMI33.8950144 35.5180063000000257.4694704000000023 -5.7905876999999748 60.320558399999996 76.826600300000024tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8954200457620478165.post-84690212720330345682018-11-29T12:36:00.002+02:002022-02-02T11:14:40.525+02:00Charity Cookbook - Soup for Syria<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Interlink publishes one charity cookbook each year to support worthy causes we care deeply about. We hope that you will join us in supporting these causes with your purchase of one or more of these fabulous cookbooks. <br /> <br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">Soup for Syria</a>: Recipes to Celebrate our Shared Humanity Interlink will donate $15 from the sale of each book to support food and medical relief for Syrian refugees. Over $500,000.00 have been raised to date. <br /> <br />Palestine on a Plate: Recipes from My Mother's Kitchen Interlink has donated $13,000.00 for the purchase of a permanent home for the Nablus-based children's center Palestinian House of Friendship. <br /> <br />The Immigrant Cookbook: Recipes That Make America Great Interlink will donate $5 from the sale of each book to support the ACLU's Immigrants' Rights Project. $25,000+ donated this year.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8954200457620478165.post-60267245128198347332018-11-23T09:05:00.002+02:002022-02-02T11:16:24.198+02:00Independence Day ABC Short Film<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If Lebanon would be a 75 year old man, what would you tell him? <br /></div></div><div> <br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"> Together we can be the change we want to see in our country. 🙏🏻 </div><div style="text-align: center;">Making Lebanon a better place. Happy 75th Independence Day! ♥️🇱🇧 </div><div style="text-align: center;">Very proud to be part of this campaign along with all these beautiful people ...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/-rKY1sphGBg/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-rKY1sphGBg?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8954200457620478165.post-17979958909983359582018-08-06T09:39:00.002+03:002022-02-02T11:17:22.122+02:00The Queen of Kibbeh – Suzanne Douaihy<div style="text-align: left;">Suzanne is a very friendly woman, who I met at Souk el Tayeb many years ago. She would come every Saturday to showcase all her kibbeh varieties with her husband, Sarkis. Of course, I had to taste them all, as she generously gave me bites of each of them. I grew very fond of her. The soul of a cook is the amount of love one puts in food preparations. She has plenty of that going on... </div>
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While shooting my cooking segments, years ago on LBC, I ran a show with her in her native village. We had so much fun. I am sharing a few pics of that moment together. Anthony Bourdain, when he came to Lebanon, called her "The Queen of Kibbeh", thus Nay Aoun, the film producer and director of this new short document thought it would be the perfect title for this video. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0xd4EIRd__vsNVXvPVwoFoxV_Vb7WVOyxSVsYut4C8FU1arSl57jKB7qr25-Zy5bIw9CO92JUorYCgiO0Nk0JB3qnq3-up74k1Y0Byv1P5omI-Xuqg2sU5uSnkJtCBpDtavlKnvI8RkKq/s1600/DSC00117.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0xd4EIRd__vsNVXvPVwoFoxV_Vb7WVOyxSVsYut4C8FU1arSl57jKB7qr25-Zy5bIw9CO92JUorYCgiO0Nk0JB3qnq3-up74k1Y0Byv1P5omI-Xuqg2sU5uSnkJtCBpDtavlKnvI8RkKq/s320/DSC00117.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpKDQl0RbnE3HrQ7eKQUpgganJ6qjw2JdOT752Aa45HCf8V-WXowEYg-EtANpvWCCuX4aFQg3WhKBhBE-LZLhJTDoJB3HyK3OwVGR4bV-1wSyIf7xBM_PuhnMZEIWItvIz7R5hVOrsSef6/s1600/DSC00118.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpKDQl0RbnE3HrQ7eKQUpgganJ6qjw2JdOT752Aa45HCf8V-WXowEYg-EtANpvWCCuX4aFQg3WhKBhBE-LZLhJTDoJB3HyK3OwVGR4bV-1wSyIf7xBM_PuhnMZEIWItvIz7R5hVOrsSef6/s320/DSC00118.JPG" width="320" /></a>I am so lucky to have met good people in Lebanon who give the true values of Lebanese generosity. </div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">Suzanne El Douaihy is the Queen of Kibbeh. Kibbeh is a traditional Lebanese dish made of bulgur, minced onions and finely ground beef, lamb or goat mixed with local spices and herbs. It is famous and very much appreciated across the country. Suzanne is from a town north of Lebanon called Zgharta, the second biggest city in the North of Lebanon, after Tripoli. This region is famed for its kibbeh. For thirteen years, Suzanne has been making kibbeh, and has become famous across Lebanon selling her food in local farmer’s markets and catering to customers upon demand. She proudly continues to spread her knowledge and recipes to all.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8954200457620478165.post-76777270623457080302018-07-27T10:59:00.003+03:002022-02-02T11:23:47.430+02:00Orange Blossom Harvest in Maghdoushe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">In spring time, it is an enriching experience to walk through a grove of orange trees blossoming with white flowers and bursting with fragrance. I’ve had many occasions to experience this romantic stroll throughout my journey. When you see, touch and smell these flowers you have the impression that they are declaring the coming of spring. <br /> <br /> Magdousheh, a small town about 50 km (31 mi) south of Beirut, is reputed for its orange groves and its annual orange blossom water production. It is situated at an altitude of about 300 m (984 ft) above sea level. The town overlooks the Mediterranean Sea with its prominent pilgrimage site—home of the church of Our Lady of Mantara. On one of my visits I was accompanied by Oussama Amoun, a local resident and producer. We walked through the whole town meeting with people and discussing the year’s orange blossom yield. During the season, villagers scatter through the groves and private gardens working simultaneously to harvest their prized orange blossom flowers. A faint perfume accompanies you as you walk through the streets. There is a certain ambiance unseen elsewhere in Lebanon at that particular moment. The tiny white flowers are laid out, scattered on empty large white bags. Distillers of different sizes and shapes are washed and set up carefully to ensure a proper yearly production. Farmers and producers of Magdousheh pride themselves on a superior quality of distilled orange blossom water. They insist that the trees should not be irrigated during the hot summer months. In fact, it is this hearty resistance which makes the flowers superior, thereby resulting in a higher quality product.</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">Oussama Amoun my guide to the wonders of Maghdouche</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Traditionally, most households in Lebanon made their annual production of orange blossom water at home using a family alembic. Today, it is not unusual to find families gathered at a town center where the communal karakeh is set up with large bags of orange blossom flowers. Production is mainly reserved to villagers who keep the traditional distillation process alive. <span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">
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</xml><![endif]-->© <a href="http://www.interlinkbooks.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=mouneh" target="_blank">Mouneh: Preserving Foods for the Lebanese Pantry</a> (2018 / Interlink) </span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.lebanontraveler.com/" target="_blank"><b>Lebanon Travel</b></a> has recently worked on a short film to show you the best of Maghdou<b>s</b>he, thus the reason I wanted to share more information about this beautiful town and its people.</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><blockquote>"The southern town of Maghdoushe has a beautiful story to tell.
