Cooking Courses, Demonstrations, Recipes, Shows...Are You Confused Yet? - One Cake Three Ways

Three different cakes made from one cake recipe

"We learn by example and by direct experience because there are real limits to the adequacy of verbal instructions."   - Malcolm Gladwell

I am always asked about the difference between demonstrations and cooking courses. I am also frequently told: "I have taken a baking class at... with... and haven't really learnt anything.". or "I have read many recipes on bread making, but somehow they don't work, and I don't feel like I am getting better." or "It looked good on TV, but when I carried out the recipe, it did not turn out well."...etc. I have put together this blog post to explore the different methods for learning cookery and to try and answer these questions for you. 

Towards the end of last year I had the pleasure to be chosen by Kenwood to launch their Middle East Cook & Coffee venue. Cook & Coffee is a Demonstration Kitchen by Kenwood, where you get to go and watch Chefs prepare different foods live. Not only will you learn the recipes and techniques of preparing the foods, but you will also learn how to maximise on your different Kenwood machines, so you can realise their best potential. I will use these Kenwood Demonstrations I performed as an example in this post, and will share with you how you can get three different results from 1 recipe. 
So read on and I hope you enjoy...

Cooking Demonstrations

The difference between Cooking Demonstrations and Cooking Classes
A Cooking Demonstration is a visual recipe. A cooking Class is an in-depth look into the preparation of food that includes all the visuals, the literature and the practice.

Live Cooking Demonstrations are nice because you get to watch the cooking process, interact with the Chef, asking all sorts of questions to make sure you know all you need to know for remaking this dish at home. Cooking demonstrations however are different from cooking classes. At a demonstration you only watch the chefs do what they do best. Classes are hands on, which means more learning as you get to do all the work. You know how sometimes, something might appear simple and straight forward, but when you are in your kitchen making it, you find yourself getting stuck. In classes while you are making the food, you have a chance to discuss where you are getting stuck, or what is going wrong in the carrying out of any recipe, which means once you are home you won't go through this. Therefore, if you are looking for learning fail-proof techniques, recipes, recipe creation...etc it is best that you join a cooking course. While if you are looking to expand on a knowledge you already have, looking for new ideas for preparations you are familiar with, then you will really enjoy cooking demonstrations.


In our journey of kitchen mastery, we start with reading recipes and trying them out, then we watch these recipes being carried out (watching mum, TV cook shows, demonstrations...), but when we want to really learn and understand what is going on in the prep and cooking process, then classes are the best and most straight forward option. This learning process also relies hugely on the instructors and their knowledge of the subject matter, most importantly on their ability to deliver the information. It is also heavily reliant on the course material, not every course, is thorough and really elaborate. Therefore it is best to go for the reliable courses that have been tried and tested, and for the instructors that are known to really deliver. 
It will be silly to expect the same degree of learning and knowledge between that acquired from CIA and that which you have learnt at a coffee morning gathering where the neighbour who knows a couple of cake recipes is the instructor. Not that am saying the neighbour option is bad, it could be very informative. However I am telling you to manage your expectations from either experience.

Can you learn proper cookery without joining a culinary school?
This question is very debatable. This is my take on it:
It all depends on what you are looking to achieve. Are you thinking to become a professional in the food industry? Or are you just trying to get better with home-cooking? Home cooks are mostly self taught. We gather information from cookery books, from friends, family and any one who cooks and shares recipes. When push comes to shove we combine ingredients together and see what happens. With time, we continue to improve and develop. The more ambitious home cook would go for classes simply to learn more. So in this regards, Yes you can learn cookery on your own. But for better cooking skills, do join classes you will be amazed at how much better you understand food which consequently takes your home cooking and entertaining to the another level. when you understand ingredients, how to handle them, and flavour combinations as well as specific techniques, cooking becomes more interesting and way less like a chore.

Understanding food ultimately takes
your cooking skills to another level

As for those who want to become professional cooks;
Let me start by saying that I am a completely self-taught cook. I have never joined any cookery courses or classes etc. Not because I ever felt they don't add value or are not important, rather because when I first took up cooking, I never thought I would take it up professionally. It was through the years that I had unveiled a passion that I never knew I had. Being a perfectionist combined with a true desire to know how things work, I went in depth by reading, researching, practicing, trials and errors, back to the research, the reading, the practicing the trials and errors and so on... I had even purchased all the books taught in culinary schools and went through them as a student would, only without a mentor! Of course, any time you research and practice, and the more you do it, your skills are bound to improve and continue improving. However the process is long, complicated and very frustrating. Sometimes it takes just 1 tsp for a recipe to flop, especially in the case of baking for instance. Not knowing that that was what you were doing wrong, you can try a recipe a million times, and it would still flop, which can be tiring to say the least. What you can learn in 2 weeks in a culinary school can take you months to learn on your own. If you are a dedicated person, who is very very stubborn and doesn't take no for an answer, then you probably can learn on your own. However, if I knew then what I know now, and if I ever thought I wanted to become a professional in the food industry, I would definitely have joined a culinary school and that is what I recommend you do in this case.

