How to Core and Cut Cabbage

Cabbage cut in half with the core removed

Learn how to core and cut cabbage with ease. Cutting your own fresh cabbage for slaw and other preparations is so economical and the flavor of fresh cut cabbage is the best. My easy cabbage salad with garlic and lemon is a winner on all scores: the salad comes together in a snap, packs incredible…

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How to choose and store produce

Pickling cucumbers in a gratin dish on the counter

Here’s how to choose and store produce, especially the ones we buy loose. Get all of the tips to make the best selection and keep produce nicer, longer. Lettuce in plastic boxes holds just fine that way in the fridge, but your cukes and tomatoes and other produce need different treatment. Eat great Tomatoes, year-round.…

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Lebanese Baklava Recipes

Lebanese Baklawa diamonds, Maureen Abood

Here are all of the expert tips you need to make excellent Lebanese Baklava Recipes at home! Try my simplified pour-over method, so you need not butter every layer! Get pure flower waters for your baking here. Get the foundational simple syrup recipe for baklawa here. There are so many ways to make and love…

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Easy Spanakopita, Greek Spinach Pie

Easier spanakopita with golden cut pieces in a pan

This Greek Spinach Pie is traditionally made by buttering layer after layer of phyllo. Try my easy Spanakopita recipe using my simplified method for a crisp, gorgeous pie. My recipe for spanakopita is one my Sitto learned at her Greek Orthodox Church and shared with me. The original includes the best of everything, and my…

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35 Lebanese Easter Recipes

Deviled Eggs, MaureenAbood.com

My 35 Lebanese Easter Recipes add flair and family favorites to your Easter and spring menus. We turn to these for special Lebanese Easter cooking, baking, eating, and celebrating! It has always struck me that the first thing that happens whenever someone walks up the front steps and enters the home of anyone in my…

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Cabbage Rolls in Tomato Broth

Cabbage rolls with tomato on a platter

The most traditional, most beloved stuffed Lebanese cabbage rolls in tomato broth are easy to make following these simple steps. To make my Garlicky Cabbage Rolls in a water-based broth, click here. So many cultures have their version of a cabbage roll, and with good reason. Cabbage makes the perfect wrapper for fillings, especially the…

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Baking with Yogurt

Lebanese Sfouf cake with turmeric

Baking with yogurt is a must! And often found in Lebanese recipes. Yogurt plays a special role in baking, giving moist, tender results with an extra boost of flavor too. This is because of the acidic/fermented nature of yogurt. Many baking recipes call for yogurt (see mine below!), but you can also replace sour cream,…

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How to make yogurt.

Homemade yogurt, or Lebanese laban, MaureenAbood.com

Here is such a simple recipe for how to make successful yogurt. Homemade yogurt requires just two ingredients and no special equipment.  Ready to make your own yogurt at home?! It couldn’t be simpler. There are great reasons to make your own yogurt–it’s economical, and also: so much more flavorful than commercial yogurts. Yogurt, or…

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How to Make Great Tahini Sauce

Tahini sauce in a bowl with a whisk

Great tahini sauce finds itself on so many of our favorite dishes, from Lebanese shawarma to falafel to Lebanese Spicy Fish. Learn how to make tahini sauce with the method that results in a smooth, glossy, delicious sauce. Shop my online market here for excellent tahini (not all are created equally!). You would think that…

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(Easy!) Valentine Spectacular Cake

Make a simple, luscious buttercream and decorate with abandon to create this (easy!) Valentine Spectacular Cake. Find rose water for the pink Raspberry Rose Butterceam here. Get the trick to making a heart cake with pans you already have here. Our simple heart cake trick creates a heart cake as a base for gorgeous pink…

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