Easter Brioche

Ingredients: 6 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon ground Mahlab (optional) 1 cup powdered sugar Zest of 1 orange 1 cup milk (lukewarm) 1 cup melted butter 4 eggs (at room temperature) 2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 1/2 packets active dry yeast 1 tablespoon sugar 1/2 cup lukewarm…

M&M’s Skillet Cookie

  Ingredients 1 1/2 cups flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus 1 tablespoon for buttering skillet 3/4 cup brown sugar 1 large egg at room temperature 1 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 1/4 cup of your favorite M&M’s Preheat oven to 350°F. Using a pastry brush, coat…

Roasted Tomato Soup

Ingredients: 7 medium- large tomatoes 1 red onion 2 cloves of garlic, minced A handful of basil leaves, diced 2-3 tablespoons fresh thyme, oregano or both 1/4 cup olive oil 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar Salt and pepper to taste 1 teaspoon sugar 2 1/2 – 3 cups beef broth 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional) Slice…

Balsamic Braised Beef Short Ribs

Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons flour 3 pounds beef short ribs 1 large onion, chopped 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3/4 cup cut-up celery, stalks and leaves 3/4 cup diced carrots Zest of 1 orange (optional but highly recommended) 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional) 2 cups beef broth Salt & pepper to taste…

Mexican Shrimp Rice Casserole

Ingredients: 2 tablespoons canola oil 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined 2 cloves garlic, minced  3 scallions, green and white parts, sliced  1 jalapeño pepper, minced  1 1/2 cups long-grain rice 2 1/4 cups broth, plus more if needed 1 teaspoon ground cumin  1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon paprika Salt & pepper to taste…

Swedish Meatballs

Ingredients: 1 pound ground meat (I used 1/2 beef & 1/2 veal) 1/4 cup bread crumbs 1/4 cup chopped parsley 1/4 teaspoon allspice 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1 medium onion, finely chopped 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon onion powder Salt and pepper to taste 1 large egg  In a large bowl, combine all ingredients then…

Okra (Bamia) Tagine with Lamb Shank

1/4 cup olive oil 1 large onion, finely chopped 3 cloves of garlic, minced 1 lamb shank Salt and pepper to taste 1 (8 ounce) can tomato purée  2 cups water, or as needed to cover 1 package (10 ounce) package frozen okra 1/2 cup green pepper, diced 1/3 cup chopped cilantro leaves Heat olive…

Coconut Macaroon Tart

Ingredients: 1 frozen puff pastry sheet 2 large eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 can sweetened condensed milk 1/4 cup melted butter 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 3/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut Thaw puff pastry sheet according to package instructions. dust your working surface with flour and roll out the puff pastry…

Smoked Salmon Pasta

Ingredients: 1 pack fettuccine (450 g) 1 cup smoked salmon, cut in medium pieces 1 cup sweet peas 1/2 cup dill 1/2 large shallot, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tbsps butter 1 cup cream 3/4 cup grated cheese 3/4 tbsp tomato paste salt & pepper to taste   Cook pasta al-dente as per package…

Baked Saffron Rice with Chicken

Ingredients: For the Chicken Layer: 4 tablespoons olive oil 1 pound chicken breasts, thinly sliced 2 large onions, thinly sliced 1/2 teaspoon turmeric 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1/2 teaspoon onion powder For the Rice: 2 cups Basmati rice 3 quarts water 1 tablespoon salt For the Sauce: 1 cup plain Greek yogurt 3…