Food is very trendy at the moment and it seems everyone is either learning, starting a food related business, doing food writing, photography, cooking for parties, demonstrating, offering courses... etc, so lately there's been lots of confusion and at times over expectation from the different mediums. Now I hope this helps you understand what to expect from courses, demonstrations, culinary schools and that it helps clear out a bit of the confusion :)

For the recipe portion of this post, I am sharing with you how you can create 3 different results from the same cake recipe. This cake is probably the easiest cake to bake, yet still super moist and delicious. The best thing about it, it is really easy to know by heart, which means you can carry it out anytime, even when travelling in the summer without the need for your recipe book or notes...etc. The ingredients are basic pantry ingredients that are readily available, making it doable anywhere anytime. So treat your friends and family with either one of these cakes, or all three of them in a cakes buffet. The best thing is, no one will know it is the same cake recipe :)

Classic Victoria Sandwich Cake 
This is a classic cake – traditionally served in Afternoon Teas – that is both delightful and fresh.
We are using this classic cake recipe to create three different cakes:

Strawberries & Cream Cake

Mocha Cake

Summer Berries & White Chocolate Cake

You Need

Spreading Butter Cream

Cake Batter Ingredients 3 eggs
175g butter, softened
175g caster sugar
175g self-raising flour
½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla essence

Garnish Ingredients Fresh Berries (blueberries, blackberries, raspberries...)
Fresh Strawberries
Grated white chocolate
Icing sugar for dusting
Cocoa Powder for dusting  

Strawberry Jam 

Vanilla Syrup

Soaking cake with Syrup

Coffee Syrup

Buttercream Ingredients 200g butter, softened
200g icing sugar, sifted
1 tsp Vanilla Essence 

Coffee Frosting Ingredients 200g butter, softened
250g icing sugar, sifted
4 tbsp prepared Strong Coffee 

To Make the Cake 
Preheat your oven to 350F. Grease and line two 8-inch or one 10-inch cake pan.
In a large bowl, mix all cake ingredients on medium speed until all are well incorporated and the batter is smooth. Spoon the mixture into the prepared tins and level the tops with a spatula. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
Turn on a wire rack and cool completely before spreading with cream.

To Make Buttercream 
Place all ingredients in stand mixer bowl, mix using Paddle attachment on low speed until well incorporated. Once incorporated turn speed up to max and beat for 2 more minutes. Buttercream is now ready for use.

To Make Coffee Frosting 
Place all ingredients in stand mixer bowl, mix using Paddle attachment on low speed until well incorporated. Once incorporated turn speed up to max and beat for 2 more minutes. Your frosting is now ready for use.


To Assemble The Cakes

Cake 1 – Strawberries & Cream :
For this recipe in Arabic click this link

When your cake is completely cool, spread strawberry Jam along the first layer. The addition of jam is optional, just to add another layer of the strawberry flavour. Top the jam with a layer of Buttercream. Top the buttercream with sliced fresh strawberries and top with the second cake layer. Repeat the jam and buttercream layers, then place halved strawberries all around the edge of the cake. You can add grated white chocolate, or go for more fresh strawberries in the centre.

Strawberries n Cream

Cake 2 - Summer Berries & White chocolate: When your cake is completely cooled, soak the first layer with Vanilla Syrup, then top the layer with buttercream frosting and sprinkle white chocolate shavings on top. Place the second layer on top of the first frosted layer and spread a thin layer of buttercream over the top. Place mixed Berries on top of the buttercream in the design of your choice, then sprinkle some white chocolate shavings on top or dust with some icing sugar.

Summer Berries & White Chocolate Cake

Cake 3 – Mocha Cake: When your cake is completely cooled, soak the first layer with Coffee Syrup, top with a layer of Coffee Frosting and sprinkle with grated dark chocolate. Top with the second layer and repeat the coffee syrup and coffee frosting. You can frost the sides of the cake as well or you can leave them open.  Dust the top with Cocoa Powder Then top all with grated dark chocolate and some red currents.

Mocha Cake

Store these cakes in the fridge, covered, for up to 2 days.

This recipe is only an example of how there is many ways to go about anything. How we can achieve different results doing the same thing slightly differently. I always find myself thinking there is no universal rule that applies to everything, there is always variation, and ways for looking at things. So it is best to keep an open mind and go where the road may lead. Better yet is to create a road to follow wherever there is no lead. All is made possible when we have the knowledge, so seek that and you will always open new doors. 

Thank you for coming back, and make sure to drop by again soon :)

PS I will resume offering my courses in September, hope to get a chance to get to know you in person at these courses. Till then keep checking this space for fail- proof recipes ;)

Always Love & Be Peaceful ...
Dima

Summer Break - A Spiced Apple Cake

Click here for this recipe in Arabic

"If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these apples then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas."               -  George Bernard Shaw


Are you ready for summer? It sounds funny, asking this question - now - when you live in a city like Dubai! Where summer is just kicking in, the world over, over here it seems we have been living in summer for ages. Dubai is super hot now, or has it always been?

Who doesn't like summer? Remember back when we were kids in school? Summer was the time when we were off school, no homework, we stay up late, we go out every day of the week, we watch TV whenever we liked, we are outdoors most of the time...  Ever since I graduated from school, I never thought I would be as excited about all these very things. I thought student life was a thing of the past, and that summer to me would become like any other season. But here is the thing about having very young children in school. You end up doing homework again, they still can't do it on their own, and are of course not too bothered with it. They are indifferent until you insist they must! You end up sleeping early during school days! Someone has to take them to school early in the morning. During school days, there is activities, play dates, birthdays, drop offs, pick ups, projects and all sorts of things that will have you driving around all day, that when they are off to sleep, you just want to tuck in! It goes on and on. So Yeay! It is summer break! (Saying it like a school child, jumping up and down lol)

How to make Apple Wafers

Like Dubai Summer that seems to last all year long, this cake recipe here is one that has flare regardless the season you serve it in. I like to call it: The All Year Round Spiced Apple Cake. All year round, you will find good apples to munch on. The snowy effect of dusting the cake with icing sugar, makes it ideal for winter and the festive season. The use of spices and their aromas evoke an autumn feel. The Apple Wafers like autumn's leaves falling. Then the green apples add a tone of spring, from their colour to their fresh flavours. And the caramel brown colour, like beach bodies tanned by continuous exposure to the sun is very summer to me. This is a cake I make very often, and one that everyone loves. It is delicious.

