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PERFECTLY SEARED DUCK BREAST WITH POMEGRANATE SAUCE

PERFECTLY SEARED DUCK BREAST WITH POMEGRANATE SAUCE

An excellent sauce to make in winter when pomegranate is in season. I do like a slightly sweet sauce with my seared ducks and the pomegranate sauce does the trick; it is the perfect combination for the game flavor of duck breast. INGREDIENTS: 1 pound about 

HOW TO HAVE THE PERFECT SEARED DUCK BREAST

HOW TO HAVE THE PERFECT SEARED DUCK BREAST

Crispy skin and juicy meat are the key technique of cooking duck breasts. First, to have that famous extra crispy skin, you need the pan to be smoky hot. Second, you need a kind of fat that can bear high temperature without changing the flavor or 

OVEN ROASTED CARROTS WITH GREEK YOGURT & CILANTRO

OVEN ROASTED CARROTS WITH GREEK YOGURT & CILANTRO

Try to select small carrots for this recipe as they are sweeter and their natural sugars burst rapidly while roasting. The creaminess of the Greek yogurt adds a nice balance of the sweetness of the carrots. Oven roasted carrots and Greek yogurt with crusty walnut-raisin bread will 

MAKE THIS AMAZING CHICKEN WITH HERBS AND CITRUS

MAKE THIS AMAZING CHICKEN WITH HERBS AND CITRUS

The key ingredient in this amazing dish is the different kinds of citrus such as lemon, orange, lime and grapefruits. They add rich citrusy sweet taste to the dish as well as the herbs adds nice full aroma to balance the flavor. This aromatic dish can boost 

CREAMY RISOTTO WITH PESTO

CREAMY RISOTTO WITH PESTO

Since Risotto can be made with almost any ingredient you have available but remember that the risotto should be made with the same classic method, it is very important. In this amazing combination of white risotto and the dark green pesto, you get this flavorful 

TRY THIS ROMAN EMPIRE RECIPE FRIED WHOLE ARTICHOKES OR CARCIOFI ALLA GIUDIA

TRY THIS ROMAN EMPIRE RECIPE FRIED WHOLE ARTICHOKES OR CARCIOFI ALLA GIUDIA

This dish is best-known example of Roman Jewish cuisine; it does go back to the Roman Empire, which makes it one of the oldest Jewish cuisines in Europe. The cooking process is done in two stages; first, the artichokes are fried in lower temperatures in 

PACCHERI PASTA WITH FRESH RICOTTA

PACCHERI PASTA WITH FRESH RICOTTA

I used to cook the paccheri pasta frequently while I was living in Italy. It is flavorful since the size makes it perfect to absorb the sauce, as well as the shape makes it perfect to be stuffed with your favorite fillings. NGREDIENTS: 1 pound of 

PACCHERI PASTA WITH TOMATO AND BASIL

PACCHERI PASTA WITH TOMATO AND BASIL

Paccheri pasta is very poplar in Campania south of Italy that usually cooked with seafood. Since everyone has his/her own favorite tomato sauce; I just want to let you know that you are going to love the Paccheri pasta with your favorite tomatoes sauce. This 

PASTA WITH TINY MEATBALLS RECIPE “PASTA CON I POLPETTINE”

PASTA WITH TINY MEATBALLS RECIPE “PASTA CON I POLPETTINE”

While I was living in Italy for over 7 years, I had been eating in many restaurants and Tratorias in different regions and parts of the Italian peninsula, but I have never seen Spaghetti with meatballs in the menu, why? It is popular Italian American dish 

PERFECT PENNE WITH FRIED EGGPLANT & BASIL

PERFECT PENNE WITH FRIED EGGPLANT & BASIL

I normally cook this dish during summer time, but I cannot resist this perfect pasta served with tomato sauce and topped with fried eggplant and basil that is why, it frequently ends up on the table in different times of the year. INGREDIENTS: 1 medium 

BEST TUSCAN STYLE BEANS “FAGIOLI ALL’UCCELLETTO”

BEST TUSCAN STYLE BEANS “FAGIOLI ALL’UCCELLETTO”

While I was living in Tuscany, the first thing I noticed about the Tuscan Cuisine is how simple and poor it is but amazingly delicious at the same time. From Panzanella  and Ribollitta that are based leftover bread dishes to grains based such as Fagioli 

QUAILS WITH CARAMELIZED ONION AND RAISINS

QUAILS WITH CARAMELIZED ONION AND RAISINS

Small quails birds are perfect choice to experience a delicate game flavor and rich dark meat. These tiny birds are quick and enjoyable to cook baked, roasted, or grilled just be aware that they turn out dry if they are over-cooked. In this recipe, I chose 

