Quesadillas and Artichoke Salad.

Hello everybody.

I’m so sorry for the delay,I’m having trouble uploading,will rewrite the post again.

Today’s lunch is Mexican, chicken quesadillas are famous appetizers or even main dish,ate them a while ago at my uncle’s house,and been waiting for a chance to do them since then,

After a quick search and finding many different recipes,I made this one,they’re all basically the same, but I liked this cause they even have ingredients of the seasoning,better to use instead of ready ones. You can even keep them in a closed jar for later on.

Ingredients and method:

* 2 large finely chopped chicken breasts.

*1 finely chopped onion.

* 2 finely chopped garlic.

* finely chopped sweet colored peppers.

* grated sharp cheddar cheese.

* tortilla bread.

* seasoning : 3 tsp cornstarch,1 tsp salt,1 tsp sugar,1/2 tsp pepper,1 tsp paprika,1 tsp chili,1/2 tsp chili flakes,1 tsp garlic powder,1 tsp onion powder,1 envelope maggi powder ( optional)

mix well and keep in a well closed jar.

* heat some oil then add chicken,stir till dry.

* add 2 tsp of seasoning and mix well.

* add onions,garlic,peppers and simmer till done.

* grease oven pan.

* fill each tortilla in half,top with cheese then fold and sprinkle top and edges with a bit of water to seal.

* bake in a medium heated oven till golden and crisp on both sides.

* serve with sour cream or guacamole.

As for the salad:

*chop lettuce,cucumbers,mushrooms,cherry tomatoes,baby corns and slightly boiled artichokes.

* make dressing by mixing: mustard,honey,balsamic vinegar,pomegranate sauce,lemon juice,salt and olive oil and drizzle it on top.

Note: you can marinate artichokes in dressing for tastier flavor if you have time.

Harisseh or Basboussa. (Semolina Cake).

Hello everybody.

Many friends and family are asking me these days,aren’t you tired of cooking everyday? or even the most frequent question , Is that really you cooking or do you write down recipes from the internet???

Well,answers are, I’m not tired cause I don’t actually cook everyday ,most of the days to be exact,I sometimes make an extra salad or side dish when I have leftovers,or even make cookies or cake like today. As for the second question,I really want to emphasize that it’s me cooking,and I’ve never copied a picture or recipe from any website , and I do really hope that my readers are enjoying and benefiting from my recipes and articles.

Today I’m making a favorite sweet to many, specially my husband, Harisseh or Basboussa as some people name it cause yesterday we were visiting the lovely Odeh couple and the sweet auntie suggested i make it when I asked her what to do as sweets tomorrow,and of course hubby encouraged the idea!

I have many many different recipes for it,each time I try one, this time it’s Auntie Fozzieh’s Harisseh as written in my cookbook,she’s my husband’s beloved aunt,he says my auntie makes the best harisseh,hope mine will be as good as hers 😉

Ingredients and method:

* 2 cups coarse semolina.

* 1 cup sugar.

* 1 1/2 cups milk or half yogurt and one milk.

* 1/2 spoon sodium bicarbonate.

* 3 teaspoons baking powder.

* some butter for brushing the surface only.

* sugar syrup ( boil 3 cups of sugar with 1 1/2 cups water and a small spoon lemon juice,simmer till syrupy).

* Mix all ingredients very well preferably with your hands,then leave to rest and rise for 3-4 hours.

* brush deep oven pan with tahini or butter,add batter.

* brush butter on surface,you may decorate with nuts and coconut if you like.

* bake in a medium heated oven for 30 minutes or till edges are golden then toast the surface also.

* add cooled syrup on it while hot so as be be absorbed well.

* cut to squares and serve.

Now I’m waiting for the judge,fingers crossed !!

Fava Beans In Cooked Yogurt.-(فول باللبن)

Hello everybody.

Seems winter is coming back!!!

Woke up this morning to thunder and rain,though weather is very hot, typical Amman Spring .

Today’s dish is Syrian,we used to order it from the famous Syrian restaurant Jabri when having guests for dinner or or lunch,a specialty of his then I saw a Syrian chef doing it on T.V turned out to be an easy thing to do after all, and started doing it at home ever since.

Ingredients and method:

* 5-6 pieces of beef or lamp steaks .

* 1 big thinly sliced onion.

* 1 kg green fava beans.

* 1 kg Ewe yogurt (لبن نعاج).

* 3 big spoons cornflower.

* salt ,pepper,all spice.

* some cream or milk (optional).

* boil beans in salted water till tender.

* mix yogurt with cornstarch and 4 cups water with hand mixer very well,add salt and pepper then leave to boil and thicken,stir constantly.

* season beef then saute till brownish on both sides.

