Morocco, Libya, Bahrain, Iran and, really, the world: A tale of Persian Love Cake

In these times of turmoil, of tumult, of turbulence.  Yes, in these times of upheaval, of unrest, of uproar. Oh, in these times of clamoring, confusion, and commotion, I thought I would offer you this:

Persian Love Cake.

Persian Love Cake is made with saffron, cardamom, cream and rosewater. But it's also made with love. Other useful ingredients are concern, restraint and doing the right thing. I advise firmly whisking in hopes for peace, moderation, and tolerance. Then baking until lightly golden.

The candied rose petals are optional, of course. But helpful when wishing for rose colored glasses to see the world around you.

If you are wondering what this post is about, I suggest watching the nightly news, followed by a brisk read of Like Water for Chocolate.

PS The rest of the recipe for Persian Love Cake can be found on Epicurious right here.  My Persian mother would be so proud.

Marrakech: And a tale of a vanilla Valentine

She saw him in a crowd.  

She almost didn't speak to him. But then she thought....I've only one life. So she bumped into him accidentally, on purpose.

Hello, she said.  Hello, he said. Coffee? she said.  Yes, he said.

They talked. They talked some more.  She called him. He called her back.

Soon, Oh soon, it felt like this............

Here's hoping you are spending your Valentine's Day with someone you love.  And if not, that you will be very soon...........

*

PS Read about my true tale of meeting Architect Chris in the Land of the Broken Hearted here.

PPS Here's a little recipe I made for homemade vanilla extract. Yum! 

Morocco: and a tale of patience and argan oil

She was old.  Haunched down by the ground,  she was quiet.  Her fingers selected the argan tree nuts one by one.  The nuts were brown and dry and lifeless.  But inside lay the pale, smooth kernels that would give birth to something precious:  coveted Moroccan argan oil.  

She cracked the nuts, and she set aside the kernels.  She cracked the nuts, and she set aside the kernels. She cracked the nuts, and she set aside the kernels. 

She didn't stop.  She was slow but she was purposeful.

I left her then. But I took her message with me.

The message was this:  

    Patience. Yes, patience. Please, patience.  

    Don't falter.  Keep trying.......The elixir is within your reach.

Cairo, Egypt: and tale of Egyptian artist Chafik Charobim

In the Cairo house once belonging to famous Egyptian artist Chafik Charobim

 

filled with beautiful things

and beautiful guests

there was a dinner party.

Everything

was so

delicious.

The artist’s

vivacious daughter, Marion

had not only her father’s book

but also many of his original works.

Oh lucky girl…..