Tag Archives: middle eastern dinner party

Jerusalem Cookbook Dinner Party

Posted on by January 19, 2015

Everyone loves a menu that’s straightforward and ready to go and this Jerusalem Cookbook Dinner Party is all that and more. Added bonus, most of the dishes can be prepared well-ahead of the party so that you can enjoy the party your self. The recipes, while delicious any time of the year, point out how lush and flavorful winter produce can be. Pomegranates and pears abound, dried prunes are an unexpected ingredient that delights when paired with crispy potatoes, bright green herbs make flavors and colors pop! and who can resist fresh bread, straight from the oven? Aside from the recipes featured on this page, I also recommend that you check out the recipes from my Middle Eastern Feast, which offers other great Middle Eastern dishes to offer your some variety in your planning. And of course, check out the many cocktails I have shared over the years and pick out one that will become your house favorite. I’ll walk you through these recipes step-by-step and at then end you’ll be prepared with an elegant, but comfortable menu that will “wow” guests. Appetizers: Baba Ganoush via Jerusalem Homemade Hummus and Pita would also be excellent from my Middle Eastern Feast … Continue reading →

Lamb Kofta

Posted on by January 19, 2015

Sometimes a great meal is inspired by a great wine, like this Lamb Kofta. A couple of years ago, during an amazing weekend in the Finger Lakes, I found Red Feet Wine in Ithaca. It was a very special shop and I was able to buy a Lebanese wine. Last December I realized that the wine was getting up there in years, particularly since I was storing it at room temperature. I knew it needed to be opened asap and required a worthy dish. I called my sister, who is a winemaker and baker and we decided we would make a Lebanese feast for Christmas dinner. This menu is based around that night. The hummus and pita recipes are based on the ones Heidi selected for the occasion and I prepared the other dishes. This kofta recipe was strongly influenced by a meal at Kanella in Philadelphia. I had a grilled ground lamb dish there that was full of apricots and onions. Though now that I’ve made it several times, I slightly prefer the dried sour cherries to the apricots. You’ll have to try the Lamb Kofta both ways and find out what you like best. And if you’re looking … Continue reading →