Category
January 31, 2013
Choosing what to serve for dessert can sometimes seem overwhelming. If you serve a heavy meal you tend to go for a lighter dessert. Of course it only makes sense that if you have a light dinner you could indulge a little more and serve something really decadent. What if I told you you could have it all? Literally . . . the whole shebang! Well, the recipe I have for you today is healthy as well as delicious. Since...
January 30, 2013
One thing I love about meatballs is you can change the spices to come up with some amazing flavor combinations. Almost every country has their own version of meatballs, and some of the most well known are Chinese, Italian, Spanish or Mexican Albóndigas, Swedish, and Turkish Köfte. It is unclear who made the first meatball but most countries claim invention of this wonderful treat. It is documented that Romans were serving meatballs around 25 AD. Most meatballs start out with...
January 28, 2013
Turkey is the leader in the production of Prunus armeniaca also known as Apricots or in Turkey Kayısı. Kayısı is a gorgeous fruit that can be used in pilavs, making pies, tarts, jams, and preserves. One of my favorites for using apricots is Kaymaklı Kayısı Tatlısı or Apricots Stuffed with Kaymak. If you are serving a heavy meal, this dessert could be served as a perfect ending to your meal. It is light, not too sweet and makes...
January 25, 2013
According to Wikipedia, past accounts tell us that eggplant is said to have over 1000 different preparations. Before I moved to Turkey at the age of 22, I can honestly say that would have seemed like a high number to me. I had never eaten, let alone thought about cooking an eggplant up until that point. Okay, maybe I do have one disastrous memory of trying to impress my husband by making Imam Bayildi. I have eaten and cooked my...
January 20, 2013
Cold weather is a great time for a good Turkish Beef Stew aka Yahni! January is a cold and dreary month that forces us to stay inside the home. Cold weather is a great time for a good Turkish Beef Stew aka Yahni! Yahni is a delicious dish that fills the house with a wonderful aroma. Since it is finished in the oven, it also warms the house up even more. It is a simple dish that can be...
January 20, 2013
I have to admit, I used to be one of those people who, when it came to chicken only liked the breast. These days, I prefer thighs. The thigh meat has a better flavor and is much more tender than the breast. If you are a white meat only person, I think my recipe for Oven Roasted Chicken Thighs or Fırında Tavuk But will sway you in the direction of dark meat. The key to finger lickin’ chicken is...
January 14, 2013
Baklava – Everybody’s Favorite . . . just the sound of it is intoxicating. Once you try baklava, you will be hooked for life. Baklava is like potato chips, you can never eat just one piece. Once piece becomes two, becomes three and so on. It is a food that I often get requested to make. If I make this sweet and intoxicating sweet for you, I LOVE you!!!! Contrary to popular belief, it is not hard to make, it...
January 11, 2013
Well, it is cold and raining here in Alabama so what better time for Sulu Kofte than now, right? Sulu Kofte is one of those foods that can make your mouth water just thinking about it. It is super easy to make and it tastes even better the second day – if you have any left, that is. Click here for recipe! Sulu Köfte Save Print Meatball soup Author: April Ozbilgin Recipe type: Soup Cuisine: Turkish Ingredients...
January 6, 2013
One of my favorite soups is Ezogelin Çorbası (Ezo Bride Soup). It is a smooth creamy soup that has a robust flavor and is very nutritious. While pregnant with my daughter, Stella, I was living in Turkey. Ezogelin soup was my life line. It was one of the few things I could eat and feel completely satisfied. There were many soup restaurants near our house and it was always a treat to have a hot bowl of soup with a squeeze...
January 2, 2013
Hi everyone! Do you know the names of these vegetables in Turkish? Well, today I have been working on a little project I have been wanting to do for a long time. . . translating some cooking terms from English to Turkish. I was trying to think which way would be best and since I am a little impatient, I am posting some of them now. I will update them and if anyone finds mistakes or has a better...
November 13, 2012
Homemade Kayserili Manti aka Turkish Dumplings Living in Turkey was one of the highlights of my life. Not only did I get to travel to many historical places in a beautiful country, I fell in love with the food – which, in my opinion, is the best in the world. I have been to many countries and have found that Turkish people are some of the most hospitable people you will ever meet. I also enjoyed the food and...
