Friday, June 10, 2011

Today in the Shouf

Two young male goats fighting
Shooting for Helwe wa Moora
I simply could not have this baby goat killed for the rennet demonstration
Life as a goat, simply wonderful!
Ezzat Majed, a dedicated goat herder
Over 500 hundred goats

Today in the Shouf, I visited Abla and Ezzat Majed to shoot my weekly program. We had discussed with Majed a full demonstration on the making of rennet, naturally using the stomach of a milking calf. As soon as he came with the kid, I grabbed the goat and decided that no way would I be part of this. I took the goat and felt that feeling, like one has when a mother gives birthan indescribable feeling of love for this animal. I almost took it home, but I pictured the miserable goat in an apartment in Beirut, longing for his mother. The feeling you get in nature with this herd of goats, away from man's pollution is incredible. I felt at peace during the whole day, as if I had taken a long vacation. I'm sharing this with you to let you know that "heaven" or the likes is not very far. It can be a few kilometers (miles) away. You just need to disconnect and remember how our forefathers lived, perhaps by visiting your local shepherd. I intend to put these wonderful people on a pedestal with my next book.
















Thursday, June 9, 2011

Green Responsible Tourism Program

Green Hand is taking initiatives to create very exciting tourism that I can certainly identify with. Here enclosed is their next journey. Join them if you can, it sounds like great fun.
Green Responsible Tourism Program
Launching of the Aacoub Trail on Sunday, June 19th, 2011
Aacoub Trail Program: (Aacoub Latin name: Gundelia Tournefortii)
8:00 Departure from Beirut meeting point in-front of AL-NAHAR building, Down Town.
8:40 Departure from Aley meeting point in-front of Green Hand Main office, Old Souk.

Ain Hercha (~ 100 km trip) expected arrival 10:00 am
-    Lebanese traditional breakfast delivered by the families of Ain Hercha (45 min time).
-    Soft to Medium round trip hike to Ain Hercha Romanian Temple (90 min time).
-    Spiritual visit to the nassek of Ain Hercha “Brother Naseeb” (60 min time).
Rachaya Al Wadi  (~7 km trip)
-    Independence fortress (30 min time).
-    Old souks (30 min time).
-    Craftsman – traditional and artistic stoves (30 min time).
Aiha  (~ 5 km trip)
-    Environmental Green Lunch. (90 min time).
-    Exhibition of traditional home made food items of the women’s cooperate in Aiha.

Estimated time for arrival, Aley: 6:00 pm and Beirut: 6:45 pm.

 The Aacoub Trail Needs:
1-   Walking Shoes, Hat, Sunglasses, Sun Screen, Extra Jacket or Flees.
2-   Bottle of Water.
3-   Camera.
4-   ID or Passport.
The Aacoub Trail Donation Cost:
40 USD, including: Guide, Transportation, Breakfast, Lunch and guided Aacoub visit.
For Reservation and Confirmation:
Deadline, Monday – June 13, 2011 by SMS on 03716344 or e-mail: info@greenhand.org.lb
Payment is requested to be delivered in cash to Green Hand Main Office in Aley by Wednesday, June 15, 2011 maximum, or by Western Union to Mrs Abir Kassis & through sending the code by sms to 03716344.
N.B.:
1-   Kids are allowed on parents own responsibility via the same donation cost. I spoke to Zaher to lower the price, he agreed for $30.
2-   Pets are not allowed.
3-   Friends that like to follow with their cars are welcomed via the same donation cost.
4-   Booking without payment will not be counted.
5-   Our trip does not include medical insurance.
Please Feel Free to Contact Us for any Further Inquiry:
Abir Kassis
03 716 344
Aley Meeting Point
Zaher Redwan
03 760 854
Beirut Meeting Point



Monday, June 6, 2011

Organic Bakery in Beirut

I'm always a sucker for trying new breads. Today I ordered through BioBox, the Lebanese organic e-market, a loaf of whole wheat bread from Lebanon's first organic bakery (to my knowledge). I have the loaf in front of me. It comes in a neat bag with a lot of information printed on the package. The bread is certified by IMC to be 100% organic. I open the bag and it smells great. . The loaf is medium - small, but for me...it's looks too perfect. I wanted something more rustic, but that's just me. It smells very sweet, according to the label the bread is sugar free - instead of sugar the bread recipe is produced with agave syrup (how much?). The price of the loaf is 6,500 LL. This is good option for those looking for an organic alternative. I, for one, cannot imagine not baking my weekly bread. It's part of who I am, what I want to be...what I want my children to remember when they leave the nest. I hope to find an organic wheat one day with a reasonable price so I can use it to make my loaves of bread.

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Barbara at the Fish Market Helwe w Morra



This report is special because it deals with foreign Chef Brody White, from Canada, coming and working in Lebanon after training in Paris - the result, delicious food and fine cuisine in a fine setting called Burgundy. The segment starts at the fish market at the port of Beirut where Brody and I meet early morning. It's exciting to watch the fishmongers sell their fish and display the wide array available. I appreciated the fact that Brody goes out of his way to learn about local products and recipes and integrates them in his cuisine when possible. His plates are beautifully presented and I was really amazed with the taste and different flavors. Many TV viewers have asked for the recipes mentioned in the segment. Chef Brody will send them to me very soon, therefore I shall post them asap for you to experiment.