FRESH RICOTTA WITH HERBS

FRESH RICOTTA WITH HERBS

Fresh ricotta with herbs is one of my wife’s favorites dishes; she always orders it whenever we eat outside in our local Italian restaurant. As simple as it is, it tastes so good. I find out that the secret of this dish is that the 

ARTICHOKES PROVENÇAL

ARTICHOKES PROVENÇAL

You may find out by now that I am a big fan of artichokes, I like them braised, fried, steamed, or just raw with lemon juice, olive oil and Parmesan cheese. In this Mediterranean recipe, the sauce is as a star as the artichokes themselves, both 

OVEN ROASTED EGGPLANT WITH PISTACCHIO AND MINT

OVEN ROASTED EGGPLANT WITH PISTACCHIO AND MINT

Eggplant is used in many different cuisines around the globe. There are many eggplant-based dishes such as Baba Ganoush, Caponata, Moussaka, Ratatouille, Zaalook, pasta alla Nonna and the list goes on. The best part is you do not need to remember all these names, as 

CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS BRAISED IN RED WINE

CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS BRAISED IN RED WINE

If you are tired from the same flavor, every time you cook your chicken no matter what you try. This recipe will take your chicken to another level: very rich, hearty and robust dish to impress you family and friends. It is similar to COQ AU 

HERB-ROASTED WHOLE BRANZINO

HERB-ROASTED WHOLE BRANZINO

My favorite Mediterranean fish is the wild caught Branzino or European sea bass; it is delicate white flesh with mild flavor. As there are many ways to cook the Branzino such as grilled, seared, oven baked, braised or even salt crusted, all you may need 

ROASTED VEGETABLES WITH FRESH HERBS

ROASTED VEGETABLES WITH FRESH HERBS

Best way to cook your vegetables in this cold weather is oven roasting them. This cooking process adds extra sweetness, earthiness and heartiness flavor to the vegetables. I mix mine with sage, thyme, rosemary, basil and marjoram, all tossed in extra virgin olive oil and seasoned 

PERFECTLY SEARED DUCK BREAST WITH BABY POTATOES

PERFECTLY SEARED DUCK BREAST WITH BABY POTATOES

Cooking duck breast is not that hard as many may think, in fact it is easy just follow these tips to have the perfect seared duck breast. First, I enjoy eating the duck breast so I always try to keep the flavor intact, therefore my 

AWARD WINNING MULLING WINE RECIPE

AWARD WINNING MULLING WINE RECIPE

I normally make the mulling wine when we are decorating the Christmas tree. It becomes a tradition in my house; having the Christmas music playing on the background, the fireplace that I started earlier and the smell of the aroma of the spices from the 

OVEN ROASTED SARDINES WITH MOROCCAN CHERMOULA

OVEN ROASTED SARDINES WITH MOROCCAN CHERMOULA

As a child, sardines were available all year around and I grew up eating sardines two to three times a week.  I recall my mother preparing them in many different ways from a simple dish with just salt, lemon and olive oil to more complex dishes 

SAUTÉED POTATOES WITH FRESH ROSEMARY

SAUTÉED POTATOES WITH FRESH ROSEMARY

I started using duck fat in my cooking when I first worked for a famous French chef in NYC. I discovered that duck fat is incredibly tasty; one more advantage is that the duck fat can be cooked at high temperatures without smoking or altering 

PANZANELLA WITH POMEGRANATE

PANZANELLA WITH POMEGRANATE

One of the best and fastest ways to use your stale bread is making Panzanella. Red onions and pomegranate seeds will add extra flavor to the Panzanella. INGREDIENTS: Left over bread cut in pieces (preferably bread baked in oven burning oven) Cherry tomatoes cut in halves 

ROASTED CHESTNUTS

ROASTED CHESTNUTS

One of the reasons I like fall and winter seasons while I was living in Tuscany; is enjoying roasted chestnuts by the fireplace. Chestnuts are part of Tuscan cuisine, I remember I just go for a hike and come back with a bag full of Castagne 

BEST CLASSIC DUCK À L’ORANGE

BEST CLASSIC DUCK À L’ORANGE

I enjoy cooking duck breasts, as it is tasty and nutritious. It is a special dish that I usually cook not only in the holidays and special occasions, but all year around whenever I can. Unlike chicken and other poultry, the duck breasts should be 

