Mexican Rice

The other night we had another fabulous group dinner.  The theme was Mexican based (main dish was chicken tacos)  Matt and I were given the task to make a rice...either Spanish or Mexican.  I've never given much thought to Mexican rice, so I googled some recipes for Spanish.  I wasn't really blown away by anything I found...so, just for the heck of it...I googled Mexican rice.  Stumbled on this fantastic recipe.  This rice is simple, easy and super flavorful.  I loved it and so did the hubby (who's not a big fan of either type of rice)
At the dinner, I didn't give my kids any because I thought it might be too spicy...I gave them some the next day to see if maybe they would like it...and, ya, they did.  :)  Instead of adding the whole chopped jalapeno at the end, I put it on the side for people to spice it up as they wanted.  This way, my rice had just a kiss of heat.  
I couldn't get enough of it and had a good helping the second day.  This is going on my must make monthly list.  
Happy cooking!


*note...make sure to follow the directions precisely...it'll make the perfect rice.

Turkey Veggie Tray

Need a last minute idea for your veggie platter?  Give this adorable tray a try!  :)  Super cute and easy!  
Happy Thanksgiving!  

Turkish Red Lentil Soup

Ya Salam Cooking is my new go to blog for Middle Eastern cooking.  I've made three dishes of hers already and we've loved everyone.  Tonight's was flat out fantastic.  Beyond simple and incredibly flavorful!  

I've only cooked with lentils once before and the dish then didn't make much of an impression.  This one I can't wait to make again.

The recipe only makes enough for four.  Barely.  If you have four hungry adults, you'll be wishing you'd made more.  We had enough for the hubby, me and the girls, and we scrapped the pot clean.  Keep in mind, this will fill you up...be mindful as you eat and take your time.  It sneaks up on you!  I'm totally full and very content.  :) 

Can't recommend this enough.

Happy cooking!  !سعيد الطب

absolutely fantastic!

Thanksgiving...

So, I'm all the way over here in Saudi and Thanksgiving seems...well, not the same.  We are having "Thanksgiving" here.  But it's a multi-cultural event and although I know it will be a lot of fun, it still won't be the traditions I'm used to.
First off, no pumpkin pie.  :'(  Very sad about that.  No pumpkins here.  BUT, we are going to have some fantastic turkey!  I'm in charge of making a killer side.  
What I want to know is....what are you making this year?  
Share your Thanksgiving meal with me...it'll make me feel part of the good ol' U S of A.  :)

Stuffed Cabbage...Arabian Style

Going to attempt another Arabic dish tonight.  This is from the same website Ya Salam Cooking.  The Arabic name for this dish is Malfouf.  I grew up eating stuffed cabbage and though my grandmother's recipe (Grandma's Pigs in the Blanket) is different, there are still some similarities.  
The seasoning in this was amazing.  Loved the taste.  The original recipe called for less tomato sauce, but I like it a bit more saucy.  If you prefer less, just cut it back a bit.  :)
Great dish. 

Happy cooking!  !سعيد الطبخ

Roasted Chicken with Orange/Cardamom Butter

Hanging out in my new Saudi house and watching a little Food Network.  SO happy we get this channel!  It's not the same as in the States...as far as actual shows and times go, but we get a few of the faves.
That night, Arti was on.  She was cooking up some chicken that just looked fabulous.  Best part was that I knew I could find all those ingredients here!!  (and you have no idea how hard that can be!)
Quick and easy dish for dinner.  She paired it with some red potatoes, but, they don't have those here.  Seriously.  I just used some frozen veggies we had and sauteed some spinach.  I know, not fancy, but whatever...I've only been here a few days!  LOL
The chicken was really tasty and juicy.  My kids loved it.  I read over the reviews and I adjusted my cooking temps and times.  Turned out great...simple weeknight meal.  :)

Happy cooking!  !سعيد الطبخ

Lamb Kabsa

I have arrived in Saudi!  And it's time to get cookin'!  But, there's bad news and good news.  Bad news: my choices for cooking have become extremely limited...I no longer have the variety I was used to in the States.  Good news:  I get to try cooking a whole new cuisine using ingredients I may have never seen in the States!

So, this dish is my first attempt at Saudi cooking.  I found this great blog...Ya Salam Cooking.  She's a local Saudi woman and she has some fantastic recipes.  This recipe got rave reviews, so let's get cooking!

This recipe calls for Black Limes.  Okay, I admit...I had NO idea what a black lime was.  I thought I'd find it in the produce section!  Some kind of lime variation right?  Wrong.  It's actually found in the spice isle.  It can also be called a dried lemon.  Here in Saudi, they smoke them (which turns them black in the process) and it gives your food that great smokey flavor.  You may have to look in a specialty store in the States in order to find these.  If you can't find them, sub a bit of Liquid Smoke.  (found in all supermarkets)  


*Okay so this didn't turn out exactly as planned...the rice didn't cook properly and there was too much broth..BUT, the flavors were amazing.  Both of my girls loved it...and of course, so did the hubby!  :)  I'll be making this again soon!

Happy cooking!  !سعيد الطبخ