Brussels Sprouts with Maple Syrup and Dijon Mustard

Whenever we have Brussels sprouts at home my children always comment about how perplexed they are that they are the only kids in class who like this vegetable.  Last time my daughter asked me why I thought that was the case, I answered her that it was likely because they probably don’t know how to make them taste delicious.

This recipe comes from Jill. While it is so simple, it is at the same time, simply amazing. I remember the first time I had this dish at Jill's house. I practically ate the whole platter. I've since given the recipe to my cousin in Brazil who told me once that she wasn't a fan of this misunderstood vegetable either. But now even her family loves it! I think she actually uses honey as a maple syrup substitute as this condiment isn't readily available in Brazil. Hope this lovely side dish becomes a favorite in your house as well. My kids won't feel like they're the only ones who like Brussels sprouts!

Brazilian Miniature Savory Pies (Empadinhas)

It’s been another crazy week, starting with me getting really sick and ending with my eldest suffering a fractured ankle. But, as they say, if you have time to whine then you have the time to do something about it.  So I decided to say Alhamdulillah and make some empadinhas!

I am truly thankful for my wonderful children, for my wonderful parents, husband, family, friends and you that come here to check my recipes.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

It’s been a very long time, about 9 months, since I last posted. I am sorry, but I do have a good excuse for my absence. So much has happened during this time, and the big news is that almost 4 months ago I delivered a healthy baby girl. Lately I’ve missed the blog a lot and my intention is to get back to it and post as much as I can given my very busy halal-mama-of-five life.

You may not be very excited about another chocolate chip cookie recipe, but I am. I did not grow up eating and baking cookies of any kind. We are cake people. You crave something in the afternoon, you bake a cake and brew some coffee to have with it. However, since I have five kids and live in this country, I feel I should learn how to make cookies for bake sales and classroom parties. I had never, until now, made satisfactory chocolate chip cookies. For some reason they would always turn out very thin and crispy.

With Ramadan coming early this year, I feel pressed to learn fast some good cookie recipes to have some around for that time. I decided to start with a basic one by Dorie Greenspan as I have always been lucky with her recipes. Sure enough, it is a winner. So, here it is for you. Hope you come back soon to check new recipes that I am looking forward to sharing. As always, I would very much appreciate hearing from you here or via email, which I promise to go back to checking frequently again.

Khatti Dal (Sour Lentil Stew)

I really want to apologize for being absent for such a long time. I had some health issues the past two months and it all finally caught up to me. I am fine but just a bit uninspired. Please bare with me as I try to get my inspiration to blog again.