From its religious sites to its agricultural traditions, we share its
many wonders"</blockquote></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8954200457620478165.post-40456543393822844502018-07-27T10:07:00.001+03:002022-02-02T11:19:19.599+02:00Slow Food Community - A New Strategy<div style="text-align: left;">
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<![endif]-->Today I received this important mail from Slow Food International. This initiative opens up new challenges for <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">Slow Food Beirut</a>, which I am heading presently. I spoke to founder and president Carlo Petrini about this new strategy, "Slow Food is not an elitist association, it should be open to all". I agree and will do everything to spread the word. <br /></div>
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<br />
This is a period of radical change within the Slow Food movement all around the world. <br /> <br />The 2017 Congress in Chengdu (China) announced our aim to revolutionize the basis of our organization, making it less formal and more inclusive. We want to involve all of the people, groups, organizations, and communities that help to spread the Slow philosophy and carry forward our global projects, including Slow Food Gardens, Presidia, the Ark of Taste, Farmer’s Markets, and global campaigns. <br /> <br /> The recently approved proposal is to move beyond the convivium model and create another form of grassroots organization: the Slow Food Community! <br /> <br /> The International Council in Nairobi in June 2018 launched a transitional phase that will last until the autumn of 2020, when the global Slow Food network will meet for its next Congress. <br /> <br /> It doesn’t mean that convivia doesn’t exist anymore, but that we have 2 years to think about how concretize this transition towards a new model. <br /> <br /> <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>WHY ADOPT SUCH A CHANGE? WHAT IS A SLOW FOOD COMMUNITY AND HOW DOES IT WORK? HOW TO START? </b></blockquote>
</blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">A Slow Food Community is a group of people that shares the values of the international movement and commits itself, in accordance with the Founding Declaration, to pursuing Slow Food's objectives, vision, and actions. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />Please start by advising other members in your area (by email, WhatsApp, Facebook, etc.) adapt and share this message with all the relevant contacts! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />At Terra Madre Salone del Gusto, time will be dedicated to further explanation, brainstorming, and sharing ideas and experiences from the global network. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />I’m also honored to introduce you to Barbara Massaad (en cc), Beirut convivium leader, international counselor for Slow Food in Middle East. Do not hesitate to contact her and exchange about a global strategy for the area! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />We look forward to hearing from you.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8954200457620478165.post-69910547456146997002018-07-12T15:18:00.001+03:002018-08-28T13:26:56.455+03:00The Apple Does Not Fall Far From the Tree<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You often wonder why you act a certain way, or take a path that leads you to something that you are familiar with... I understood this much later in life. I arrived to Lebanon as a young woman of 18 years of age. It was a very difficult period of my life - a cultural shock from sunny Florida. I was devastated. My father suggested I work with him, as he had the intention of setting up a photography studio in Ballouneh. I didn't want to hear anything about it. I wanted to go to university and learn a trade of my own... Years later, many years later... I have followed the steps of my father indirectly, in my own way focusing on food and photography with a strong curiosity and generosity towards other people (as he has all his life). So the expression, "the apple does not fall far from the tree" is quite relevant ... My childhood was different and I think that's what made me think "out of the box". </span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now that my children are turning into young adults, it is fascinating to see the evolution of their characters and aspirations ... Each generation builds on the other, taking dreams into another level.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Carla Henoud, a renowned Lebanese journalist, wrote a beautiful piece about my father which I would like to share. It sums up his work and life in a way that she only knows how to write. If you are interested to read the article in English please copy and paste on google translate.</span></div>
<h1 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Perdu de vue ... Georgie Abdeni, un Dorian Gray à l'envers ! </span></h1>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<div class="summary" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="tag">REPORTAGES</span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<div class="attributes" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.lorientlejour.com/author/472-henoud-carla">HENOUD Carla</a></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<div class="date" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">06/05/2000</span></div>
<div class="date" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Abdeni. Une signature, au haut d’un immense portrait en noir
et blanc. Une griffe, celle du grand photographe Georgie Abdeni qui a
immortalisé des visages célèbres et moins célèbres, les figeant dans une
beauté intemporelle et indélébile. </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">C’était le temps du noir et blanc.
L’heureux temps où la photographie se sentait, se pensait et se faisait
par des maîtres-artisans, avec, pour outils de travail, un appareil, un
studio et un regard. C’était le temps de la frivolité, de l’émergence
d’une créativité qui trouvait enfin son expression, son identité et sa
place au Liban. Heureux temps… </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Georgie Abdeni se souvient de ces jours
en noir et blanc. Tout dans son studio des années 70 lui rappelle les
visages d’avant, leurs sourires et son bonheur de capter ces instants
d’intimité. «Je suis un homme qui a arrêté le temps, un Dorian Gray à
l’envers !», précise-t-il, avec son grand sourire et son accent
américano-libanais. Sur ces grandes photos qui comblent les murs comme
des présences éternelles, le temps assassin n’a en effet laissé aucune
empreinte . On dirait qu’il s’est arrêté… Aucune trace de rides,
d’années rajoutées, de valeurs ôtées. Ces femmes troublantes de beauté
fixent le visiteur – ou l’objectif de Abdeni – et murmurent leur
satisfaction. Elles ont toutes un regard intense, une attitude «mise en
scène» par ce même magicien. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Pour réussir ce travail, il fallait, bien
sûr, beaucoup de psychologie et de savoir-faire. «La photographie n’est
pas seulement un art. C’est également de la mode, du maquillage. Le
photographe doit être un visagiste, un psychologue, un directeur de
production et un metteur en scène». Il doit surtout être libre, son
propre chef, «ne recevoir d’instructions ni de limites de personne. J’ai
toujours imposé mes idées, mes concepts, et mon propre style. Voilà
pourquoi j’ai réussi». </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Une personnalité affichée Georgie Abdeni ,
longtemps photographe de stars et d’hommes politiques, a fait la
couverture du magazine al-Hasnaa’ durant de nombreuses années; il a
flirté avec la publicité et a saisi des centaines de regards, de femmes
surtout. Il connaît le visage humain comme un chirurgien ou un
sculpteur. Son calme et sa gentillesse ont toujours réussi à mettre le
modèle en confiance et en tirer le meilleur. «Il n’existe pas de beauté,
dans l’absolu. Chaque visage a une expression, un intérêt propre». Sa
personnalité a su cadrer et mettre en images des idées – photos
publicitaires –, des personnes et des personnalités. Ici, dans ce studio
qui vit encore, sitt Sabah côtoie le président Sarkis, Feyrouz,
Georgina Rizk, «je l’ai découverte quand elle avait treize ans», Faten
Hamama, Hrair, Omar Shérif et Anita Eckberg font bon ménage. «Le
caractère du modèle est important. Je suis toujours à la recherche de la
pureté d’un visage, de l’angle idéal, du bon moment et de la meilleure
lumière». </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Il est arrivé à la photographie par goût, se donnant la
précieuse liberté de s’éloigner des «affaires étrangères», apprises à
Georgetown, USA, de la banque dans laquelle il a travaillé durant six
ans, bref, de ce qu’il était supposé faire. «À l’époque, peu de gens “de
bonne famille”» faisaient ce métier. J’ai commencé par les portraits,
pour passer ensuite aux campagnes publicitaires. J’avais le bonheur de
concevoir l’idée, le slogan et de réaliser la photo». Il se compare
volontiers à un chef cuisinier qui réussit un plat avec des ingrédients
utilisés par d’autres. «La personne devient pour moi un boulot, un peu
comme si je devais fabriquer quelque chose de bien». Durant ces «années
photos», Abdeni va collaborer dans différents projets, sillonner le
Liban avec Roméo Lahoud pour le Firman, et parcourir le monde pour
assouvir son besoin de libertés et d’images; souvent envoyé spécial de
al-Hasnaa, il ramènera des centaines d’images, des archives qui ont