* add onions, cover and leave to simmer on low heat.

* remove water from beans and add them over meat .

* when yogurt is thick pour over meat and beans,add more spices if you like then leave to simmer all together on very low heat or in the oven for 1 hour.

* you can add cream or milk at the end.

* serve with white rice or alone.

Though kids don’t like it too much but I do think this is a very tasty dish, one of my favorites 😉

Enjoy.

Potato Kibbeh (كبه بطاطا )

Hello again.
My sweet niece is my guest for lunch today, we do have great time together. A truly lovely sweetheart.
Planned to do burgers and potato croquettes as a change for usual fries, actually prepared all ingredients and cooked potatoes, but the mix was so soft and I couldn’t make them at all though I added flour . My niece insisted to help but seems kind of potato is not suitable or they must dry very well before shaping.

Anyway a solution isn’t hard at all, took out some cooked minced meat from freezer and made them kibbeh 😉
Ingredients send method:
*2-4 large potatoes.
* cooked minced meat.
* breadcrumbs.
* butter
* salt, pepper and bit of nutmeg.

* boil potatoes in water till tender.
* mash them and add seasoning .
* add butter and cheese if you like.
* butter bottom of oven pan and sprinkle with breadcrumbs.
* spread half of potato mix.
* spread the meat.
*note: you can add some vegetables like corn, peas, mushroom .if you like of course.
* spread the other half of potatoes.
* sprinkle top with breadcrumbs and some butter slices.
* bake for 20-30 minutes then toast surface.
* serve with ketchup or salad.

Rice with Vegetables (Banan’s Rice)

Hello everybody.

Today I had the honor to cook for my big brother’s office colleagues. Each one of them hosts lunch each Sunday so I volunteered to cook in his turn. They’re a group of 20-24 plus the boss is coming today from abroad. Feedback was great thank God ♡
Though I ran a bit out of time and I think rice needed a bit more cooking
Well my bro sent me this photo in less than an hour after I delivered food.

Wiped out he wrote !!!!!

I got this rice recipe from our dear neighbor when I was a newlywed. Been doing it a lot specially when I have guests..that’s why it became my specialty Banan’s Rice my cousins always say.
I also made caramelized kebab sandwiches with tahini sauce and spiced potatoes. Dessert was basic orange cake and jam biscuits (مبروشه ).
I will post ingredients without specifying amounts cause today I cooked for a big crowd, you can measure according to number of people you’re cooking for. I’m ready for any question of course if anyone needs help.

Ingredients and method:
* large boned chicken pieces.
* basmati rice.
* vegetables include: peas, carrots, mushrooms, peppers and onions.
* raisins.
* almonds and pine nuts.
* ghee or margarine.
* curry powder, salt, pepper, paprika.
* bay leaves, cinnamon sticks and cardamom for chicken broth.

* first you clean and wash chicken pieces very well.
* make broth from wings backs and necks of chicken by boiling them with salt, pepper, all spice, cardamom, cinnamon, bay leaf plus 1 big spoon curry powder. When done sieve and use broth for cooking rice.
* add same seasoning to breasts and drumsticks with some olive oil and chopped onions and put in a medium heated oven for 2 hours or till tender and golden..also sprinkle them with curry and paprika.

* now prepare veggies, saute them alternatively ( except onions) with ghee starting with carrots then adding others always sprinkle with curry then add raisins last thing. You can add maggi cube with them, gives a really good flavor but for those who don’t like it add salt and spices. Leave to simmer on low heat.
* in another pan saute sliced onions in ghee then add a bit of broth and leave to simmer till tender.
* wash rice and season it with salt, pepper, all spice and curry powder.
* add to onions, mix all together then add broth till covering rice by 1 inch.
* cook rice and when almost all broth absorbed pour it over vegetables then leave all to cook together on very low heat till rice is done.
* you may need to add a bit more broth or water.
* roast almonds and pine nuts for decoration.
* upon serving turn vegetables and rice pan upside down in a big wide serving tray.
* arrange chicken pieces on top.
* decorate with almonds and pine nuts.

I know this might be a difficult dish with many steps but it’s always worth the hardship. ♡♥

always a success.

all veggies are sprinkled curry.

steps to cook the rice.

enjoy.

The One and Only: Chocolate Cake.

Hello again everybody.
Last night my dear friend living in USA asked us if we can go visit her mom here in Amman on the occasion of her birthday,,, a request I can’t but to do willingly and with big big love…cause Auntie Georgette is the sweetest most lovable person in the world..and all of us would do anything to make her happy.

