Wild Blueberry Muffins

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Wild Blueberry Muffins

I baked these wild blueberry muffins around noon and by dinner time there we all gone! They lasted less than 12 hours so I won’t be able to tell you if they are better in the morning or as an afternoon snack. But muffins are good any time of the day! right??

The dark purple color is viciously seducing but what I love about them is the little crunchy topping that makes them really attractive. Wild blueberries flavor is more intense than the regular ones. Because of the small size of this wild variety their number is higher for the same volume and are generously present in every bite. I used frozen organic wild blueberries and the results were delicious. You can substitute them with regular blueberries of course.

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Chicken with Forty One Cloves of Garlic

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Chicken with Forty One Cloves of Garlic

The original name is “Chicken with forty cloves of garlic”. A friend of mine was wondering why Ali Baba and this delicious chicken were associated with the same number: forty!? Somewhere, somehow, thieves should get less credit than garlic! That was cute. She had a point! hahaha So here we go: Poulet aux 41 gousses d’ail!

This classical french dish is definitely a very easy chicken recipe, with great flavors. The preparation time is minimal and the outcome great! We all need to have this recipe handy and think about it when we don’t have time to be “standing actively” in the kitchen. A little preparation, seasoning and that’s it! The oven takes care of the rest.

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Tarte Tatin

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Tarte Tatin

In May 2013, I had the chance to go to the famous Hotel Tatin in Lamotte-Beuvron, Sologne; where the “tarte tatin” was created more than a century ago. We had a beautiful lunch and for dessert, of course, we tasted the “real” version of the delicious and simple apple dessert.
This classical French apple dessert is always a favorite. I have been preparing the Tarte Tatin since 2005, when my passion for cooking bloomed. Every time I make it, there are no leftovers. Adults and kids can’t seem to have enough of this simple yet delicious dessert. The recipe I’m sharing with you today is very easy to prepare. The secret is in the caramelization of the apples. Your patience will be rewarded! Try to choose firm apples that hold their shape when cooked. I use Gala apples for mine and the results are always perfect. 
Having tasted the “original” tarte Tatin, I can humbly say you that this recipe is as good.

Bon Appétit!

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Lemon Yogurt Cake

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Lemon Yogurt Cake

I have been baking this Lemon Yogurt Cake for a very long time now. I love this easy recipe and the results are beautiful and delicious. Pouring the syrup while the cake is still warm makes it really moist. The glaze gives an attractive touch to the final dessert. This sunny lemony cake will happily enchant you and your guests!

Mon-Mari-D’amour doesn’t usually like cakes, but gave this dessert (or me?) an A+ and the kids love it too. If it passed the three most strict judges in my life, I think I can safely share this recipe with you.
Bon Appétit!

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Kebbeh

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Kebbeh

Since I moved to Miami (in 2005) and started cooking, I have been on a mission trying to re-create one of our family favorite dishes: Lebanese baked kebbeh. During this laborious process, I was lost between my mom's recipe, my mother in law's ever changing recipe and the Lebanese cookbooks. I was left with a big question mark on my face. Actually, it is not “that” complicated but the results would constantly vary with some recurring "symptoms": the shrinking kebbeh, the chewy one, the grainy dinner, etc... After countless trials, I concluded that two factors are important: the ingredients ratio and the meat mixing process.
I know that lebanese people are very picky about their food and some recipes are sacred! You don't mess with the kebbeh. You just don't. Same goes for the hommos. It's a religion. When I was considering writing about the kebbeh and debating sharing the recipe I asked a very good friend of mine for his opinion and his answer was: "Of course you do!! Kebbeh is the new crab cake!!!"

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