aujourd’hui une valeur incalculable. «Depuis une trentaine d’années,
lors d’un voyage pour al-Hasnaa’ où je devais photographier des hommes
et des lieux en Jordanie, je me suis retrouvé dans une école, avec deux
enfants en train de se battre amicalement. J’ai calmé les deux frères,
avec des mots tendres, et puis j’ai pris mes photos». Le roi Abdallah de
Jordanie et ses images d’enfant consolé figurent à présent dans la
galerie de photos de Georgie. Un scoop qui n’a pas de prix. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Marié en
1968 avec Laurence, père de deux filles, Barbara et Gabrielle, Abdeni ne
s’est pas laissé enfermé dans la seule photographie. Durant les années
de guerre, il s’est interessé à la construction, à la restauration, «la
grenouille», en 1967, avec son ami et complice Jerry Guréghian, puis le
«kebabs and things», en 1980, durant son exil «floridien», et «un peu de
tout» ; Georgie construit encore sa «caverne d’Ali Baba», une grande
maison où il se plaît à inventer des objets, des miroirs en métal, bois,
verre soufflé, des cannes, des sculptures en bois, et s’occupe à
décorer les pièces comme il l’entend, mettre un vieil évier en guise de
mur, construire une baignoire en pierre, créer un espace de vie libre de
toute contrainte. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvG0jTi-pdE0DbWfM3I6n2aKnxoFnfLAeD6X3bvRMjns5gw6PJ___UTyiNq6HCmO5pjkdTmanOurxyS5Qli4YQYlw89ijvM96cDqGNDs_oDMotqYU8jlAH2mhfgsoikPpmBR0iEDCeJUwp/s1600/IMG_8067x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvG0jTi-pdE0DbWfM3I6n2aKnxoFnfLAeD6X3bvRMjns5gw6PJ___UTyiNq6HCmO5pjkdTmanOurxyS5Qli4YQYlw89ijvM96cDqGNDs_oDMotqYU8jlAH2mhfgsoikPpmBR0iEDCeJUwp/s400/IMG_8067x.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Nostalgique et franc, il conclut : «Dans mon esprit,
j’ai toujours ma vision de la personne, intacte. La revoir trente ans
plus tard est souvent un choc !» Des images plein les yeux et la tête,
on se surprend enfin à rêver de figurer un jour dans cet album précieux,
et demeurer ainsi à l’abri du temps qui passe.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPNWuhoLwR5XLTCRxBZt7KXjqJ01Zl83ZubiRusLQE82AA2ApmSW8NrmQzYvzjHGcvJqi4IcKxAnqfdf9jRmfKlmD-7MFOL_vuJFfpOh5C1OuZHZoYSIn98gFiJkDMyGdfBkssYUnGPo3o/s1600/IMG_8111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPNWuhoLwR5XLTCRxBZt7KXjqJ01Zl83ZubiRusLQE82AA2ApmSW8NrmQzYvzjHGcvJqi4IcKxAnqfdf9jRmfKlmD-7MFOL_vuJFfpOh5C1OuZHZoYSIn98gFiJkDMyGdfBkssYUnGPo3o/s400/IMG_8111.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Un scoop de Abdeni, le roi Abdallah II et son fr<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">è</span>re<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8954200457620478165.post-90936567413872528222018-07-12T09:48:00.001+03:002018-07-12T18:08:35.812+03:00Kebabs & Things<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSdh_Jyr7avvWTH96T2Wmp_Qbnt6QSSj0Btq1xZEf8o3KEWtuC67WK_mQ25g0vdzW8j0ydvC7dTXfay6xllyMkWvaa7C59SZdX4C9jQwEXRddyJGxNJ5xxRsp3cY7sMLFInRKJcKbOas01/s1600/IMG_8104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1465" data-original-width="1600" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSdh_Jyr7avvWTH96T2Wmp_Qbnt6QSSj0Btq1xZEf8o3KEWtuC67WK_mQ25g0vdzW8j0ydvC7dTXfay6xllyMkWvaa7C59SZdX4C9jQwEXRddyJGxNJ5xxRsp3cY7sMLFInRKJcKbOas01/s400/IMG_8104.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I was going through old photos yesterday and stumbled into this article... It is a revue of our family restaurant which we all ran in the 80's. It brought back many memories. You could say my passion for food and everything related to restaurants started at the age of 15, when I worked both in the kitchen and served clients. It was a good school for me (a school of life). Since then, this experience helped me forge a future in this field through research and many other activities..<br />
<br />
The revue is very basic and feels almost amateurish, but it is still a glimpse of the past and the restaurant years we lived as a family, working hand in hand, serving customers and sharing the food of our beloved country - Lebanon. We met many people, both incredible and sometimes not so, but the experience was unforgettable and remains to this day one of the most important in my life.<br />
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<br />
<b>Restaurant Revue Kebabs &Things p. 14 - Entertainment News & Views</b><br />
<br />
Kebabs and Things is not your usual restaurant. Its gleaming white exterior and crisp white, turquoise and blue with touches of red interior belie its Mediterranean dishes. When one thinks in terms of Mideast or Mediterranean foods, it is always with the touch of mystique - hidden corners, shadowy forms 0 but the cleanliness that surrounds Kebabs is a point in their favor - for out of a spanking clean kitchen comes well prepared food - cooked to perfection.<br />
<br />
They are only open for dinner during the summer, but during "season" also serve lunches. Their appetizers rand from $1.50 to $3.50 and are sufficient as a meal for the not so hungry. Generous portions always speak well for a restaurant and encourage the hearty appetite to return. Their entrees are also int eh medium price range and feature many authentic chicken, lamb, and beef dishes.<br />
<br />
Personally, I opted for the stuffed grape leaves appetizers followed by a charcoal broiled Beef Kebab over rice. This was served with a crisp fresh salad and by the time I had put away the two courses, I could only finish a coffee.<br />
<br />
They did have one expensive range dish that had there been company to share it, I might have sampled it - A Mediterranean Delight which as a sampling of seven of their appetizers. I must return one evening and try this - it did sound exotic.<br />
<br />
Kebabs is a family atmosphere with good, tasty, homemade food. There is ample parking both front and back and it is conveniently located at 2768 E. Oakland Park Blvd., near the corner of Bayview Drive. They are open from 6 to 10, Monday thru Saturday to serve a highly recommended dinner fare. Try it for a change - you'll enjoy it!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8954200457620478165.post-44399267587404001992018-07-03T11:08:00.000+03:002018-07-11T11:18:26.049+03:00Oum Ali - A Saj Story<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oum Ali, in her native village Majdalzoum, baking saj bread</td></tr>
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This is Oum Ali! I have known her for so many years. She is a wonderful woman who has inspired me and so many others. She is a fighter and has a beautiful story to share. Watch her short film, produced by Slow Food Beirut with film maker Nay Aoun (funded by USAID). The best way to tell a story these days is through video animation. This video is very special, as it portrays a small scale food producer, who against all odds, made a name for herself in Lebanon and around the world.<br />
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I live in my bubble in Lebanon, meaning I choose to see a facet that really matters to me. I have chosen to dedicate my life's work to promote such good people because finally they represent the real Lebanon. Authentic people from different communities who share the values of good, clean and fair foods. They express themselves through sharing the foods of their ancestors to keep our culinary heritage alive.<br />
<br />
Oum Ali, is a mother, then she is a food producer... and that has made us connect in a special way. We understand the value of family and cook to express our love. The love does not have boundaries, as food is shared to all who have a deep respect for its significance. She has a big heart and will stay hours explaining why she chooses to cook or bake in a certain way. Generosity at its best.<br />
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Throughout my journey, the meeting of such good people has made all the difference. And it is important for me to share all that I have learned or have experienced with them... for I also believe that it is by giving to others that one can find true happiness in this world.<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8954200457620478165.post-24215925870168688152018-05-21T10:14:00.000+03:002018-05-21T10:14:23.869+03:00Happiness<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">A while ago, this text fell into my hands. I put it on my desktop forever. Today, I decided to post it on my blog to share. I tried to research on crediting the author, but unfortunately I did not find the source. Should anyone know about the author, please write me so I can mention his or her name. The text is a reminder of how many choices we have in life - essentially two main absolute truths: To be happy or to be miserable. I choose happiness. I like to read this text from time to time to remind me of the essential. I hope you enjoy it too... I am including a photo I took yesterday when visiting the Cedars of Lebanon in the Barouk, as I find this forest very humbling and therapeutic. </span></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">22 Things Happy People
Do Differently</span></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">There
are two types of people in the world: those who choose to be happy, and those
who choose to be unhappy. Contrary to popular belief, happiness doesn’t come
from fame, fortune, other people, or material possessions. Rather, it comes
from within. The richest person in the world could be miserable while a
homeless person could be right outside, smiling and content with their life.