The way you serve a cake can make a huge difference to the over all eating experience. The same cake can produce, massively different results according to how its served, and which accompaniments you go for. This cake is, in that sense, very universal. It is a perfect coffee cake, as it's sweetness contrasts the bitterness in coffee. It goes very well with flavoured teas as well making it a perfect afternoon treat. You can also serve the cake with thickened cream or a brown sugar cream as cream, cinnamon and apples are the reason why threesome is a word. The extra moistness from the cream - not that this cake needs it, it is super moist - makes it become more like a pudding in experience. But my favourite ever way to serve this cake is along side a Fruit Salad! Yes you hear right, along side a Fruit Salad. You cannot believe how this cakes marries a fruit salad. The flavours just compliment each other and bring out all the goodness in each bite.
So I would usually make a bowl of fruit salad, and this cake. Then when I slice the cake, I place it in the plate and top it with a large scoop of fruit Salad and dress it with its juices. Ah! Heavenly! You have to give it a try, you will love it. Besides it is very different to the traditional approach to cakes, and fruit salads for that matter. Use any available seasonal fruits for making the salad and go for this option for your next dessert menu. The whole thing is light, flavoursome, fresh, will never leave you feeling overly full, and you will most certainly reach out for seconds.

One of he things I love about this cake is its look. This is not one of those straight perfect looking cakes. It looks more like a home-made country style cake. In terms of texture it is super moist, due to the use of Muscavado Sugar, which is moister than other sugars. You get an occasional crunch from pieces of apples that did not overly cook to a mush, but some bursts of juiciness from those that did cook to softness. The spices are optional, you can go for one, or more, you can even add some ginger and cloves when you make it during the festive season. These spices, give depth to the flavours, and make it all the more aromatic, so all your neighbours will know you are baking lol. Teamed up with the fruit salad is just layers upon layers of flavour and texture.

Make this cake for your friends and family during these summer reunions, and add goodness to the whole get together. What better than good food to freshen up a reunion ;) 


All Year Round Spiced Apple Cake

You Need
3 cups all purpose flour
2 cups firmly packed Muscavado Sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup oil (any tasteless cooking oil)
3 cups green apples, peeled and chopped
1 tbsp vanilla
fine zest of 1 lemon
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground star anis (optional for a spiced flavour)
a pinch of allspice (optional for a spiced flavour)
a pinch of salt
1 cup roughly chopped toasted pecans or walnuts
Apple Wafers for garnish and to serve on the side

Preheat your oven to 350F. Grease and lightly flour your baking pan, I prefer to use tube pan for this cake for the very home-made feel, but you can use any pan you like. 

In the bowl of your stand mixer beat together the eggs, oil, sugar and vanilla on medium speed for 2 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, mix together all the rest of the ingredients except the apples and pecans. 
After the 2 minutes are over, add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in the stand mixer's bowl and beat on low speed until all the ingredients are combined. 

The mixture will look like there is too much apples in it. That is ok,
these apples will soften and shrink while baking, adding flavour and moisture to the cake.

Remove the bowl from the stand mixer, and fold in the apples and pecans. The mixture will hold together and may appear as though having too much apples. That is what we are after, as these apples will soften and shrink during baking, lending their juices to the cooking batter around them, making it all the more moist and flavoursome. Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan, and distribute as evenly as possible.

The Muscavado Sugar gives this cake a caramel colour and hints of caramel and molasses flavours. Combined with the apple and spices..... Oh My!

Bake the cake for 1 hour in the preheated oven, or until a tooth pick comes out clean when inserted near the centre. Remove from the oven, and place on a wire rack to cool completely. You must allow this cake to cool, or it will fall apart if you attempt to flip it while still hot. Once cooled, slide a knife around the edges to loosen the cake, flip over to a serving plate, sprinkle with icing sugar and place 12 the apple wafers along the top, one wafer for each slice, and serve with extra wafers on the side for those who wish to have more. You can also serve with some thickened cream or my way: with fruit salad on the side.

Store this cake in the fridge, covered for up to 4 days. That is if it lasts this long lol

You are now ready for summer, have a fabulous time whatever you do. Yeay! It's Summer Break!
I hope you like this post, let me know how you like this cake once you make it :) & Do leave me a comment before you go, you know how much I like to hear from you ;)



Always Love & Be Peaceful ...
Dima 

What is a Naked Pizza? It is a philosophy of lifestyle! ....

N_K_D Pizza is the first and so far only international store for the original Naked Pizza
which came to life in New Orleans, USA. 