Chocolate cake recipies are various..I think one of the most searched and favored all over the world. This is my first and most successful ever , I even remember took it from my English teacher in 9’th grade,, though I tried many other recipies but I always go back to this one.
Ingredients and method;
* 3 eggs.
* 1 1/2 cups sugar or 1/2 brown and 1 regular white.
* 1/2 cup vegetable oil.
* 3/4 cup yoghurt.
* 1/2 cup cocoa powder
* 1 tsp vanilla.
* 3 tsp baking powder.
* 1 1/2-2 cups flour.

* Beat eggs with vanilla till frothy.
* add all other ingredients gradually.
* add 1 1/2 cups flour then if the batter is too thin add the other half.
* bake in a medium heated oven for 30-35 minutes or till dry when checked with toothpick or knife.

Topping:
* 3 big spoons sugar.
* 3 big spoons powder milk.
* 4 big spoons cocoa.
* 1 big spoon cornflour or starch.
* 1 big spoon butter.
* 1/2 cup water.
* you can add some chocolate of any kind you like (optional).
* stir very well over a water bath then cover cake with it.

Hope you bake one and enjoy as much as we did..love you Um Nadim.♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥.

Old fashion meat and potato ( صينيه بطاطا )

When we were kids we used to run away or grumble when grandma cooked certain dishes…called it a grown ups meal. It’s funny that we crave them now, I’m sure cause of the memories they bring. Those were simple lovely days. (.الله يرحمك تيتى ام جعفر ).

Today I made meat and potatoes in the oven, you may add more vegetables like eggplants, courgettes, or tomatoes. I added mushrooms today cause kids love it.

Ingredients:
* big pieces lamb meat with bones.
* 1 big onion.
* 3-4 cloves garlic.
* green sweet pepper.
* 4 big potatoes cut to medium sized cubes.
* bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, salt, pepper and all spice.

Method:
* Rub meat with salt and pepper , heat some olive oil in a pan.add meat pieces , stir till brownish.
* Add one small onion, bay leaf, cinnamon stick , salt, pepper and all spice.
* Add water enough to cook meat .leave to boil till done.
* In a big oven tray, sautee sliced onions, garlic and sweet pepper till soft.
* Deep fry potato cubes then leave on paper towel to remove excess oil.
* Remove meat from broth,put them on top of onion mix.
* Arrange potatoes and other vegetables you’re using around.
*Add sieved meat broth and season with extra pepper and all spice as desired.
* Put it in the oven in low heat for 1 hour and roast it till potatoes are crispy.

Well gandma used to have big old fashion oven which makes these kinds of dishes extra delicious. Atually many people still use it till now. Excellent for baking and roasting.
* Serve it with white rice and simple salad.

A small plate of fresh fruits after lunch was a delightful dessert!!

Enjoy ♡♥♡♥

Noodles with vegetables and Spinach Tabouleh.

Hello everybody.

Today is the first day of school after winter break, back to order and routine at last.
Lunch must be ready on time, well today I had to go out so needed to cook something quick and easy to heat when kids come home.

Noodles with chicken and vegetables is a great option. I will cook it and boil noodles when we arrive home.
You need:
* 2 shredded chicken breasts marinated in ketchup, soy sauce, fresh grated ginger one big spoon of cornstarch and sugar.

* shredded vegetables. Today I have carrots, mushrooms, mixed colored sweet peppers, courgette, and green onions.
* ketchup, soy sauce, ginger.
* 1 pack noodles , spaghetti or rice noodles.
*sesame oil or vegetable oil.

Method:
*Heat the oil till hot, add chicken stir well till crispy and a sticky sauce is formed around it.
* Add the vegetables sprinkle with a spoonful of ketchup, soy sauce and ginger.mix well.
* leave to simmer till veggies are a bit tender.
* boil the noodles in salted water. Drain then also add ketchup, soy sauce, ginger and a little salt.
* Mix noodles with chicken and veggies before serving.

Salad today is tabbouleh but done with fresh spinach leaves instead of parsley.

*You wash and chop
spinach.
* Finley chop a small onion add to it,lemon juice, salt, pepper, olive oil.
* chopped tomato.
* a small cup fine burghul soaked in lemon juice and hot water till soft.
* mix all together before you eat..add lemon, salt, oil as preferable.

Enjoy ♡♥♡♥

Colorful healthy veggies!!

Winter season has it’s own veggies and fruits,these days one can find all different kinds all year long,but definitely they’re much tastier each in its time.

Today I made an old salad that my late grandfather used to love,actually a must on the table all winter time,very easy and very very healthy made of red reddish,parsley,lemon juice,salt and olive oil.Simply grate radishes after cleaning and removing stems ,chop parsley thenadd 1 big spoon lemon juice and 1 small spoon salt ,mix and serve.