Happy people are happy because they <i>make</i> themselves happy. They maintain
a positive outlook on life and remain at peace with themselves.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
question is: how do they do that?</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">It’s
quite simple. Happy people have good habits that enhance their lives. They do
things differently. Ask any happy person, and they will tell you that they …</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">1.
Don’t hold grudges.</span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Happy
people understand that it’s better to forgive and forget than to let their
negative feelings crowd out their positive feelings. Holding a grudge has a lot
of detrimental effects on your well being, including increased depression,
anxiety, and stress. Why let anyone who has wronged you have power over you? If
you let go of all your grudges, you’ll gain a clear conscience and enough
energy to enjoy the good things in life.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">2.
Treat everyone with kindness.</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Did
you know that it has been scientifically proven that being kind makes you
happier? Every time you perform a selfless act, your brain produces serotonin,
a hormone that eases tension and lifts your spirits. Not only that, but
treating people with love, dignity, and respect also allows you to build
stronger relationships.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">3.
See problems as challenges.</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
word “problem” is never part of a happy person’s vocabulary. A problem is
viewed as a drawback, a struggle, or an unstable situation while a challenge is
viewed as something positive like an opportunity, a task, or a dare. Whenever
you face an obstacle, try looking at it as a challenge.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></b><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">4.
Express gratitude for what they already have.</span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">There’s
a popular saying that goes something like this: “The happiest people don’t have
the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.” You
will have a deeper sense of contentment if you count your blessings instead of
yearning for what you don’t have.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> 5.
Dream big.</span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">People
who get into the habit of dreaming big are more likely to accomplish their
goals than those who don’t. If you dare to dream big, your mind will put itself
in a focused and positive state.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">6.
Don’t sweat the small stuff.</span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Happy
people ask themselves, “Will this problem matter a year from now?” They
understand that life’s too short to get worked up over trivial situations.
Letting things roll off your back will definitely put you at ease to enjoy the
more important things in life.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">7.
Speak well of others.</span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Being
nice feels better than being mean. As fun as gossiping is, it usually leaves
you feeling guilty and resentful. Saying nice things about other people
encourages you to think positive, non-judgmental thoughts.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">8.
Never make excuses.</span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Benjamin
Franklin once said, “He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for
anything else.” Happy people don’t make excuses or blame others for their own
failures in life. Instead, they own up to their mistakes and, by doing so, they
proactively try to change for the better.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">9.
Get absorbed into the present.</span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Happy
people don’t dwell on the past or worry about the future. They savor the
present. They let themselves get immersed in whatever they’re doing at the
moment. Stop and smell the roses.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">10.
Wake up at the same time every morning.</span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Have
you noticed that a lot of successful people tend to be early risers? Waking up
at the same time every morning stabilizes your circadian rhythm, increases
productivity, and puts you in a calm and centered state.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">11.
Avoid social comparison.</span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Everyone
works at his own pace, so why compare yourself to others? If you think you’re
better than someone else, you gain an unhealthy sense of superiority. If you
think someone else is better than you, you end up feeling bad about yourself.
You’ll be happier if you focus on your own progress and praise others on
theirs.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">12.
Choose friends wisely.</span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Misery
loves company. That’s why it’s important to surround yourself with optimistic
people who will encourage you to achieve your goals. The more positive energy
you have around you, the better you will feel about yourself.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">13.
Never seek approval from others.</span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Happy
people don’t care what others think of them. They follow their own hearts
without letting naysayers discourage them. They understand that it’s impossible
to please everyone. Listen to what people have to say, but never seek anyone’s
approval but your own.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">14.
Take the time to listen.</span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Talk
less; listen more. Listening keeps your mind open to others’ wisdom and
outlooks on the world. The more intensely you listen, the quieter your mind
gets, and the more content you feel.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">15.
Nurture social relationships.</span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">A
lonely person is a miserable person. Happy people understand how important it
is to have strong, healthy relationships. Always take the time to see and talk
to your family, friends, or significant other.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">16.
Meditate.</span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Meditating
silences your mind and helps you find inner peace. You don’t have to be a zen
master to pull it off. Happy people know how to silence their minds anywhere
and anytime they need to calm their nerves.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">17.
Eat well.</span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Junk
food makes you sluggish, and it’s difficult to be happy when you’re in that
kind of state. Everything you eat directly affects your body’s ability to
produce hormones, which will dictate your moods, energy, and mental focus. Be
sure to eat foods that will keep your mind and body in good shape.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">18.
Exercise.</span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Studies
have shown that exercise raises happiness levels just as much as Zoloft does.
Exercising also boosts your self-esteem and gives you a higher sense of
self-accomplishment.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">19.
Live minimally.</span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Happy
people rarely keep clutter around the house because they know that extra
belongings weigh them down and make them feel overwhelmed and stressed out.
Some studies have concluded that Europeans are a lot happier than Americans
are, which is interesting because they live in smaller homes, drive simpler cars,
and own fewer items.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">20.
Tell the truth.</span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lying
stresses you out, corrodes your self-esteem, and makes you unlikable. The
truth will set you free. Being honest improves your mental health and builds
others’ trust in you. Always be truthful, and never apologize for it.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">21.
Establish personal control.</span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Happy
people have the ability to choose their own destinies. They don’t let others
tell them how they should live their lives. Being in complete control of one’s
own life brings positive feelings and a great sense of self-worth.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">22.