"Naked Pizza is about meeting half-way. It is about approaching life as Naturally as possible. It is about bringing the healthiest possible equation to fast food. It is allowing you to enjoy a take out without worrying about the nature of the ingredients, the health issues or even compromising your lifestyle."            - Ian Ohan,  CEO N_K_D Pizza Dubai


Growing up, we had a tradition at my parent's that every Saturday, we gather up for a 'movie afternoon'. It was the most fun thing ever. Myself, brothers and sisters along with Mum and Dad would choose a movie to watch together and order pizza for nibbles while watching. You see, my parents were never big on the fast food option for lunch, and they always made sure we ate healthy home-cooked meals, which eventually became my definition of a home. However, my parents have always been advocates for moderation. They believed that we must be moderate people who do not over indulge in any theory. So on the weekend we got to consume some fast food. In Jordan, there is this amazing pizza joint called 'Pizza Reef" who make these fabulous grilled pizzas over a charcoal oven. Their pizzas used local produce for ingredients, were thin crusted, and you got to choose any combination of flavours you liked. It was very avant garde for the Jordanian market, because back then whoever heard of a healthy pizza?! Health though was not the reason why this pizza was and still remains one of the best loved in Amman. These open pies of goodness are supremely delicious, and without the greasy yuckiness of the other fast food pizzas. So on our movie afternoons we would pick up our pizzas and sit for a nibble and a good movie.

A pizza take out without the greasy yuckiness is now available in Dubai
under the name of N_K_D Pizza

I still keep this tradition alive with my children, where we have a movie afternoon on one of the weekend days. Usually, I or Firas would make the pizzas for movie nibbles. A while back, I went over to my sister's for a movie afternoon, and constantly watching what I eat, I told her: "What is a movie afternoon without a Pizza?" She said: "Oh no, we are having Pizza!" she then introduced me to N_K_D Pizza which had recently opened in Dubai. She said: "Don't tell me you haven't heard of Naked Pizza!... it is healthy, 1/2 the calories intake and super delicious!" I was very happy to learn that finally a fast food joint had decided to take a real look into what they offer. That a healthier take out was finally possible. Mostly that I could enjoy a pizza while watching a movie even if I was not in the mood to make one that day :)) N_K_D Pizza had become a constant take out option, when looking for one. The pizza is gorgeously delicious, and you get many options to help you create the perfect pizza flavour for you.

You can choose any combination of flavours and any type of toppers you fancy

Curious me, combined with food lover me, with a pinch of human interest and a dash of admiration for beginnings together with a toss of a human story dished an: "I need to get to know these people, I want to find out more about them." Mainly because, I had found it to be hugely interesting that some people decided to change the face of the fast food industry, however small in steps - huge in impact. Because when we can start a conversation about the fast food industry, not from a pointing fingers perspective rather from "what can we do to fix it" perspective I find huge interest and admiration.
It never helps to critique, pin point the negatives, and to find a source to blame. On the other hand being engaged, and looking for creative solutions, and taking the first step on the right path is the way this world evolves, and the way solutions come about. We all love a take out, and we all like the convenience of fast food. Furthermore, we are all aware of the risks, the global health issues, and the nutritious value issues. The debate of whether to consume fast food or to steer clear from the evils of fast food had been on the table for ages. Neither did this debate stop people from consuming fast food, nor did it urge the fast food industry to become more responsible human beings who take well being into account. The only thing that came out of that debate was slogans, and new approaches to marketing and crisis management that we focused more on the "It" PR person, while shoving down more burgers and chips...
It is here therefore that I found refuge from the debate. I found individuals who are keen to start working on a solution for an over analysed situation with no hint of salvage. People who had taken it upon themselves to start a new conversation, one that discusses solutions, that offers options, and that is taking steps towards the ultimate goal. I found that beam of hope at Naked Pizza.

The people behind Naked Pizza on their road trips
To the right, Ian Ohan the man who brought it to Dubai

I have had the pleasure of getting to know Ian Ohan, the CEO of N_K_D Pizza - Dubai, and had asked him to pick his brain about their food philosophy, how N_K_D pizza started, and what they are hoping to achieve. Ian is such an awesome guy, whose company is very light hearted and interesting and he is the man who brought the Naked Pizza to Dubai. Here are bits of that conversation we had...

What is a Naked Pizza?
Ian Explains that Naked means Natural. He says that a Naked Pizza is a pizza made from all natural ingredients, whole foods that not only taste good, but is actually good for you. He describes their famous  10- grain- crust as:
"Our crust is made from an Ancestral Blend® of ten grains plus prebiotic agave fiber and probiotics, which are healthful bacteria like the ones found in yogurt and which promote balance and healthy digestion."
I told him that besides the flavour, what I loved about their pizza is that you feel full after eating, but you do not feel overly and exhaustingly stuffed as is the case with most fast food. He explained to me why that is. He said:
"The grains we use include oats, brown rice, buckwheat, quinoa, amaranth, teff, spelt, tapioca, and two kinds of wheat. This diversity of grains, fiber and probiotics are the main reason for that satisfied feeling you get after eating N_K_D Pizza; these special ingredients contribute a slow, sustained release of energy without the crash that comes from eating other single grain, highly processed pizzas."

LIVNAKED .... A Philosophy of Lifestyle

The beginnings ... The origins of Naked Pizza
I still lingered on the term Naked. I found it very interesting and catchy. The association between nakedness and being natural is a known thought. The application to food though was new. Ian explained that it is stripping the pizza out of all the fast food rubbish, from additives, to colourants, to sugars and all the rest of ingredients commonly used by the fast food industry. It is taking away all those bad qualities and leaving you instead with a naked, all natural pizza with goodness exactly the same as that which you make at home. I like that thought.

