**Craving pizza for one? **The personal pan pizza might be small, but it delivers satisfaction! This post explores all the different ways you can customize a personal pizza. You can vary the sauce and topping options, and you can also alter the serving size. This recipe is designed for dining solo, but you can multiply it to make a personal pan pizza party. You can even double or triple the recipe to make one giant pizza. What's your favorite way to customize yours? #personalpanpizza #pizzalover #comfortfood #pizzanight

Calling all veggie lovers! Cheese and spinach come together in harmony with Palak Paneer. This vibrant curry is surprisingly easy to make at home, and you can adjust the spice level to your taste. Head on over to my blog for the recipe! #palakpaneer #vegetarian #curry #indianfood #easyrecipe #homecooking

It seems like lately, everything has been on my mind- Covid, Palestine, and the future of our world. This week's blog post is Chocolate Chip Banana Bread for 50 People. You might ask, Why was Marie making chocolate chip banana bread for 50 people? Well, because last year, I volunteered to be a kitchen staff member at a meditation retreat- an experience I recommend to anyone who is interested in solidarity. I had the honor of sustaining 50 people with nutritious food as they charted their own path towards enlightenment.

As I have been writing this food blog, I have been thinking about the best way that I can contribute positively to this world with the skills that I have. Simultaneously, I am thinking about the skills I want to develop. I do not have complete answers at this time, but what I do know is that I believe we all deserve sustenance, safety, and peace. I want to help teach people ways to sustain themselves and others. And I want to encourage people to build communities of care. To hear more thoughts and to learn how to make chocolate chip banana bread for 50 people (gluten free, I might add) you can head on over to my blog.

Basbousa/ بسبوسة comes from the Arabic word "basbasa," which means "soaked" or "drenched." This name perfectly encapsulates one of the defining characteristics of this dessert - its preparation method of generously bathing the cake in syrup after baking. Try infusing the syrup with rose water or orange blossom water for an added floral or citrus kiss. Personally, I like adding lemon, honey, and vanilla for a touch of citrus and added sweetness. You can learn more about this dish and try the recipe on my blog.

🍆✨Moutabal, a smoky, tangy, creamy eggplant dish from the heart of the Levant. Not to be confused with baba ganoush, moutabal typically incorporates yogurt, giving it a creamy flavor and pillowy texture. To learn more and try the recipe, follow the link in my bio to my blog✨ #MoutabalMagic #SWANACuisine #FoodHistory

🍳🍅 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! 🧡✨

Calling all gym bros! This Ramen Noodle recipe is ANABOLIC! Meaning it’s high in protein and low in fat. Hailing at 12g per serving, if you stack this with an additional protein and vegetables of your choice, you will have a complete, balanced meal. You can find the recipe linked in my blog!

Snap! Crackle! Pop! This slightly savory spin on the quintessential classic highlights genmai matcha- a roasted rice green tea. I encourage you to experiment with the add-ins and truly make it you own. You can find the recipe in my blog!

“…and a pancake hot and shedding morning dew”
- Cratinus, 500 BC.

This 5th century Athenian comedic poet knew the beauty of pancakes. This fragment of his writings referenced “tiganites”, or “Greek pancakes” which were often served with honey. I encourage you to use my Classic Pancakes recipe as a simple, customizable template to create something unique. Check out the link in my bio for the blog post and recipe!

Everyone’s favorite pandemic caffeine fix- Dalgona Coffee. Perfect for boycotting Starbucks- again!