Accept what cannot be changed.</span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Once
you accept the fact that life is not fair, you’ll be more at peace with
yourself. Instead of obsessing over how unfair life is, just focus on what you
can control and change it for the better.<br />
<br />
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8954200457620478165.post-83951499146928540112018-05-08T09:14:00.000+03:002018-07-11T11:41:47.903+03:00Coara - The First Lebanese Vegan Restaurant<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/RYsxlmywZ2I/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RYsxlmywZ2I?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
Good news folks, the Mouneh book has been published again, this time with Interlink publishers in the US. The books traveled on a boat to arrive to Lebanon (only 1000 copies available). I am waiting for the clearance to get them out there. Very exciting! They will be available at Librairie Antoine in all branches. Also planning a book signing soon.. (more about that soon...). This video has just been produced by Slow Food Beirut to highlight the work of these good people, who are in the book (section Feb - citrus). Learn about them and go eat at their restaurant. It's one of a kind. You will leave with a certain kind of peace.<br />
<br />
About the short film:<br />
<br />
Walid and Maysoon Nasserdin opened the first Lebanese vegan restaurant
in Lebanon serving healthy vegan and bio food in an authentic green
atmosphere. Coara sits on a hillside in the heart of the Chouf
mountains, in a village called Kfar Katra, overlooking the land which
they nurture to grow their precious ingredients. For decades, the couple
have put their love into every single dish to create a beautiful and
unique concept based on Lebanese food heritage.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzDD9S58UgcOwspVfZwrR5rRydrqH3eywtqhAyTK_cRdr5ejjwbincI6VrNOSorvFwzcQiA5SeAM2xRFqnw0b458B5450fXQaHwubJ-R-3dmvnWduDUpIvRfYQ1VzhkBXWLnDJRoO-ZLTZ/s1600/coara+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="948" data-original-width="671" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzDD9S58UgcOwspVfZwrR5rRydrqH3eywtqhAyTK_cRdr5ejjwbincI6VrNOSorvFwzcQiA5SeAM2xRFqnw0b458B5450fXQaHwubJ-R-3dmvnWduDUpIvRfYQ1VzhkBXWLnDJRoO-ZLTZ/s640/coara+2.png" width="451" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8954200457620478165.post-68623016380181241632017-10-10T10:26:00.001+03:002018-07-11T11:44:52.025+03:00For the Love of Thyme: The Man who Cultivates Lebanon's Wild Herb<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDzfK1emFLp6Mrf0A1uIRh4uHk0mDng2KGcENsjtX-zmefkQtcqmjuFZO98v41pQwN7lXdQxZCPEBVhqvJ27F1ItQFJ5Qezf92pn_sRra-Nt28acTCSBtpXCY_45vPP2zb_W5toA-RrMB/s1600/poster+zaatar.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="835" data-original-width="594" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDzfK1emFLp6Mrf0A1uIRh4uHk0mDng2KGcENsjtX-zmefkQtcqmjuFZO98v41pQwN7lXdQxZCPEBVhqvJ27F1ItQFJ5Qezf92pn_sRra-Nt28acTCSBtpXCY_45vPP2zb_W5toA-RrMB/s640/poster+zaatar.png" width="454" /></a><br />
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Mohammad Ali Neimeh, better known as Abu Kassem’s life revolves around
zaatar, the wild thyme of Lebanon. During the Israeli occupation of
South Lebanon, he needed to change the way thyme grows, out of fear he
would be shot or shelled trying to get to his plants. The changes that
he implemented have seen huge changes in the way that thyme is grown now
in Lebanon. This is his story. </div>
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Please watch this beautiful short film uploaded on our website www.slowfoodbeirut, generously donated by <a class="profileLink" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=514380494&extragetparams=%7B%22fref%22%3A%22mentions%22%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/nay.aoun?fref=mentions">Nay Aoun</a>.We, as Lebanese, are proud of our zaatar and Abou Cassem in an example of why. Let us know what you think and please share.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8954200457620478165.post-63974419413683261022017-10-08T11:37:00.000+03:002017-10-08T11:40:29.452+03:0020 Women Changemakers: Taking Action Around the World<br />
So honored to be part of this great book, <b>20 Women Changemakers: Taking Action Around the World</b>, published in the USA. I
believe women play a great role in our society and have the power
to bring about fundamental changes. Read the interview I had with <a class="profileLink" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=1032552549&extragetparams=%7B%22fref%22%3A%22mentions%22%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/pamela.burke.509?fref=mentions">Pamela Burke</a>, the woman behind this great initiative who went to great lengths to gather these stories. <a data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}" data-lynx-mode="async" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thewomenseye.com%2F2015%2F10%2F06%2Finterview-photographer-chef-barbara-massaad-author-soup-for-syria%2F&h=ATPOWaklO2aWzVLzmDt8LkqZfvR-iE7ktjPXXlEtguXGjm3pR4aDBJskHjX92IXFPgukGpEoLHfDrqG29PPTreFR0PkJgqb99Uef7fPGaZrVqWJDppeCXB1eEO65ZLxrm3kPrWTuTLyPzMGGFF03OWZkr3Lk9dQASkvOpP1FDl3Fzn3idPfMC9n9GUvdHyXCPFs3qjFG28uXs6inH4XyW4MHTkWs0Z_tWqQYzYhPHlpwr-5mpLtqrxIlZJeZrfK9z8FUAYLPTm7WCH9xKITT6zZ0gcJzrNVVYWk" href="http://www.thewomenseye.com/2015/10/06/interview-photographer-chef-barbara-massaad-author-soup-for-syria/" target="_blank">http://www.thewomenseye.com/…/interview-photographer-chef-…/</a>
. To all my friends in the US and around the world, please order the
book, it inspired me so much to read about women who have created
projects around the world to help others. To order: <a data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}" data-lynx-mode="async" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2F20-Women-Changemakers-Taking-Action%2Fdp%2F0997705450%2Fref%3Dsr_1_1%3Fs%3Dbooks%26ie%3DUTF8%26qid%3D1507449813%26sr%3D1-1%26keywords%3Dthe%2Bwomen%2527s%2Beye%2Bpamela%2Bburke&h=ATNE2ll_0-N40iFEhQNVkkrUrubtWxBf1Kg0xyJWlyAKghM5SYnPbpL8SDkwOyeZHTjAPznOfQJVAzxPBM6HteiKFislGY9YCEfbg8zWWgqCpf6GRTFNl3Zimqi7CQasqso1Ql4aFGn0ODBVatZ0-uAWXGy_GaV2ZMbXrIjS6yZiwAOvblDmhwpVE4dQVRWmC1yToeZaKzSLThSVgpPVEaoR_pV4WMJFwYPkFrxB5SJkWV43erkuHYjznKR8SspZYBixvD44McmY9nsj7Kmp4fzzjlxoMgVZACo" href="https://www.amazon.com/20-Women-Changemakers-Taking-Action/dp/0997705450/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1507449813&sr=1-1&keywords=the+women%27s+eye+pamela+burke" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/20-Women-Changemakers-…/…/ref=sr_1_1…</a> To learn more: <a data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}" data-lynx-mode="async" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thewomenseye.com%2F&h=ATNBXBkRwcX1A8LhjQdiTq98TNm3ohVxdoFiBePjp-U0CYY3k12V_AVXSdxmcT-N53t4IlmjhtBBHWOB8MzsxBcOnYS5f1gk2bV6bguvbhMiz4CLJaj2ZeCFd1lqyoNBbJNOLSoBoFs1qG3CA0fq8kh6EK7Adg0ExPrCvkw6OonDx-O6_rpXTLwCVj9TAFUcMjHCGFNrjShBRnpJj5LQJugZNn5Y14pRSUwvDGVYmhNhq9YY6r1gzZbeGOcbMyXAsqu0TjQBhRUocc0LsOiU0aFg2aDQQth70Kc" href="http://www.thewomenseye.com/" target="_blank">http://www.thewomenseye.com/</a><br />
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Follow the Women's Eye on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheWomensEye/" target="_blank">Facebook</a></div>
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A wonderful review from Midwest Book Review:</div>
This inspirational
anthology should be a 'must' acquisition for any collection strong in
women's issues, social change, and social justice. There's simply
nothing like it on the market: 20 Women Changemakers moves far beyond
biography and into the nuts and bolts of how ordinary individuals can
make a difference.<br />
—D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review <a data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}" data-lynx-mode="async" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thewomenseye.com%2F20-women-changemakers%2F&h=ATPxT22O6s56m687CPVVMPG6mDO5bo14eph1_SPfiseRRuE_JlcD3bIh_ZjrrnGW_ho3oo8r8rqRff7FYGmMPYx86gBZk2riQSznuqYIVYi399MiMseBlXPGir6UA9iEI6gaXa97Px6SnuvO5xJidFg1tZ5qUMZJTl1n97nvpgbKzcHf9aL_2rl8w7snCOGkGpoj0Y2a_in0eKknTw_ncgjGqDrUcpxzzned_LphNWPBQqVkRszp9dhAve3D6Ypn12yFylDFg3aPlWETjQvV65PtdfXhfLhagPfeZz5R" href="http://www.thewomenseye.com/20-women-changemakers/" target="_blank">http://www.thewomenseye.com/20-women-changemakers/</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8954200457620478165.post-3552227899867600572017-10-06T11:08:00.000+03:002017-10-06T11:08:17.208+03:00Boutique Wines and 209 Lebanese Wine<div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Very interesting article about 209lebanesewine and boutique wines in Lebanon. <a class="profileLink" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=899395620&extragetparams=%7B%22fref%22%3A%22mentions%22%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/syasmine?fref=mentions">Selim Yasmine</a>
is a good friend. We have been touring wineries in Lebanon for months
and have discovered many amazing varieties, including the good people
who work with passion to make the wine in different regions in Lebanon.