How N_K_D was created

I could not help but ask him, why N_K_D?
He said that when they decided to bring Naked Pizza to Dubai, they thought to be considerate to the culture into which they are introducing their product. They understood the cultural sensitivity and the type of misunderstanding this could cause, and they did not want to be offensive to a culture they highly respect. On the same note, they did not want to lose the essence of their brand, for as mentioned above, the 'naked' here reflects a philosophy, not a dress code. Naked is a concept upon which the whole brand is built. So while the partners sat and brain stormed names that would remain true to the concept and ideology behind the brand, they sketched a hangman kind of scene beginning with the letter 'N'. After several attempts it dawned on them that they can use twitter short-hand and decided on N_K_D.
I respect that, what a good gesture! You see, not only are Naked Pizza people responsible in what they pass on to you as food, but they are also responsible towards the community within which they exist. Responsibility shines everywhere when it is a philosophy or a school of thought that you truly live by, unlike that which is generated by the marketing machine, as labels and slogans to say in order to generate more clients - the tell them what they want to hear kind of approach instead of what you truly believe in!

Jeff the Co-founder of Naked Pizza

Further down the road of the Naked Pizza Philosophy, Ian and I discuss how they have started the whole LivNaked philosophy, where co-founder Jeff - who by the way specialises in Ancient diets (what he studied in school) - talks about healthy eating, living natural extending that from just food to even lifestyle, economics, and even politics. It is a wholesome philosophy about living naturally, which eventually means living healthily and realising your full potential.
Naked Pizza lives in its founders as a lifestyle not just a choice of food. Through Livnaked they run Marathons, support causes, think health, and explore options of how to carry that natural living in different outlets. They even go on motor byke Road trips from NY to LA and when taking on a new partner that partner has to go on those road trips with them, where they all get to know each other better and see if the new partner shares the same values with them. How cool is that?

Coming to Dubai
Naked Pizza started in New Orleans and moved on to other parts in the US. N_K_D Pizza is the first and so far only outlet outside of the US. This is their first international store, and they are hoping to expand further into other cities in the world. When I asked about their choice to open up in Dubai, Ian explained: "Dubai is the crossroad of the world right now. It is the place where all cultures meet, where every one wants to be, and we love the entrepreneurial spirit in Dubai. We find it to be the best hub for expansion, and a starting point from which we continue to grow."
He then told me: "We have been very well received in Dubai. Our brand, our pizza and our community are thriving in Dubai and we love it here. What started as a small store back in New Orleans, has now grown into many stores both in the US and here. We could not be more happy and proud."

The team making it happen in Dubai
N_K_D Pizza - Dubai

Organic? Local Produce? Fresh produce?
Of course I had to ask Ian about the produce. I wanted to know if they used organic? if they supported local produce? If they make their ingredients fresh or if they were imported...etc


Organic
We had talked long about Organic Produce, but in short Naked Pizza do not focus on organic produce. Ian explains: "We are trying to focus on global health issues at the moment by tackling those like diabetes, obesity, and so on. Organic is not our priority, because it will mean a more expensive pizza, which not everyone can afford. We prefer a very healthy not-necessarily fully organic pizza that reaches more people, than an expensive organic pizza that only reaches a few. We have nothing against organic, but we are tackling the issues one at a time. We do have a good surprise up our sleeves to be revealed in time." I have to say I know what they have in store and I cannot be more excited about it. lol

Fresh & Local Produce
Naked Pizza support local produce whenever possible. Because N_K_D pizza is a fast food chain, most of their sauces are made back in the US and are imported to Dubai. In fact most of their ingredients are imported from the US.
This is where I would like to raise a request for N_K_D Pizza - as this also goes in line with their philosophy - I want to ask them to support the local market by ensuring to buy local produce above all else. Whenever using ingredients that are not available locally, then the choice is theirs as to which to go for. But in a pizza a lot of vegetables are used, and there is where you can support the local market, and these farmers who are working very hard to create sustainable local produce despite the harsh environmental conditions. I do have to say that their upcoming plan includes an effort on that side. But till then, the market is full of local products.

I guess now it is safe to say: "GO Naked!"

When it comes to choosing which food to go for, especially with all the varieties out there, I find a brand that has such deep ideas, dreams and grounds will win over my heart. Because by supporting the brand, I support the thought behind it, the people who thought hard and who attempted to provide a part of a solution. I don't like brands that try to trick me into thinking they are healthy by saying: "Have half the portion and you are good with your diet!" or "we focus on fresh produce", when the bun is overly sugared! Or those who put low fat on over sized sugar syrups....etc. I like healthy, but I am not a health freak, and I indulge in fast food sometimes. So, when it comes to choosing, I choose the people who have a story to tell, those who care enough that they don't want to be part of the problem any more, rather part of the solution. I choose those who make good food, tasty food, and those with whom I connect and find common ground somehow.

So when it comes to fast food, Naked Pizza won my heart, and I hope that this post will inspire all those out there in the fast food industry or attempting to get into the fast food industry to take note and listen to our needs at this day and age. We can have a burger, but let's find a way to make it healthier, wholesome, and with natural ingredients. Let's find a way to make it Naked!


