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Earthquakes, Borek, & a Relaxing Seaside Breakfast
A few days ago we had our third wobble here in Fethiye in the last few months. It was a little less intense than the last one, nevertheless discomforting. I didn’t feel the (first one to me) that...
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My Recipe for Pomegranate, Pistachio & Goat Cheese Crostini in the Costco...
I’m excited to share that a new recipe I’ve created will be featured in this Winter issue of The Costco Connection in the US, the UK and Canada. If you’re a member like me, you’ll get a copy in the...
View ArticleAmerican Medina: Stories of Muslim Chicago Oral History Project
Last September I had the pleasure and absolute honor of being interviewed by Mona Askar for the Chicago History Museum American Medina: Stories of Muslim Chicago Oral History Project. The oral...
View ArticleBourdain and Beyond at the New York Times Food Festival
I’m currently watching this…. There are many greats involved in this talk: Kim Severson, National Food Correspondent at the New York Times; Andrew Zimmern of Bizarre Foods (and a little mention of his...
View ArticleA List of Top 10 Halal Restaurants in the US is on Thrillist
There are many delicious halal restaurants popping up all over the U.S., but when I was asked to pick my new favorite, I chose a #Chicago restaurant I thoroughly enjoyed for its uniqueness and because...
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Citrus Season on the Aegean Coast of Turkey
It’s citrus season in southern Turkey and the entire region is overflowing with oranges, lemons and tangerines. As I walk to the local market to purchase my own, I can see trees in my neighborhood...
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Dried Persimmons are Your Next New Dessert
As I peruse the Fethiye markets, I don’t even have to look too far before finding something I’ve never seen before from the same vendors. Tuesday Pazar in Fethiye, Turkey Usually, it’s something from...
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Black Seed & Honey: Are You Taking Advantage of This Powerful Combination?
I can remember being interested in health foods as far back as when I was in my early teens. I was simply drawn to those sections of magazines that talked about how to make your own face scrubs or spa...
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How My Cooking Challenges in Turkey Have Awakened my True Inner Chef
Self empowerment is defined as an individual being “in control of his or her life and views the trials they face in life in a positive way. It’s also about building self-esteem and confidence.” This...
View ArticleWhat the Japanese Get Right About School Lunches
I’ve watched with great interest several different videos about Japanese school lunches over the years and it never ceases to amaze me how organized, efficient and clean these schools teach the...
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My Interview with TheKitchn
Seems like it was just yesterday I had this photo shoot and interview with The Kitchn. I remember that day so clearly- a photo session at Lincoln Park farmers market, then back to my kitchen to prep...
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Adventures in Turkish Eating: Anatolia- A Gorgeous Cookbook Giveaway
I have so many cookbooks in my culinary library, which has helped shape my cooking and my inspiration for many meals over the years. In recent years, however, I’ve been trying to dig deeper into...
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Sponsored: Chickpea Masala Giveaway by Saffron Road Foods
We’re all in this global pandemic together, sharing ideas and inspiration for ways to be healthy while quarantined, ways to share what we have and pivoting towards new ways of doing things all the same...
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Keeping Warm, French Style
This winter, I’ve snuggled up to more than my fair share of Julia Child cookbooks and DVDs of her cooking shows, “The French Chef”. So far I’ve seen countless hours of her slapping dough around to make...
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Chocolate 101
Last year I had the great pleasure of meeting Chicago-based chocolatier, Uzma Sharif, and tasting her truly exotic and unique chocolates. She describes herself as “carrying on a tradition that began...
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Saffron Road’s New Line of Vegeterian Entrees
You may have already heard about Saffron Road’s new vegetarian entrees, which are making quite a buzz on places like Facebook and Twitter. Vegetarians, vegans and those who are gluten-free are raving...
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How to Ripen Fresh Barhi Dates
During Ramadan, we all love our dates so much and typically lean towards the Medjool and Deglet Noor variety. Barhi dates such as those shown in the picture, are a special and very seasonal breed...
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How to Wash Mushrooms
In the wonderful summer season, don’t you crave grilled everything? Grilled meats, grilled vegetables, grilled fruit? There are so many interesting things to choose from at this time of year, and of...
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Super Quick Chicken Marinade
We’re all getting back to a more ‘normal’ routine after the month of fasting in Ramadan, which in my house actually means more cooking- or at least more need to be prepared for three meals a day...
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5 Inexpensive Beauty Products I Can’t Live Without In Winter
We are all pretty well aware that this has been our coldest winter or record. Polar Vortex, ChiBeria, Snowmageddon, whatever you call it, it doesn’t look like we’ll be forgetting this one any time...
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