Palestinians love their food. Food is the center of social events and social chit-chat. To praise a woman’s good cooking is the finest compliment one can give her. There is rarely a ladies’ gathering where a recipe is not exchanged.
Palestinians express hospitality through food. We have to offer the best dishes for our guests and there has to be an abundance of food. An empty plate at the end of a meal is an embarrassment to the hostess.
Palestinian cooking uses flavors and ingredients from the rich and fertile land that has been cultivated by Palestinians for centuries. Palestinian cooking is renowned for such ingredients as green olives, first-press olive oil, home grown vegetables, almonds, and the freshest of meats. Accompanied by the abundant use of native spices, Palestinian food seduces the taste buds to a new world of flavors. No dish is complete without its almond and pine nut garnish.
Money raised went towards helping Palestinian orphans.
On the day
We cooked (and eat)
Entrée: Palestinian Bread Salad (Fattoush)
Main: Roasted Leg of Lamb (Fakhdet Kharouf bel Furon)
Mince Meat and Rice (titbila)
Vegetarian Okra (Bamyeh)
Desert: Arabic Custard (Muhallabia)
All enjoyed sharing a great meal. According to the Arabic traditions and culture,
once we have shared bread and salt… it is a bond that will stay forever!!
