mint water

With a hint of mint this drink will refresh you all summer long. Mint grows wild outside our flat making this delightfully convenient and it’s especially pretty for hosting. Serves: as many as you have jars to fill Tools: glass jars (reuse glass juice or milk bottles, thoroughly washed and dried) Ingredients: fresh picked mint…

cereal treats

Something about this treat brings back all the feels of childhood. So simple to whip up, cereal treats are perfect for a crowd and for kids. Serves : 10 guests, there will be seconds if you’re lucky. Tools: 1 9×13 deep glass baking dish large plastic mixing bowl spatula small sauce pot medium glass bowl…

pico

The vegetables in Cairo taste. Everything is farm fresh carted in daily from the Nile farms. So pico is a favorite in our house as a side, snack and topping. Serves: 6-8 guests Tools: cutting board chef’s knife large mixing bowl spatula or extra large spoon Ingredients: 10 medium, plump and firm tomatoes – washed,…

salsa

Salsa is just so good. It’s fresh and healthy and simple to make. So why not. Serves: 6 guests, depending on how much they love to dip their chips. Tools: hand blender or food processor cutting board chef’s knife Ingredients: 2 cups pico (linked recipe) 1 chili pepper, seeds removed and finely chopped 2 TBSP…

potato soup

This hearty soup will warm you up on cooler days, is great for large groups and my kids love it in their lunches. It can be made-ahead and even frozen in smaller batches for quick and healthy meals. Serves: 8 guests. Tools: Stock pot or crock pot Cutting board chef’s knife Ingredients: 6-8 cups chicken…

chicken stock

Homemade chicken stock is most delicious as the base of soups and in any recipe that calls for chicken broth. It can even be switched out for water in rice or casseroles.  It is healthy and quite simple to make. And maybe the best part is your house will smell like Thanksgiving as it’s stewing….

salata

Fresh and easy, salata as a side dish presents beautifully and tastes delicious. It pairs well with poultry dishes and summer sandwiches. This is my go-to side for a large gatherings or a cold mezza family dinner.   Serves: 8-12 guests Tools: large cutting board chef’s knife serving bowl Ingredients: 8 plump, firm tomatoes –…

chicken salad

Chicken salad is a family favorite and a go-to for when I am hosting. It’s not only pretty plated up, it’s light, refreshing and healthy.  It is even better if made ahead for the flavors to combine so it’s a win-win on all accounts. Serves: 8 guests Tools: cutting board sharp chef’s knive mixing bowl…

chips

Who doesn’t love a good chip? They’re not hard to find but they are expensive here. So we resort to making our own and they are crunchy and delish! The bowl is never full for long. Serves: 4 guests Tools: cutting board sharp chef’s knive large baking tray Ingredients: 1 package (5 tortillas) King M…

roasted chicken

A savory roasted chicken is comfort food for the soul. This basic recipe is delicious as the feature of a main course and doubles as the base for a plethora of other poultry dishes. This one is a staple in our kitchen.   Serves: 4 guests per whole chicken Tools: crock pot or roasting pan…

s’mores

S’mores are a summertime favorite. No campfires in Cairo but we do have gas stoves and marshmallows just showed up as an import. So bring on the ooey gooey goodness. Serves: as many as you like. Tools: Fondu pic or long handled fork. Ingredients: Digestive cookies Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate bars Campfire marshmallows For the…

banana bread

This is the one baked good that my Egyptian friends love and always ask for the recipe. It’s yummy as a loaf bread and as muffins for quick healthy kiddo snacks and let’s just be honest, adults too. Serves: 4-6 regular loaves. 24-30 muffins. Tools: mixing bowls whisk or electric hand mixer spatula Four loaf…