Beef Kebabs with Zhoug and Harissa Raw Onion Relish

Zhoug is an aromatic Yemenite hot pepper and cilantro paste, which is known all over the Middle East and the Mediterranean. It is mostly used as a condiment, but it is also added to soups and other dishes. In the dish here, I’ve decided to use it to flavor a raw onion relish, along with sweet Harrisa, a spiced North African hot peppers paste, which was served with broiled beef kebabs.

Filo Bake with Spinach, Mint and Cheeses

This tasty dish was inspired by the two others: the Greek Spanakopita, (layers of filo brushed with oil, with greens with Feta cheese filling), and the Bulgarian Banitsa dish (in which the filo sheets are rolled with feta, yogurt and eggs mixture).

Shrimps, Flowering Chives and Rice Flour Fritters

When I saw a bunch of flowering chives at the store, it immediately drew my attention. Smelling the flowers, I was expecting, probably due to their lavender color, that they would have a sweet floral smell. However, to my surprise, they had fresh onion scent, similar to that of the chives. I later learned that the flowers are edible and can be used in the same way chives is used.

King Oyster Mushrooms with Soy Sauce, Maple Syrup and Sesame Oil

King oyster mushrooms (also known as king trumpet mushrooms, and by other names), are large mushrooms, with plump white leg and brown cap. Unlike most mushrooms, the cap is not separated from the leg, and the leg is actually the tastier part. It has a somewhat meaty texture, often compared to abalone, or scallops, and it keeps its shape and size when cooked. Though the mushrooms are native to the Mediterranean, they are more known in Asian cuisines, especially Japanese.

Chicken, Corn and Shishito peppers Patties

Fresh corn is one of my favorite vegetables, and now that the season has started, I once again use it on its’ own, or mixed with different ingredients, to create new dishes. The following chicken patties are one example of the later.

A Few Dishes with Dandelion Greens

Dandelion is known mostly as a seasonal plant, of which all its parts have been used in cooking and traditional medicine from ancient times. To many who are unfamiliar with the plant, the greens are many times considered an invasive weed in fields and gardens, but they are in fact edible and highly nutritious. As I’m not a gardener myself, nor a forager of wild greens, I’ve never tried them, until I recently found them at the store, and decided to buy a bunch.

Sephardic Fresh Fava Beans with Onions and Mint

Unlike green/string beans, fava beans are more familiar to most in their dried form. They are also called broad beans for a reason, as they are substantially broader and bigger than green beans.

Rosemary and Parmesan Savory Freezer Cookies

I make my Blue cheese, Rosemary and Pecan crackers often. However, this time, I wanted to create a different version of it, of thicker savory cookies, that can also work as a base for canapés.

Egg Noodles Bake with Mushrooms and Cheeses

This tasty and aromatic bake is the easiest way to serve pasta to a large party. It is based on the  East-European Jewish “Kugel” dish, that is more known in its sweet version.

Swiss Chard Frittata with Poached Eggs and Hollandaise Sauce

Leisurely eaten weekend brunch is something to look forward to all week. Here is a quick and easy to make dish, that doesn’t require any preparations in advance.
The Swiss Chard frittata can be served as is, but the addition of poached eggs and Hollandaise sauce, elevate it to another level.

Caramelized Almonds with Aromatic Spices and Sea Salt

Fragrant, crunchy, sweet and lightly salted caramelized nuts, are no doubt the ultimate nibble. They are perfect for serving with drinks, as a part of a cheese board, or even as a tasty topping for salads. Alas, most of the store-bought ones are usually quite disappointing, so the best way to enjoy them fully is to make them at home.