Here it is, sent today ....can't wait to try my batch! Thanks Brody...


Pickled Market Vegetables

This recipe was developed in order to have a regular stock of great tasting vegetables year round.  I have been very fortunate to find some passionate people here in Lebanon producing and foraging fruits and vegetables.  Unfortunately, due to strict guidelines when using or abstaining completely from growth aids and pest control in vegetable production, the seasons become very short.  Pickling, as we know is a great way to extend the time frame a little bit, thus we can enjoy certain products in one form or another almost year round.   While staying true to our health strategies, we are adding flavor with a few “NO FAT” ingredients such as vinegar and time.

Pickled Organic Baby Beets

250ml  White wine or champagne vinegar
250ml   Regular white vinegar
500g    White sugar
2L        Filtered water
50g      Pickling spice mix
2kg      Cooked and peeled organic baby beets
(in the report, he mentions salt too - let's say about a tablespoon of sea salt)

2          Clean and sterilized large glass jars and appropriate sized lid

   Combine vinegars, sugar, salt and water and bring to a boil.
   Divide beets and spice mix into the two jars and cover with hot vinegar solution.
   Cover jars with lid and submerge entirely in boiling water for 30 minutes.
   Cool jars to room temperature then store in a cool dark place for at least one week before serving. 

This recipe can be used for any vegetable and even some unripe fruits by simply adapting to the required cooking times for each variety. 

Thursday, June 2, 2011

What is a Polyglot?

Wayne Parry spent a month in Beirut. He is an Australian polyglot, meaning he can speak several languages. I think he told me he can get by with eight - not bad! Wayne is on a global quest to write his book dealing with learning languages, essentially the 12 most important ones. He usually stays for about a week in different parts of the world, but with Lebanon it was different. He settled for a month and became very well accustomed to our Lebanese "way of life". He contacted me through my website. I responded, and the start of a beautiful friendship started. The best way to show Wayne Lebanon, I believe, was to take him on a FOOD tour. He has written some of his experiences on his travel blog. Check it out! As I write this, Wayne is on his way to Turkey, then he is heading to Russia, later to China and Japan. He is certainly a globe-trotter. I look forward to reading his amazing adventures when he publishes his book. I'll let you know when that happens. Here are a few pics I took of him.

Wayne amidst the goats of the Shouf
We have our theory on  goats, the gray ones are so friendly!
Contemplating the Lebanese nature at its best
Visiting a farm in Batloun
Goats are irresistible!
Razzouk and Wayne

Monday, May 30, 2011

Barbara Preparing Hrissé in Arsoun Helwe w Morra



Hisham, Nawal and their two boys really went out of their way to make this day special. I organized the next week, with a group of friends, a picnic with Cuisinette - Arsoun. It was a hit! Everyone was so delighted by their hospitality, their good food, and this sensational scenery. I invite you to join their fan page on facebook.

Maher helping to build the fire
The wheat is added to the stock
LBC crew in action
It's hard work to mix the wheat
The finished product
Nawal prepares a tabbouleh
Picnic in Arsoun
Nawal is very generous
A lovely picnic with a special family
Last but not least, a hot cup of Arabic coffee

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Barbara in Zghorta Preparing Kebbeh "Helwe w Morra"




I absolutely love Suzanne, why? because she flows with positive energy all the time. You can't help but squeeze her to death - she's so cute!!! Anyway, I've learned through all this experience that rarely do you find people who cook that are not sympatico! I say rarely because unfortunately a few exist. I won't go into that now. The goat herders and their family I met during this trip really touched me. Barbara, the little girl is very smart but unfortunately her and her siblings cannot go to school because they are not declared legally. They need our help. They are growing up without an education and I think that is a real shame. I will try to do my best to do something to help with the help of my friends Sarkis and Suzanne. I'll let you in on a little secret, "this is the best kebbeh nayeh in the world!" I'm sure you can tell how much I enjoyed it. I really love my job!

Here are the ingredients for Suzanne's kebbeh recipes:

Ingredients for the Kebbeh bi Sanniyeh:
for a 60 cm cooking tray

1 1/2 kg of meat (cow) - ask the butcher for "habra" ground twice! If you ground the meat at home, add 1/4 cup of ice cubes when turning the food processor.
4 1/2 cups of burgul (1 kg)
1 tsp of salt

for the filling:
1 large ground onion
1 1/2 tsp of 7-Spice mixture
2 tsp of salt

Ingredients for the Kebbeh Nayeh:
1 kg goat meat
1 cup of burghul
1 1/2 white pepper
1 ground onion
The best way to learn is to help out
Kebbeh bil saniyeh before it's cooked
The Doueihey family with my daughter Maria
Can you taste it??????
Shooting for the show
Love this romantic setting
Happiness
Thanks Michele! 

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