Here are some links to relative recipes for you to try at home:

• Pizza Dough
•  New York Inspired Grilled Pizzaz
• Pizza for dessert an assortment of recipes and a Zen Approach to food

Pizza + Good Movie + Beer = Best Movie Night Ingredients

Finally, this is a list of some must-see movies, if you are planning to have a movie afternoon or movie night. There is nothing like building a family tradition and having it live on. These are very cool international movies that I loved watching and think you will love too. I have put the previews for you to help you decide too! All you need to do now, is order or make your pizzas, gather up, turn your home theatre on, and get watching n nibbling :)

Deep Meaningful Movies

Of Gods and Men


Incendies



Another Year


Where do we go from here (Lebanese with English Subtitles, a movie really worth watching )


Beginners





Light Movies



Certified Copy




Midnight In Paris




The Trip (including food in the story)




Hesher




Submarine



Well it is weekend, and no better time to start a movie and pizza family tradition :) Hope you have enjoyed this post, and that you will give NKD pizza a try. I am sure you will be happy you did. Do come back again soon for more, and do leave me a comment and let me know what you think of the movie selection :))

Love & be peaceful y'all...
Dima x

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Disclaimer Note
This is not a paid advertisement, and I do not get any compensations for reviewing any product here on my blog. 

On my Blog, I do sometimes write reviews, and recommend specific products like in the case of 'The sisters Olive Oil' for example. But these are products I have found -on my own - to be outstanding, and believe you must know about them as they can tremendously change your cooking results. Therefore I have written these reviews and recommendations on my own behalf and did not earn any income for doing so. 

As I have promised you, my blog is dedicated to helping you understand food and take your cookery skills to the next level, part of that is knowing good products and produce, equipment, and staying up to date with market offerings, which is why I do these recommendations for you.
In the case of a paid advertisement/review appearing on my blog, you will be informed :)

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Let's do breakfast Arabic style

If you want to refine the experience, instead of a traditional spread, go for these options in minis and serve individually

"Yeay! It's weekend :)"    -Me


Nothing like a good breakfast to make us feel the love of being off work. Let's be social, Let's do breakfast this weekend. Let's gather up friends for an amazing breakfast/brunch the Arabic way?

In Arabic tradition, breakfast is like mezze, we like to have a spread of different small platters of goodness, where each picks whatever they like to have. It is like a buffet of sorts. We then gather up around the table, and have scoops of the different items in the spread, place in our plates and eat them with crispy or soft warmed pita bread. Traditionally, we serve tea with breakfast, which also compliments the flavours of food. Most will  finish the meal with a dessert, traditionally Knafeh. Then Turkish coffee is served, and the lot gather up in the living area talking latest news (who is getting married, who had a new child, who graduated...) and of course discussing politics (the most favourite pass time lol ). Sounds like heaps of happenings, but these breakfast gatherings are in fact so much fun.



Most people like to listen to Fairuz in the morning (a very famous Arabic Singer from Lebanon). Not only does she have a sweet voice that's been celebrated the world over, but she also sings beautiful songs relative to many aspects of our culture and lifestyles. Fairuz's music is seen as one that gives you energy and sets a positive vibe for the rest of the day, and many people would have her music playing in the background in the mornings. So if you want to go all out with an Arabic style breakfast and would like to play her music, you can finds lots of her best loved songs here.

There is an array of breakfast options in Arabic cuisine. All equally delicious. You can choose any combination really, and whatever you end up choosing will never disappoint. In this post, I am choosing a menu of the most traditional, and best loved breakfast options that are easy to make, and spell Arabic breakfast anywhere.

Arabic Breakfast Menu

Zaatar o Zeit

Labneh bil na'na 

Fool

Hummus

Fattet Hummus

Falafel

Scrambled Eggs

Pita bread (toasted and soft warmed triangles)

Dessert

Filo Chocolate Parcels 

Drinks

Traditional Yellow Tea with Mint

Turkish Coffee or Ahwe Sada (Traditional Arabic Coffee)

Home-made Zaatar

To Prepare...
Zaatar o Zeit
Zaatar is a relative of thyme and oregano, it has the same flavour palate. The Arabic zaatar comes from a similar plant, it grows wild in the region, as usually referred to as wild thyme. The leaves of this plant are separated from the stems and are then semi-dried in the sun. After that they are rubbed between the palms to produce the almost powdered texture. Different areas then prepare it in different ways. Some add summac, sesame seeds, and even spices. I love the version my mum makes, in which she adds just a little bit of toasted sesame seeds, and a hint of salt, mixes all together and it is ready to eat. I find this to be the best tasting version as it celebrates the zaatar without too many flavourings. If zaatar is not available in your area to make at home, you can always purchase ready made zaatar from supermarkets and spice markets.
For breakfast, we usually place zaatar in a small plate, and place a bowl of good quality olive oil next to it. You would dip the pita bread in the oil, then the zaatar and eat. This also works very well with sliced tomatoes and you will see how the flavours mesh like a melody.
Another traditional way of serving zaatar is zaatar pastries (mana'ish). Topping raw pastrie disks with a mixture of zaatar and oil, then baking till done. Kind of like a zaatar pizza.

Labneh bi Na'na' (labneh with mint)
Labneh is similar to sour cream, however it is slightly thicker in texture, kind of like cream cheese. Arabic labneh, unlike its Turkish counter part, is tangy, while the Turkish one tastes more plain (more like cream). If you cannot find Labneh in your local store, follow this link for how to make Labneh at home.
We mix Arabic Labneh with 1 tsp of dried mint, a pinch of salt and place in a small plate, then drizzle all with olive oil and serve. Labneh is eaten with pita bread.

Fool (Brown Fava Beans Mash)

Fool (Brown Fava Beans Mash)
This is an awesome way to prepare fava beans. There are many ways to make it, but are all the same in essence. Basically, the beans are boiled or steamed till fully cooked and tender, then mixed with a mixture of Tahina and lemon. Usually flavoured with garlic, salt and black pepper. I like to add aromatics and vegetables to Fool, and like to dress it with Arabic green sauce as I find it to be enhanced this way. Here is a link to my Fool recipe. Feel free to omit the vegetables and aromatics for the plain Fool option.