TRY THIS BEST CLASSIC COQ AU VIN

TRY THIS BEST CLASSIC COQ AU VIN

Coq au vin (rooster in red wine) is a classic French stew and one of the most delicious. This hearty dish full of flavors, which the chicken is braised in rich red wine sauce cooked with pearled onion, earthy mushrooms, carrots and thick cut crispy 

HOW TO COOK THE PERFECT BEEF BURGUNDY

HOW TO COOK THE PERFECT BEEF BURGUNDY

This classic French stew is the king of all beef stews. I love making this rich dish in the snowy and the cold days as it makes my house warm, cozy and full of pleasant red wine aroma. The tender chunks of the beef and the 

HOW TO MAKE MOROCCAN DRIED FAVA BEANS SOUP (BISSARA)

HOW TO MAKE MOROCCAN DRIED FAVA BEANS SOUP (BISSARA)

Dried Fava beans have a nutty and buttery flavor; it is hearty and full of protein. This healthy popular Moroccan soup is the easiest soup recipe I have ever made, it requires no prep at all, and so you skip the cutting, the blending or puréeing; 

CLASSIC POMMES ANNA

CLASSIC POMMES ANNA

This Classic French potato dish will transform you simple potatoes to a beautiful golden brown layer cake. Simple as layered thin sliced potatoes, melted butter and seasoned with salt and pepper. INGREDIENTS: 1 pound russet potatoes peeled and thinly sliced 3 ounces melted butter Salt and 

CLASSIC POTATOES DARPHIN

CLASSIC POTATOES DARPHIN

These Hash browns look a like recipe is a French potato classic. It is large pancakes made by potatoes cut to julienne. Unlike the classic latke Potatoes Darphine has no onion but it is delicious. INGREDIENTS: 1 pound russet potato peeled and cut to julienne Salt 

CLASSIC LATKES

CLASSIC LATKES

Nothing beats this Hanukkah classic dish. This potato latke recipe is perfectly fried, crisp and golden brown that is made by simple ingredients. INGREDIENTS: 1 Pound russet potatoes peeled 1 medium white onion chopped 2 eggs ½ cup flour Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste 

BEST FRIED CAULIFLOWER RECIPE

BEST FRIED CAULIFLOWER RECIPE

I do not get bored cooking cauliflower; it is because there are many different ways to cook it. One of my best cauliflower dishes is fried cauliflower floret. It can be served as an appetizer or as a side dish, with a dip or just with 

SEARED SPANISH MACKEREL FILLETS

SEARED SPANISH MACKEREL FILLETS

As far as I am concerned, there are three major factors buying fish; Fresh, local and wild caught. If these entire characteristics apply, my family ends up having a nice fishmeal. So I decided to buy , which is cheap, available and delicious. INGREDIENTS: 1 

SPANISH MACKEREL AL CARTOCCIO

SPANISH MACKEREL AL CARTOCCIO

I had very limited choices while I was shopping for fish this Saturday; the place was super busy as we are in the middle of the holiday’s season. The only choice I have, or the only fresh fish that was appealing in the display was 

HOW TO TRANSFORM YOUR CANNED TUNA TO A FANCY MEAL

HOW TO TRANSFORM YOUR CANNED TUNA TO A FANCY MEAL

Options are limited when it comes to canned tuna ; either you make your favorite tuna sandwich or you can make this delicious pasta dish instead with less or equal time. If you have a canned tuna and pasta, you are good to go. A 

BEST POACHED PEARS IN MULLED WINE

BEST POACHED PEARS IN MULLED WINE

This is my favorite recipe to make, super easy and delicious. Neither prep nor cuttings, just cover in red wine and make your house smells with the warm aromatic spiced red wine, which put the whole family in the holidays spirits. You will definitely impress your 

HOW TO COOK THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS TURKEY FOR A HOLIDAY FEAST

HOW TO COOK THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS TURKEY FOR A HOLIDAY FEAST

If you are complaining on how your turkey turns out less flavorful and not moist, as you wanted to be. This Christmas turkey recipe will guide you step by step to a perfect Turkey dinner. STEPS: First, brining over night will help not only making your 

BEST WAY TO USE YOUR LEFTOVER CRANBERRY SAUCE

BEST WAY TO USE YOUR LEFTOVER CRANBERRY SAUCE

We all have been there, what do we do with our leftover cranberry sauce? Let’s be honest there are tons of ideas to use your leftover turkey, such as making a turkey sandwich or shredded turkey breast over a salad and so on. But what about 