Another winter vegetable is beet root,very nutritious and delicious.Boil them in water till tender,peel and cut to slices,then drizzle olive oil and (if you like) fresh orange juice,great healthy appetizer.

I also cooked fresh green Fava beans with olive oil. (فول بالزيت ) a traditional Syrian dish as appetizer or main dish specially with some fresh full fat yogurt.
Chop garlic and saute in olive oil till tender,add the beans,salt and pepper and mix.Keep on low heat till beans are done,then add the coriander .Serve with yogurt and pitta bread….

I always remember my sweet friend Rula when I make it,her favorite,first thing she asks for when she comes to Amman in vacations♡♥.

As for dessert….I made what we call Zainab fingers (اصابع زينب ).or as some people say Tweitat (تويتات )……don’t ask me who called them these names. …have no clue:)

This recipe I got from mom….a bit different from the known one that many people make…I like it cause it’s lighter and baked not fried….so less calories and mess.

You will need:
2 cups plain flour.
2 cups whole wheat flour.
1 cup olive oil.
1 small spoon of instant yeast.
1 small spoon grounded fennel..anise.and cinnamon.
Half a cup of sesame seeds. (..سمسم محمص).
Half a cup of black seeds…I think they’re called sativa (الحبه السوداء.قزحه ).
1/2 cup sugar.
Pinch of salt.

For the syrup:
3 cups granulated sugar.
1 and 1/2 cups water.
1 small spoon lemon juice.
Boil all ,then leave to simmer till syrup is thick (30- 35 minutes).

Mix all ingredients then start adding warm water (almost a cup) and knead well till you form a ball.
Leave it to rest for half an hour..then form it to small balls…then spread each ball on a grater and roll it to make it as fingers.
Bake in a well heated oven till bottom is brown..then
toast the surface also.
Dip in syrup then remove..leave to cool and serve.

Hope you all enjoy this variety of dishes…have a nice day♡♥.

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Light lunch with yesterday’s leftovers ( Mushroom Soup and Ceazar Salad)

I know almost every mom faces this problem 2 or 3 times a week leftovers won’t be enough and backup is needed,as my mom always say (سنده ).

Well today I made mushroom soup and Caesars salad.
I usually make mushroom soup from scratch..never used ready packs.it’s very easy and much more tasty for sure.
You will need:
1 small onion.
1 packet fresh mushroom or 1 can.
3 big spoons butter.
3 big spoons flour.
1 cube chicken stock.
1 cup heavy cooking cream or 1/2 cup milk with 1 small pack of cream as u wish.
3 cups of water.

Heat the butter..then add the inions and a small bunch of sliced mushrooms..stirr well till tender then add flour and stirr very well until flour is well absorbed and brownish. .add the water slowly then mix all with food mixer till creamy…
Then add the cream and remaining sliced mushrooms…add salt and pepper. ..leave to boil then simmer for half an hour

As for the salad you’ll need luttuce, mushroom, capers if you like, parmesan cheese, croutons.
For the dressing :
A juice of half a lemon.
1 small teaspoon mustard.
2 big spoons mayonnaise. 2 big spoons yoghurt ( a trick so as not to use too much mayonnaise).
Salt.pepper.dried oregano…and a small cup olive oil.
A useful way to get a thick creamy dressing is to put all ingredients in a tightly closed jar and shake it very well….very easy.

Today I also made orange marmalade. …well I had too much oranges about to be ruined…thought that a jar if marmalade will be a nice gift for family and friends in this cold weather.
This is a very easy recipe I got from tv.
You boil the oranges as is in water…no peeling or cutting…for 10 minutes.
Then you discard the water and add fresh water to cover the oranges and boil for 1 hour.
Discard all water then remove top and bottom of oranges..cut in half to remove seeds then place them with peel in the food processer ..spin but don’t let them be too fine.
Measure oranges in cups..then add 1 cup of sugar to each cup of oranges.
Add a juice of a lemon to the mixture and let it boil on low heat for 1 hour or more…till syrup is thick.
Let it cool then fill it in clean jars.
Note: home made jams and marmalade must be kept in the fridge cause no preservatives are added.

What to cook today?

day by day cooking ideas

amman

Quesadillas and Artichoke Salad.

Like this:

Harisseh or Basboussa. (Semolina Cake).

Like this:

Fava Beans In Cooked Yogurt.-(فول باللبن)

Like this:

Potato Kibbeh (كبه بطاطا )

Like this:

Rice with Vegetables (Banan’s Rice)

Like this:

Old fashion meat and potato ( صينيه بطاطا )

Like this:

Noodles with vegetables and Spinach Tabouleh.

Like this:

Colorful healthy veggies!!

Like this:

Light lunch with yesterday’s leftovers ( Mushroom Soup and Ceazar Salad)

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