Hummus
Hummus is a breakfast option in Arabic cuisine as well as being an appetiser option. In fact, many people regularly have hummus for breakfast. Find my Hummus recipe here, it is super easy to make and super delicious.

Fattet Hummus

Fattet Hummus
Yes, it is very common to serve both Hummus and Fattet Hummus for breakfast. They are two different preparations. But if you feel you are over Hummusfied, choose one or the other ;) Fatteh is a very traditional and loved preparation in Arabic cuisine. For breakfast, we serve Fattet Hummus, but there are many other fattehs that we serve as appetisers to a meal (Fattet Beitinjan, Fattet Fool, Fattet Djaj, Fattet Kharoof, and even Fattet Mlookhieh!)
This recipe is the best ever for Fattet Hummus and it actually works. All those who have tried my Fattet Hummus recipe, loved it and said it was super easy to make. Do give it a try, you will love it.

Falafel
Who doesn't like Falafel? Super easy to make and super delicious, this is a staple recipe and a staple breakfast item. Follow the link for my Falafel recipe and some cool serving suggestions :)

Scrambled Eggs
Scrambled eggs are scrambled eggs everywhere. We tend to add some spices to our scrambled eggs though. We will make scrambled eggs the regular way, but will then sprinkle the tops with either cinnamon or ground all spice. It is a welcome addition, as it gives a plain scrambled eggs extra depth.

Toasted or Soft Warmed Pita Triangles
We eat everything above with pita bread. You can either spread things on the bread using a knife or - traditionally - scoop them out with the bread, without your fingers touching the food. To prepare the bread for breakfast, quarter the small round of pita bread. Place in preheated oven, once warmed take out half the quantity, and keep the rest to toast until crunchy and slightly browned.

Filo for Dessert
No get together is complete without dessert. This is a crowd pleaser, both kids and adults will love tucking into this ooziness of chocolate and pastry. Delicious! Follow this link for the recipe.

Arabic breakfast is traditionally served with mint tea

Beverages
Traditionally breakfast is served with mint tea, however there are a million other beverages and flavours that can be served with breakfast. Follow this link or hot beverage options, and this link for nice cold drinks, since it's summer :)

There it is, your complete breakfast or Brunch like an Arabian star Menu. Get your friends together before everyone is out on Summer vacations and celebrate the Flavours of Arabia :) You can even carry out this menu when back home to share with your family a part of your experience here...

Hope you give these recipes a go, and that you have a fabulous breakfast with your friends and family ;) Come back again soon for more. Meanwhile, share the love and leave me a comment xx

Making Friends - with the nature of things - Fruit Wafers

Green Apple Wafers, made using classic method

"Funny that.... Friendships..."     -  some actor on friendships

Last night, I was hanging out with my very good friend Kari from Chef and Steward and her friend Bev. You know us girls, getting together, talking fashion, diet, newest lipstick, with high pitched giggles and having pink feathery pillow fights..... NOT!!! I am sorry guys to rain on your fantacy, but when girls get together they hardly ever have pillow fights! :)) Some of the most profound conversations, selfless acts of care, and best advice come from Girl friends and are usually the happenings of a girls' hangout.

In fact this is a very good chance to bust some myths about Girl Friends...
You know it has become a common thought that women cannot be good friends! That women don't get along! That women are jealous creature! That women only stab each other in the back...! It has also become common to think that only men are capable of making good and real friendships. I think it is a personal choice - that is sexless - how people are as friends. There are those who will have a huge smile when with you and turn around to talk nonsense about you. Then there are those whom you know you can count on when no one else comes through. It's a personal choice. We all choose the type of people we want to be and the type of friends we are.

But hey let me remind you of the power of sisterhood. There is nothing like knowing a person understands you, that a friendship is safe and not threatened by misunderstandings and silliness. There is nothing like knowing there is someone out there who cares and who will be there regardless the stupendous requirement of the task. And certainly nothing like being big enough to go beyond 'I', when a she is in need. There is nothing like sisterhood. Sisterhood has empowered cities, changed worlds and in cases changed the course of history. Let's not let the foolishness of TV 'cat fights' and 'pillow fights' or 'Jerry Springer' plant the seeds of a thought that could not be further away from true. Let's not chase illusions. Let's look at the women around us - beyond the CHANEL bag, the Mac lipstick and the Louboutin shoes. Let's look beyond the penthouse, the car, and the network. Don't search for yourself in people you meet, we are all separate and different people. We are colourful. So let's not look for 'I likes' and 'I hates'. Let's stop creating labels and images of a friend and rather look for the person and find the beauty and goodness within each person.

Make friends with the nature of that person. Make friends with the nature of things and you will find yourself richer.  

