A terrific and important book!

Maureen’s love letter to Lebanese food and the story of her family is so rich and delicious it was hard to stop reading and start cooking. But the recipes and photos compel me to do just that, and it’s hard to know where to start: thick yogurt in olive oil, lamb with spices and herbs, warm dates, pomegranate, and rose sorbet. This book is a feast from Maureen and her family table, and I can hardly wait to bring her food to mine.

What a charmer of a book. Maureen Abood brings us Lebanon on a plate, the Lebanon of her family and her imagination. Her recipes keep bringing to mind descriptors like, “deliciously sexy” and “got to do this.” Her family stories paint Lebanese life on both sides of the ocean. And the vegetable recipes alone are worth the price of admission. This is one for “The Keeper Shelf.”

A warm and welcoming guide to the fragrant world of Lebanese cooking. Abood writes with an American heart and a Middle Eastern soul, and she takes us on a delectable journey infused with luscious recipes, stunning images, and sweet memories.

Not nearly well known enough in this country, the rich and fragrant Lebanese cuisine finally gets this worthy representation both in the range of dishes presented and the gorgeous, mouth-watering illustrations of them.

Maureen’s unique perspective on Lebanese cooking is richly represented in Rose Water & Orange Blossoms. It is approachable, inspiring, and simply delicious.”

Maureen is a special kind of cookbook author–insightful, mindful of tradition, always appreciative. Rose Water and Orange Blossoms celebrates life, family, beautiful recipes, and Lebanese (culinary) food ways. She uniquely uses charm, experience, warmth, and evocative storytelling to invite us into the seductive realm of her Lebanese table–rose water, orange blossom, pomegranate, sumac, dates, and all.