Pan Seared Salmon, Sauteed Bok Choy, and Tomatillo Guacamole is the recipe this week.  From tranquil streams to the vast ocean, these incredible fish navigate treacherous waters and leap over waterfalls, driven by an instinct to return home. Their journey is a testament to nature’s wonders and the relentless cycle of life.  Head to my blog to learn more and try the recipe.

🍳🍅 The name shakshouka/ شكشوكة is derived from the Amazigh term “shakshak”, which means “all mixed up”. The Amazigh people are indigenous to the Maghreb region of North Africa and their lineage can be traced back to the North African Stone Age. The use of the double consonant in “shakshak” is typical in the Amazigh language- much like “keskas”, otherwise known as “cous cous” (more on that in a future blog post).

Shakshouka has become a staple on brunch menus worldwide but it is often attributed to Israeli cuisine. Coining shakshouka as Israel not only misrepresents its origins but also perpetuates a skewed narrative that erases the diverse culinary contributions of the broader region. It is crucial to acknowledge and respect the cultural heritage of dishes like shakshouka, promoting an accurate understanding of the people’s history and the dish’s origins. 🌍✨#Shakshouka #CulinaryHistory #FreePalestine

🍋✨ Samreny Salad Dressing was a staple of my childhood- and when I say that, I mean that my family had it EVERY DAY as part of our dinner. Samreny is the name of an iconic restaurant of years past that was a hub of community, entertainment, and of course excellent food. When Samreny’s closed, my father created his own recipe to fill the void. This is my evolution of the recipe, customized to my personal preferences and palette. Elevate your salad game with Samreny Salad Dressing - a zesty symphony of fresh lemons, mint, and the richness of extra virgin olive oil. 🌿🌶️ And it’s not just limited to salad, you can use it with grilled vegetables, meat marinades, or even in dips. Whatever your method, this SWANA delight adds a burst of flavor to every dish. #SaladDressing #SWANAFlavors #SaltySourRefreshing

🌿✨ Nostalgic stroll down memory lane: It’s the 90’s, I’m in Pittsburgh in the Strip District, where every step echoes the sounds of a bustling market with eclectic shops. Among the sound of fish mongers and the smell of fresh brewed coffee, one memory stands out above the rest- visiting the Mediterranean market, a cherished memory that weaves through the fabric of my early adventures. Along with olive oil, tahini, and an assortment of treats, we always picked up a slab of Qamar Al-Deen- an apricot fruit leather, which is popularly made into an apricot juice beverage in Arab cuisine. Qamar Al-Deen/ قمر الدين means “moon of religion” in Arabic and is famously consumed during the holy month of Ramadan 🍑🌙 To learn more about the beverage, its history, and to try my easy recipe, check out the link in my bio! 🧡✨

A light, flaky fish with a spicy, robust flavor.