Strawberry Wafers ready to mingle in the oven

On the note of the nature of things, fruits are naturally good and sweet. They are your palates best friends. A life without fruits is like that without friends... without fruits the world is colourless, less fun and less sweet. And like friends, fruits come in different shapes, and flavours. While it is always a pure pleasure to munch on the fabulous goodness of raw fruits, fruits are still very versatile and lend themselves to so many applications, making your food all the more varied in flavour, colour and texture. Since fruits are naturally sweet, subjecting them to heat will result in caramelisation, which intensifies their sweetness and adds a hint of caramel to the equation. In terms of texture, the caramelisation process will also add a brittle touch, making them even crunchier and complimenting the eating experience. It is then, only natural to make wafers out of fruits. Wafers are by definition - a very thin, unleavened, crisp layer (disk, cracker or cookie) that can be savoury or sweet. Wafers are served alongside food as to compliment the flavour or texture of foods, or they can be used as base for toppers such as in the case of the beetroot wafers in the foie gras bonbon recipe. Well, when cut very thin, subjected to heat, fruits too can recreate the definition of wafers. Unlike other wafers, fruits are all natural all the time. There is no additions, flavourings, colourings...etc involved. Fruit wafers are the healthiest wafers and can make for a fabulous snack. Fruits will enhance the flavour of many concoctions and desserts, and can replace the cookie or cracker wafers. Not only that, but fruits are naturally colourful, and have various shapes, sizes... all of which will help you use them as embelishment, or decoration to foods or cakes. These embellishments, unlike their sugar made counter parts - are actually tasty and won't leave you over sweetened. All in all, I would say, making fruit wafers is a skill you want to learn, and use more often. They give you that extra edge, and an innovative option where presentation is concerned.

Making Apple Wafers

Fruit wafers are very simple to make, there are many ways, but all are applications to the basic method. Basically, you will start by slicing the fruits as thin as possible. This is a place where a mandolin slicer comes in handy. The thinner the wafers the better as they crisp better than thicker wafers. However in the case of strawberries for example - or fruits that are more watery than firm - a little thickness is ok, as when the juices run dry, a super thin wafer will hardly have anything left. Different fruits, react differently to subjection to oxygen. Some fruits oxidise, and therefore become darker in colour like Apples, Bananas, pears...etc. These fruits will have to be brushed with acidulated water (water where some sort of acid is added). The most natural acidulated water, is water with a few drops of lemon. The fruits will have to be brushed with this water as soon as they are sliced to prevent blackening. However, and even when acidulated, the fruits will have to hit the heat ASAP, or they will end up darkening. Therefore you will have to have the oven preheated, and the sheets lined. You will slice, brush, line on the sheet and bake straight away. This is the basic fruit wafering technique, there are no additions, no oils, nothing. There is only the drying of the sliced fruit in the oven.
You might want to add to the fruit wafers in terms of flavour and texture, so you can sprinkle them with spices for instance. A classic example to that is apples and cinnamon. You might want to add sweetness and more caramel, like sprinkling green apple tops with icing sugar and letting the sugar react to the liquid in the apple and the heat, creating more caramel and more browning and therefore brittleness. As you see the options are endless.

Brush fruits that are likely to blacken with acidulated water to reserve their colour

Once the fruits, are sliced, brushed, flavoured if desired, you will have to line them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with baking paper, and bake them in a 160F oven until they are crisp and lightly browned. I have also found that if you place the fruits on a cookie cooling wire rack (that is heat proof) and place them in the oven, the results are much better as they dry out faster. If you do not own one, don't worry, you can go for the first option, it will just take a little longer.

Strawberry Fruit Wafers 

These wafers can be stored in an airtight container, in a dry, cool, and dark place for up to 2 weeks.

Serving Suggestions

• These wafers can be used in Salads for presentation and fruity flavours. 
• You can top a cheese disk (like camembert, or brie...) with these wafers and then drizzle with honey for an interesting cheese platter item or snack.
• You can use these wafers to garnish desserts, such as cakes, mousse cups, cheesecakes, and even cookies with the help of a little edible adhesive like piping gel or royal icing.
• You can stack them on a platter and serve them in the place of nuts when entertaining.
• You can make assorted sweet wafers, place them in small bags and send to school in the lunch box for a healthy snack...etc

I will be posting my best loved Caramel Apple cake with Apple wafers shortly to show you an excellent example for using these wafers as garnish. So make sure to drop by again and check it out ;) Meanwhile here are 

links using fruit and vegetable wafers for you to check out:

• My favourite Pancakes with Kiwi Salsa and Strawberry Wafers
• Vegetable Wafers
• Foie Gras Bonbon on Beetroot Wafers
• Baked Cheesecake (I haven't used wafers in that recipe, but you can use wafers instead of fresh fruits any time)
• Kari's post further explaining sisterhood

When making wafers some fruits produce cool designs on the baking paper,
leave to dry and use these papers for scrap books or even as background for your photos :)

Last night as I hung out with the ladies, I learnt that Bev is sadly leaving Dubai, and embarking on a new phase in her life. We were talking about new journeys with all the excitement and anxieties attached. We were talking about friendships, reminiscing the old and anticipating the new. Driven by all the good people she met through the time spent in Dubai, we each described people who touched our lives, including those we never met but still had a huge influence on who we are. You see friendships are not conditional, and friendships can happen in a moment. It is only when we see beyond the surface and choose to accept the essence that we make friends - be it making friends with a person, or making friends with a situation or a past, or most importantly making friends with ourselves. I cannot tell you how powerful and profound the conversation was, but I can tell you how deeply appreciated these friendships are to me.

I wanted to share these thoughts here today, because they made me feel the love. I thought today, I want to use this post to thank all my good friends, and I have been blessed. I thought why not spread the love, and remind you to take a moment, to stop what you are doing for a second, and to appreciate "the good people we meet". While you are at it, it is never a bad idea, to let people know how much you appreciate them. Share the love....


Bob Marley's 'No Woman No Cry' is a song I love and a song that always reminds me of friendship and good friends, so I will conclude this post on this note ...






Lucy you are missed.






Love & peace to y'all...
Dima