BLANCHED FRESH GREEN BEANS WITH CRISPY SHALLOTS

BLANCHED FRESH GREEN BEANS WITH CRISPY SHALLOTS

Blanching means cooking briefly in boiling water. In this recipe I blanched my green beans rapidly, then I sauté them in butter for extra crispiness and flavor. I like blanching my vegetables; it is the best way to keep the natural flavor intact. The way you 

BEST ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH

BEST ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH

There is no best way to intensify the flavors and bring out the natural sweetness than oven- roasting. This crispy oven-roasted butternut squash is super easy to make with beautiful presentation to impress you guests. INGREDIENTS: ½ pound butternut squash 2 tablespoon olive oil 2 bay 

SKIP THE TURKEY THIS THANKSGIVING AND MAKE THIS SUPER DELICIOUS ORGANIC CHICKEN

SKIP THE TURKEY THIS THANKSGIVING AND MAKE THIS SUPER DELICIOUS ORGANIC CHICKEN

I like roasting chicken, it is very easy; all you need is few herbs and some seasonings and you are done. The best part is while the chicken is roasting; I got enough time to make as many sides as I want. INGREDIENTS: 2-pound organic 

ORECCHIETE WITH BROCCOLI FLORETS & ANCHOVIES

ORECCHIETE WITH BROCCOLI FLORETS & ANCHOVIES

The short pasta ‘Orecchiette’ is famous with broccoli Rabe. In this recipe I tried broccoli florets, which has a grassy, earthy and mildly bitter flavor unlike the broccoli Rabe, which has a bitter taste. The flavors balanced very well as the anchovies added a nice flavor 

HOW TO MAKE PENNE ALL’ ARRABIATA

HOW TO MAKE PENNE ALL’ ARRABIATA

This simple classic Italian recipe pasta all’ Arrabiata means “angry” is originating from Lazio region in central Italy, which Rome is the capital. The good news about this classic pasta dish is that you can decide how spicy you like your sauce by adjusting the amount 

LINGUINE WITH SUN-DRIED TOMATOES PESTO

LINGUINE WITH SUN-DRIED TOMATOES PESTO

Here is a delicious pesto recipe that is easy to make. If you are looking for the unique Mediterranean flavors, this pesto combine the nutty flavor of the almonds/pine nuts and the freshness of the basil; this pesto is thick, rich and full of flavors. 

HOW TO MAKE BEST SPAGHETTI ALLA CARBONARA

HOW TO MAKE BEST SPAGHETTI ALLA CARBONARA

INGREDIENTS: 1-pound spaghetti 3 tablespoons olive oil 4 ounces Pancetta or bacon cut in cubes 1 egg 1 cup Grated pecorino Romano Salt and freshly grounded pepper STEPS: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions. In a small bowl, 

PENNE WITH CREAMY GORGONZOLA SAUCE AND FRESH SAGE

PENNE WITH CREAMY GORGONZOLA SAUCE AND FRESH SAGE

is an Italian soft blue cheese made from cow’s milk, it carries its name from the particular region of Gorgonzola in Milan. I like using Gorgonzola in my Kitchen either as a sauce or just with a slice of pear. Normally, there is a famous Italian 

MUST TRY ORECCHIETTE WITH SPINACH PESTO

MUST TRY ORECCHIETTE WITH SPINACH PESTO

Anytime I have Orecchiette in hands, I always think about the popular dish orecchiette with rapini or broccoli rabe. The Orecchiette pasta name comes from its shape, which resembles small ears; it is a variety of short pastas typically of Pulia in Southern Italy, famous 

GRILLED THINLY SLICED ARTICHOKES

GRILLED THINLY SLICED ARTICHOKES

I like the flavor of grilling artichokes, it is an appetizer that has stick in my mind the time I visited Ibiza Island in Spain with my dearest friend and cordon blue chef Khalid. Thinly sliced artichokes hearts grilled and dressed with lemon vinaigrette; it 

CLASSIC CRISPY FRIED ARTICHOKES

CLASSIC CRISPY FRIED ARTICHOKES

This recipe of fried artichokes makes best appetizer. Following the classic steps; dipped in seasoned flour, beaten eggs, coated with breadcrumbs and fried to perfection in vegetable oil served with aioli dip. The important tip for preparation is that the artichokes should be cut to 

BEST FRESH ARTICHOKES RISOTTO

BEST FRESH ARTICHOKES RISOTTO

Artichokes are my favorites while living in Italy (Artichokes turn to a beautiful and gorgeous purple flower if not harvested in time). My friend Giovanni ‘s favorite dish is Carciofi alla Romana; braised artichokes cleaned and stuffed with parsley, garlic and olive oil. It is