This is Pistachio and Apricot jam cookie, or as we call in Iran, “Shirini Morabaii,” which translates to jam cookies! These are butter cookies that are lightly scented with rosewater and vanilla; filled with sweet tart apricot jam and sprinkled with chopped pistachios. This shirini is as delicate as it looks; you will want to…
This Aab Talebi (Cantaloupe Smoothie) is a refreshing and nutritious drink that makes a great breakfast as well as a cooling midday snack. It is a delicious and creamy smoothie that is also very healthy. Cantaloupe is one of the most popular melons that grows in different parts of the world including Africa, Europe, India, Iran, and U.S….
Persian Cream Puffs are called “noon e khamei, or naan e khamei” in Farsi, which translates to “whipped cream bread.” I call them simple pleasures! If you’ve had exquisite cream puffs like these you know what I am talking about. I lightly dust the pastry with powdered sugar for a touch of sweet, and…
Ghorabieh (also written Qurabiya) is an almond macaroon that originates in Tabriz, Iran. Tabriz is in the Eastern Azerbaijan province of Iran and is famous for its delicious food, fantastic restaurants and special pastries and sweets. The bakeries, or “ghanadi” in Tabriz bake hundreds of Ghorabieh in any given day. These soft disk shaped cookies are…
This year I have decided to share a delightful and fun recipe for Chocolate Truffles for Valentine’s Day. Last year I posted my Sweetheart Chocolate Cake for Valentine’s Day that is truly one of a kind. Like many exceptional cakes it involves a few steps but according to all who have tried it, well worth the extra effort….
Shir Berenj is Rice Pudding Persian style! Back when the fancier European desserts such as pate choux, éclair, rollet, panna cotta and many others had not found their way into the homes and hearts (stomachs) of Iranians, there was this simple and creamy Persian dessert called Shir Berenj. I grew up eating Shir Berenj (Shirbinish in Azeri)…
Today I am sharing a recipe for Cranberry Upside Down Cake that is delicious and festive. I have been baking this cake for a while and it has always been fantastic without any surprises. The cake has a beautiful crimson red cranberry glaze that makes any holiday table shine. This is a delicious and light…
Today I’m sharing a special recipe for Sholeh Zard that has been handed down by my mom’s family for several generations. My mom was an amazing cook and a great person. Not only did she know all of her delicious recipes by heart but also she had all the patience in the world with her…
Shirini Keshmeshi is what Persian Raisin Cookies look like. Persian children grow up eating and loving Shirini Keshmeshi the same way that American children love chocolate chip cookies. The word Shirini is used in general for any Persian pastry, and the exact translation of the word “shirin” is sweet. Keshmeshi means with raisin. There is another…
With Thanksgiving only a few days away I have decided to post this special Apple Pie recipe with a homemade crust that I have been baking since college. The double crust is super flaky and is filled with thin slices of fresh apples that are baked with warm cinnamon and nutmeg spices. Apple has always been…
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Fall is the pomegranate season, and I feel it is the perfect time to share my Fesenjan, or Fesenjoon recipe (chicken stew with walnut and pomegranate sauce). Beautiful red ripe pomegranates are available in most supermarkets. This jeweled fruit is the wonder of nature and makes you think about the intricate design that nestles precious gems that…
Kabob Koobideh (کباب کوبیده) is made with ground lamb or beef or a combination of the two. This is one of the most popular kabobs you can find on the streets of Iran. This Kabob is usually grilled over hot coals and is served in fancy restaurants and clubs, as well as in the little shacks…
Kashke Bademjan is one of the most popular Persian appetizers. Bademjan is eggplant in Farsi, and kashk is a yogurt product that traditionally is made through a long process, from very firm strained yogurt. The final product is either formed into balls, or pressed through a large holed sieve into strips, and dried. When dried…