Many lessons of life were learned, including lessons in wine tasting and
appreciation. We continue the tour beginning of January to reach all
wineries to build a strong relationship with each and everyone of them
to better promote their work and our Lebanese wine heritage. <a href="http://www.dailystar.com.lb/Life/Lubnan/2017/Oct-03/421288-online-distributor-spreads-boutique-lebanese-wines.ashx#.WdNZV5abM5g.facebook" target="_blank"> Online Distributor Spreads Boutique Lebanese Wines</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Watch Maher Harb of Sept Winery: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BWQE5fUDRby/?taken-by=barbaramassaad" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/p/BWQE5fUDRby/?taken-by=barbaramassaad</a></span></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy9dj5jYLQxyCk4Y9hbmyOJunugx_NoHjRe7zBsu731WS-JHIuBbQGAiVHICf97O0JljBCiNqhzgsStTwXA3FaAV-p_3kpPC1xCaEXXhpu4tS6VejsGQsqPNZifo1PfinpJAKmyj1i_5KH/s1600/selim+and+maher.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy9dj5jYLQxyCk4Y9hbmyOJunugx_NoHjRe7zBsu731WS-JHIuBbQGAiVHICf97O0JljBCiNqhzgsStTwXA3FaAV-p_3kpPC1xCaEXXhpu4tS6VejsGQsqPNZifo1PfinpJAKmyj1i_5KH/s400/selim+and+maher.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maher Harb and Selim Yasmine </td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8954200457620478165.post-87641791645291247672017-09-11T14:12:00.001+03:002017-09-11T14:17:14.591+03:00Lebanese Spices<div style="text-align: left;">
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Stocking up on spices is imperative when you want to cook Lebanese food. I have gathered a list of spices which can be used in the recipes that will follow. Copy the list on your phone and go out there to find the freshest spices available in the market. I usually do this exercise once a year at a local mill in the Bekaa Valley or another one in the Kesserouan. If that's too difficult for you, most supermarkets carry a wide range of spices, carefully wrapped to keep them fresh. I bring them home and put them into clean jars. I label every jar to have them on hand when the pressure is on with my cooking. They have to be easy to find and accessible to you. When using, don't forget to close the lids as soon as possible, very tightly. Use only dry spoons, a slightly wet spoon will infect the spices, also steam. Be careful! </div>
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Keep all spices away from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat. The best place to store your spices in the kitchen is on the right or left of your cooking station. When using, put them on the counter and measure. </div>
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If you have a mortar and pestle or an electric coffee grinder, you can buy most spices whole and grind them yourself. This will ensure maximum flavors. Old spices should be discarded. I hate throwing spices, especially those I buy on trips around the world BUT there is an expiration date that should be respected. Some spices, which I have never used, I keep for memory sake. So I don't consider them spices anymore but scented souvenirs.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCaj63BSpshSmCTEXDrhH_Pu-UhZzayY-g0XzR_is9MKVkws7VOlpvwC9nBgc5t4DQD6SR-mFJy8MKLJiupc3DfiVDwMN08rIlmRM15I820utE6jHpPLv4_32m6dCvFQUiKOM92dJ9Sp30/s1600/IMG_9776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCaj63BSpshSmCTEXDrhH_Pu-UhZzayY-g0XzR_is9MKVkws7VOlpvwC9nBgc5t4DQD6SR-mFJy8MKLJiupc3DfiVDwMN08rIlmRM15I820utE6jHpPLv4_32m6dCvFQUiKOM92dJ9Sp30/s400/IMG_9776.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buying spices at the local mill </td></tr>
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<b>The list:</b></div>
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Aleppo red pepper ground</li>
<li>red pepper mild ground</li>
<li>red pepper hot ground </li>
<li>hot chili peppers whole dried</li>
<li>cinnamon ground</li>
<li>cinnamon sticks</li>
<li>bay leaves</li>
<li>oregano ground (substitute with zaatar) </li>
<li>sweet pepper whole</li>
<li>sweet pepper ground / also called in the US Jamaica or allspice</li>
<li>white pepper ground</li>
<li>black pepper whole (get a pepper mill that you love!)</li>
<li>black pepper ground</li>
<li>cardamon whole</li>
<li>cardamon ground</li>
<li>nutmeg whole</li>
<li>nutmeg ground</li>
<li>cloves whole</li>
<li>cloves ground</li>
<li>cumin seeds</li>
<li>cumin ground</li>
<li>ginger ground</li>
<li>mint ground dried</li>
<li>sumac ground</li>
<li>7-spices ground (or make your own)</li>
<li>mahlab whole</li>
<li>mahlab ground</li>
<li>anis seeds</li>
<li>anis seeds ground</li>
<li>turmeric</li>
<li>mastic</li>
</ul>
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I'm sure I forgot some names of spices, I will add them as I remember them. But, this is certainly a great start! Let me know if you have questions. Next post, I will list the pantry essentials. A favorite topic of mine, as you know. I dedicated a whole book on the subject. Book was published in 2010. Very excited about the new fall release coming out in the USA with Interlink publishers. You can <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mouneh-Preserving-Foods-Lebanese-Pantry/dp/1566560365/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1505127222&sr=1-1&keywords=mouneh" target="_blank">pre-order</a>, if you like. The book was completely out of stock. Not one copy left!</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8954200457620478165.post-28453987969356700072017-09-04T13:57:00.004+03:002017-09-04T13:59:17.300+03:00Lebanese Cuisine 101<br />
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Are you seriously interested in learning about Lebanese cuisine?<br />
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I will take you through the process as I go through the repertoire one recipe at a time...<br />
<br />
Why? because I intend to do a book on the subject one day. I want to share the ingredients, methods of preparations, and tips as you cook, bake, or mix a fresh salad. I believe we can all go through recipes collections through the internet or by simply buying a cookbook. Yet, we miss out on a very important step — the process and how we feel when we are doing the actual recipe, what we taste, and how we express these happenings. My aim: Out-of-the-box notions to learn a new cuisine, like a new language. You have to live the experience.<br />
<br />
A few years ago, I fell in love with the Italian language. Obviously you know why this happened... You don't! Well all my trips to Italy with Slow Food events, meeting so many Italians and falling in love with the food culture of Italy was what triggered my desire. I took a course through a program given by the Italian embassy in Beirut and I can tell you that I failed miserably. The teacher treated us like kinder garden children, screaming out grammar rules. She completely set my brain into neutral. I am giving you this experience as an example of how learning should not be undertaken if you have a passion for a certain subject.<br />
<br />
<b>Conclusion:</b> You have to live the learning process with all your senses. Capiche?<br />
<br />
I will try to give you that experience and let you do the rest....<br />
<br />
