Strawberry Cranberry Holiday Jam is made with two of my favorite berries that are available fresh at this time of year. This jam is delightfully simple to make, and it’s also one of the best of its kind that I’ve tasted! You might also like to know that there is no need to add packaged pectin powder…
SPICY PUMPKIN SEEDS
The spicy pumpkin seeds are delicious and crunchy and one of the best snacks for these cold fall nights, over warm conversations; ask any Iranian! Yes, roasted seeds and nuts are a favorite among Iranians, and there is an enormous selection of both in Iran. Among some of the most popular ‘ajil’ (mixed nuts and seeds)…
TURMERIC GOLDEN MILK شیر زردچوبه
Turmeric milk, also known as the “golden milk,” is like a warming ray of sunshine that is soothing and relaxing anytime of the day or night; the perfect ‘me time’ drink! I make mine with 1% milk, but also love it with coconut or almond milk. Ground turmeric, chopped fresh ginger root, cinnamon bark, and…
OLIVE OIL DIP WITH FRESH HERBS
Olive Oil Dip with Fresh Herbs is easy to make and it’s one of the best starters for many meals, but it certainly is a must before indulging in an Italian meal! Whenever we go to our favorite Italian restaurant, I can’t wait to dip chunks of their warm crusty Italian bread in a bowl…
GUACAMOLE گواکامولی
Guacamole is a favorite around our house. I never need a special occasion to whip up a batch just about anytime of year, so basically finding good looking avocados is reason enough; but tomorrow is Cinco de Mayo so I feel this is the perfect time to share a new, and slightly different Guacamole recipe with…
RED CABBAGE JICAMA SALAD
Red Cabbage Jicama Salad, topped with oven blistered tomatoes is quick and simple to prepare. It is a lovely salad by itself with a crusty bread, but it also makes a delicious and healthy side dish for barbecued or broiled meat recipes. The peppery flavor of red cabbage pairs nicely with the crunchy sweetness of…
PERSIAN RICE AND TAHDIG
This post is a tutorial for preparing several variations of steamed Persian rice, as well as the recipes and techniques for different types of crispy crust at the bottom of the rice, or “Tahdig,” that is the best part of any pot of rice! Please scroll down for Damkesh order information. Rice is “Polo” in…
MORABA YE BEH
Mobraba ye Beh is Persian quince preserves. Quince is a fragrant fruit from the apple and pear family with a firm, pale yellow flesh. The beautiful reddish color that you see in the picture is the result of cooking the quince in sugar and water and then steeping it for 2-3 hours. Quince is “beh”…
VEGETARIAN KHORESH BADEMJAN
Vegetarian Khoresh Bademjan (eggplant stew) is made with baked eggplants and yellow split peas. What makes this khoresh incredibly delicious is the tangy pomegranate concentrate and a citrus blend made with fresh squeezed juices of oranges and lemons. The traditional khoresh bademjan is an eggplant and meat lovers’ stew with chunks of lamb or beef…
HOMEMADE MARINARA SAUCE
Marinara is an Italian tomato sauce that is usually made with four basic ingredients: Tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs. Some cooks might add chopped carrots and celery to this sauce, but my recipe for this quick sauce is made with just these four ingredients, plus olive oil and some seasoning. Marinara is a simple sauce that…