| Book of the Month
"A Taste of Turkish Cuisine"
by Sheilah Kaufman and Nur Ilkin offers a wide variety of Turkish classics and modern variations. Whether you're in the mood for healthy Mediterranean staples or elaborate meals from the Sultans' kitchens...this book is a treasure. |
Restaurant of the Month
Cafe 8
Whether you're in the mood for hot, fresh Turkish bread and pides straight from the oven, vegetarian friendly Mediterranean appetizers, or braised lamb shanks over chick-pea puree, dining at Cafe 8 is a delight for the senses.
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| Recipe of the Month:
* Recipe from Arabian Delights by Amy Riolo
Macerated dates are enjoyed in many Muslim countries during Ramadan because the Prophet Muhammad traditionally
broke his fast with dates. Eating dates has thus become a symbolic
Ramadan tradition.
Ingredients:
1 pound firm dried dates, pitted
1/2 pound raisins
1/2 pound dried apricots, chopped into small pieces
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon orange blossom water
1 teaspoon rose water
Preparation:
Place dates, raisins, and apricots in a large bowl. Pour 4 cups of boiling water over them. Stir in sugar, orange blossom water, and rose water. Let stand until water reaches room temperature and fruit becomes tender.
Serve in small ramekins or mugs with a spoon.
Serves 4.
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 "The discovery of a new dish does more for human happiness than the discovery of a star."
Brillat-Savarin
There are so many recipes and so little time! This year, the September harvest season coincides with the rich culinary traditions of Rosh Hashanah and Ramadan providing us with more excuses to explore new flavor profiles and exciting presentations. So no matter what you're celebrating, you'll soon discover that happiness is only a plate away! |
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 Private Cooking Class for Vanderbilt University Alumni
Participants enjoyed preparing and eating my "Middle Eastern Picnic" menu. The evening included an overview of the evolution of Middle Eastern cuisine, time-saving tips to making quick, easy recipes at home, and a step by step demonstration of each recipe.
At the end of the night, we enjoyed a feast of Tahini Sauce, Hommus, Baba Ghanouj, Fattoush Salad, Beef and Cilantro Kofta and Cardamom Shortbread Cookies! |
 Ramadan Lecture and Iftaar
On September 12, 2008, I led a presentation on the Muslim holy month Ramadan and its impact on modern Egyptian cuisine and culture to benefit Hands Along the Nile Development Services- an organization which is dedicated to assisting low-income communities in Egypt and building bridges between the United States and Egypt. |
 Learn to make traditional K'nafeh!
Called "Shredded Phyllo" in English, desserts made with kataifi are especially popular during Ramadan in the Middle East. Fortunatley, the classic recipe is easy enough to make any time. Click on the link below to learn to create Pistachio-Filled K'nafeh:
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Upcoming Events
September 23, 2008
I will give a lecture and lead a guided Ramadan dinner to benefit HANDS (Hands Along the Nile Development Services) at Cafe 8 in Washington, DC.
To purchase tickets contact: www.handsalongthenile.org.
September 24, 2008 6:30 PM
Dinner in Provence Cooking Class
Provence is known for its abundance of fresh seafood, poultry, and vegetables. This menu combines French elegance with the flavors of the Mediterranean for an experience the whole family will love.
Location: 10508 Tyler Terrace, Potomac, MD 20854
RSVP to Sheilah Kaufman @ 301-299-5282 or baksrk@aol.com by September 20 Price: $50 (Includes class, recipes, and meal)
September 27, 2008
"Tri-state Taste of Turkish Cuisine - Bosphorus on the Potomac"
Join Sheilah Kaufman and I as we explore the rich, time-honored traditions of Turkish Cuisine with Good Taste! to visit and taste foods from some of the best Turkish restaurants in the greater D.C. area.
October 19, 2008 5:00PM
I will give a lecture on her book Arabian Delights at the 11th meeting of the International Friends of the BA in Alexandria, Egypt. For more information, visit: www.bibalex.org.
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| FREE Host a cooking class for your organization/association and enjoy
Cooking learning great new recipes and techniques for free !
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| Offer Expires: 10-12-08 | |
Contact Info www.amyriolo.com
Amy Riolo
Author, Lecturer, Gourmet Cooking Instructor, Restaurant/Culinary Consultant amy@amyriolo.com
(301) 910-8560 | |
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