Will also tell you about the wines of Lebanon, as I pair the food with the wine, including Arak of course... I will discuss the ingredients, where I got them, who makes them, etc... Will simultaneously feed the <a href="http://www.slowfoodbeirut.com/" target="_blank">Slow Food Beirut </a>website as I am undertaking this challenge. Oh yes, and the wine tour continues with <a href="http://www.209lebanesewine.com/" target="_blank">209lebanesewine.com </a>to meet these extraordinary people who put Lebanese wine on the wine world map.<br />
<br />
Are you ready?<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2Beirut, Lebanon33.8937913 35.50177669999993733.8410668 35.421095699999938 33.946515799999993 35.582457699999935tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8954200457620478165.post-1098874400093834172017-07-09T21:25:00.000+03:002020-03-29T10:04:50.760+03:00I'm Back to Blogging ...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Did you miss me?<br />
<br />
<br />I've been really busy, but all good... Part of growing, evolving, continuing my path. You work hard, you get results. You wish for things and sometimes they actually do come true (stars are aligned to meet your goals in a given time - It's always about timing!).<br /><br />Today I am finally settled in our mountain house after a hectic winter. The good thing about this winter is that I met a wonderful person, Selim Yasmine, who founded a company called www.209lebanesewine.com. I called him, not knowing him, and suggested we go on a tour to visit all the wineries of Lebanon. He agreed, and the journey started. We got along very well, as we are both very passionate about the subject. Since then, it's been quite an adventure. I am learning so much, meeting amazing people and discovering the wines of my country.<br />
So I have set another goal for myself: that is to work on educating people of my country about wine and terroir, while I learn simultaneously myself. (I don't and won't pretend to be a connoisseur, but definitely, one who appreciates the experience of wine tasting and luckily I have a developed a palate with all my food experiences and travels, so this has helped to elevate my wine tasting experience).<br />
About books: I have published four books so far: The journey started with Manoushe! The book is doing very well. It was published in the USA with Interlink publishers (4th edition to date). It is now available in soft copy too... The Mouneh book ran out of stock in Lebanon. Not one copy is available in the market, luckily Interlink publishers will publish the book in fall 2017 in the USA. A limited amount will be sent to Lebanon so if you don't have your copy, I suggest you pre-order it as I have had so many demands for it. Funny how people suddenly want and need the book when it is not available... Good for me though! Mezze is still on sale in Lebanon, readers who understood it's message absolutely love it! And those who wanted photography with the recipes (a bowl of hummus facing the recipe) do not really have a clue as to what I was trying to do ... that's OK. You can't please everyone all the time. It's not really my aim anyway. My aim is to portray Lebanese food, my way!(does it sound pretentious?). This is what distinguishes one author from the other and each one has his / her vision of the subject. Last but certainly not least, Soup for Syria has been a great success worldwide, thanks to the unbeatable efforts of Michel Moushabeck, my publisher. The book is now published in 5 countries: US, UK, Netherlands, Italy, Germany, and in fall 2017 will be in Portugal and Turkey. All proceeds go to help relief funds to help refugees. The book has it's own life. It's like a baby that grew and flew .... This experience has helped me to grow as a person and with that become an activist for human rights.<br />
<br />About Slow Food: I have been an active member since 2006. It all started when a delegation of 30 Lebanese producers, farmers, food writers, university professors, restaurateurs flew to Torino to take part in the Salone del Gusto / Terra Madre exposition. It changed my life! Today I am acting president of Slow Food Beirut presently. It has not been easy, but definitely a challenge. A website was created and that's when everything fell into place. I took part in documenting the lost cheeses of the Lebanese mountain: Darfieh and Serdeleh, also know as Anbaris. I met a wonderful local film maker, Nay Aoun, who is very passionate about her work and she has generously shared her films with us dealing with food producers. Pascale Hares, Ludwig Archache, Julia Samaha and many others worked hard to develop the website (it's like working on a book!). The work on the website will continue constantly with new films, a repertoire of all farmers, producers, winemakers in different regions of Lebanon. A recipe section will be uploaded as I start my 101 Lebanese cuisine documentation with photos and videos. I have asked my friend Danny Elsoury, who worked for a few years in India as an executive chef in a Lebanese restaurant called Zizo to help me develop the recipes to share with all visitors to the website. New plans are developing for Slow Food Beirut. I will keep you posted as they evolve.<br />About Food Consulting: It all started when a local business man called me to ask me to consult for him to open a bakery in Beirut. I was very reluctant, as I had never done this kind of job. He insisted and would not take no for an answer. So I agreed! Today, I am so grateful to him because it opened many job opportunities for me and gave me the experience I needed to take on other jobs. Later, I went on to consult for a terrific team in Seattle, Washington for a grand project called Mamnoon. I spent a month with the family and the executive chef cooking every day. On Sunday, I would escape to the Pike Market to have clam chowder soup and visit independent bookshops. My children during this time went to a summer camp on the island of St. John. One day, a friend saw a photo on Facebook I had posted of a Lebanese restaurant in Lisbon. He called me immediately and thus started our Muito Bey adventure. I trained the kitchen crew and learned so many lessons of life in the process. Many other adventures have been developing, and this is where I think I am headed for now. I will teach what I have researched for so many years and give the best I can to make Lebanese food flourish in Lebanon and in faraway lands and make food entrepreneurs make their dream come true.<br /><br />
In a nutshell: It's about being inspired, inspiring others to cherish the simple things of life: family, friendship, books, food, wine, travel and much more... I hope you stick around.<br />
<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4Beirut, Lebanon33.8937913 35.50177669999993733.840781799999995 35.420752699999937 33.9468008 35.582800699999936tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8954200457620478165.post-15709724304674143092016-01-24T17:23:00.001+02:002016-02-10T14:53:38.402+02:00In Spite of....<br />
<b>In spite of...</b><br />
<br />
1.<a href="https://www.dailystar.com.lb/Arts-and-Ent/Culture/2016/Jan-20/332867-leila-alaoui-storyteller-and-artist.ashx" target="_blank"> losing a friend to terrorism</a>, my dear Leila... we had unfinished business together. You were suppose to continue guiding my daughter as she starts her artistic path as you have beautifully done. We were suppose to cook together. I was suppose to see you barefoot and pregnant. I wanted to continue to tell you about the joy of being a mother and to show you that this would be the ultimate adventure you seek in your life... The fruit of your love with Nabil, your beloved. There were so many things I wanted to share....You left too soon...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-WJCPPRxtUOG_Eh9qfvJXfobpiVnV_r5BGZFxv0p4QlqPnIIhnUR9STYDi90qmo-KO3rvT_2FcH_ukbRcL-51X403PXltnS0WErtjLI02vj18NJPUpSbqh0s2Fk-XQQKAvbpdRsgCTkww/s1600/leila.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-WJCPPRxtUOG_Eh9qfvJXfobpiVnV_r5BGZFxv0p4QlqPnIIhnUR9STYDi90qmo-KO3rvT_2FcH_ukbRcL-51X403PXltnS0WErtjLI02vj18NJPUpSbqh0s2Fk-XQQKAvbpdRsgCTkww/s400/leila.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is my favorite picture of you, it shows your inner beauty</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
2. living through the beginning of what psychologists call "the empty nest syndrome" , where a child leaves the nest to go and study abroad. Slowly but surely all are heading towards their chosen paths far from us.<br />
<br />
3. living with the fact that our parents are getting older and more fragile. <br />
<br />
3. seeing my beloved country go to hell literary and not being able to do a single thing about it...<br />
<br />
4. watching injustices occur to people around me every day. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>In spite of that.</b>.. I will continue to capture the beauty of life, to cook, and to try to help those around me... I may disappear one day soon (as Leila has) or in a long time and live to become an old woman.<br />
<br />
It is God's will or as they say "maktoob". <br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8954200457620478165.post-39328583071945131142016-01-24T16:49:00.000+02:002016-01-24T16:54:13.326+02:00Allahu Akbar - Ave Maria - Tania Kassis live at l'Olympia Official Video<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/xCl0fCF5up8/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xCl0fCF5up8?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
This is a beautiful interpretation of Ave Maria sung by Lebanese artist called Tania Kassis. What makes it so memorable is the Allahu Akbar incorporated into the song. It makes me believe that there could be hope somehow. Just listen to it, it will make you feel good despite all the mess and hatred in the world.<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8954200457620478165.post-66965455176126500912016-01-04T16:24:00.004+02:002016-01-04T19:12:06.297+02:002015 Gone / 2016 Resolutions<div class="bq_fq bq_fq_lrg qt-fnt bq-smpl-qt" data-sai-includehighlight="true">
<div class="qt_107111">
<span style="font-size: large;">The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes. <span style="font-size: x-small;">Marcel Proust </span></span></div>
<div class="bq_fq_a">
<br /></div>
<div class="bq_fq_a">
It was a tough year! Living in Lebanon has taken a toll on my health and on my mind. Luckily, I was able to travel extensively and completely disconnect myself from the chaos (the garbage, the corruption, the political instability, the lack of civic respect among Lebanese....). The list is long but it's not my place to criticize, as I have always been a person that strives to keep a positive image of my country. It is getting harder and harder... In light of the mess, in my head, building up into a volcano wanting to erupt. I have come up with one solution to save myself. </div>
<div class="bq_fq_a">
<br /></div>
<div class="bq_fq_a">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>DISCONNECT.</b></span></div>
<div class="bq_fq_a">
<br /></div>
<div class="bq_fq_a">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZ39wheh88y2iY5Ijzmj6HQE_pmz-y0zSAoDLUc3jOih8GrNCSmgoDOTF-jriG42UyrtY5GR7KQMrINtosSLU7rbcxV3Ej8jg0oY-7tdkWxfD0tJXjFIXB7n1yIj7n-r1fQBDoC-GftV-/s1600/IMG_3664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZ39wheh88y2iY5Ijzmj6HQE_pmz-y0zSAoDLUc3jOih8GrNCSmgoDOTF-jriG42UyrtY5GR7KQMrINtosSLU7rbcxV3Ej8jg0oY-7tdkWxfD0tJXjFIXB7n1yIj7n-r1fQBDoC-GftV-/s640/IMG_3664.JPG" width="640" /></a><b> </b></div>
<div class="bq_fq_a">
<b> </b>I will build ....</div>
<div class="bq_fq_a">
<br /></div>
<div class="bq_fq_a">
1. Book ( #5)</div>
<div class="bq_fq_a">
2. Cook (A lot)</div>
<div class="bq_fq_a">
3. Teach ( A lot)</div>
<div class="bq_fq_a">
4. Give (A lot)</div>
<div class="bq_fq_a">
5. Travel (As much as possible)</div>
<div class="bq_fq_a">
6. Plant seeds (Foods of my country in other lands)</div>
<div class="bq_fq_a">
<br /></div>
<div class="bq_fq_a">
</div>
<div class="bq_fq_a">
... until I can find a solution to find peace.<b><span style="font-size: large;"></span></b><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="bq_fq_a">
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8954200457620478165.post-25642830789228524822016-01-04T15:49:00.000+02:002016-01-04T15:51:00.397+02:00Soup for Syria on CNN<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://cnn.it/1Q2edYE">Read More </a></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">http://edition.cnn.com/videos/tv/2015/11/02/iyw-soup-for-syria.cnn<br />
<br />
Barbara Massaad: A recipe for Syria refugee relief @CNNI<br />
Food writer and photographer Barbara Massaad creates a novel way to help Syrian
refugees.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8954200457620478165.post-17597303577619650782016-01-04T15:36:00.001+02:002016-01-04T16:27:08.367+02:00 Motto / Makan's Top 10 Moments 2015 Joining the Motto / Makan team was a big highlight of my year. I will continue to cook there. It's the most obvious choice. I have a restaurant experience when I want and don't have one when I don't want to. This enables me to do so many more things in my life. Of course, they are all related to food but they take on many facets: Slow Food Beirut activities, giving workshops at Kitchen Lab, writing books, giving of myself to others who are in need and being close to my family. <br />
<br />
Motto / Makan's Top 10 Moments 2015<br />
<br />
<b>3. Barbara Enters The Scene</b><br />
Barbara entered our lives one sunny day when she came for lunch at
Motto. Little did we know how much impact she would have! Barbara
inspired us to join the Slow Food movement, helped us design Makan as a
foodie space, and cooked <a href="https://mottorestaurant.wordpress.com/2015/10/09/barbara-massaad-a-chef-on-a-mission/">sumptuous meals</a>
from her many cookbooks. She’s kept us busy with her boundless energy
and inspired us to great things. We love having her in the family!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_MSItIlXa60GJSNI3isLnM8alL6L0dTA3skek1s6jXGEsPazUcwEAsv0nqLlqIRG1ifl1Fakh1ceQFH1PtUxxtPy5n1IWaVQIRbpO9sbe6dlzF6T55_Ws_IexC9t09nAUu5EOjNsZKdl0/s1600/soup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_MSItIlXa60GJSNI3isLnM8alL6L0dTA3skek1s6jXGEsPazUcwEAsv0nqLlqIRG1ifl1Fakh1ceQFH1PtUxxtPy5n1IWaVQIRbpO9sbe6dlzF6T55_Ws_IexC9t09nAUu5EOjNsZKdl0/s320/soup.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Motto sharing my latest book - Soup for Syria</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://mottorestaurant.wordpress.com/2015/12/28/motto-makans-top-10-moments-of-2015/" target="_blank">Read more</a> ...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0