Chicken Barley Soup (Inspired by Sister Amena from Pearl Daisy)

As I opened my YouTube app to see the new releases of videos, my face lit up with joy as the cooking video by sister Amena popped up in the list of new videos added. Honestly, it is simply awesome to watch her videos; regardless of the topic they portray.  I could just sit the whole day and watch her videos nonstop and no, this is no exaggeration!

Anywho (one of the words I picked up from her videos), the cooking video was about making barley soup.  The amazing thing is just a month back I was researching on the foods Prophet PBUH used to love and came across barley as one of his favorite foods.  Ever since then, I somehow wanted to incorporate barley into the foods I consume.  Sister Amena's video came just in time.

Although I have added my own touch to the recipe and Alhumdulillah did manage to complete the Sunnah.  All thanks to sister Amena for the amazing recipe and also my family for the immense support of bearing through my cooking experiments.

I have discovered my love for Barley and inshAllah will be able to incorporate it into my daily meals.  

Project 365 - Grape Tomato (March 11, 2012)

It wasn't until today that I have finally decided to include tomatoes on the list of fruits.  Even though it is classified as a fruit; I came to a conclusion that it was all dependent on the way you use it. For example, until now I've mostly consumed it through salads or everyday cooked meals; therefore, it was considered a vegetable for me.

Today I discovered the grape tomatoes; after being inspired by the Korean shows ofcourse.  Contrary to my initial thoughts, they are very delicious and healthy.

Project 365 - Favorites (March 10, 2012)

It was very difficult to choose the picture of the day for today; merely because there were more of the special things than what usually occur.  I suppose I can always write about them, instead of mentioning it.  But, I won't.  There should always be a curious side to a person; what's the fun in telling everything straight up anyway!

Aside from plants, Korean TV has sort of taken over my life.  I am as addicted to watching Korean dramas and movies, as I would be to eating.  Apart from wanting to learn the language, I want to learn their cuisine as well.  Also, Korea has been added to list of the top countries I would like to visit someday.

It is true that you start falling in love with something you see almost everyday.  It is human nature to be influenced by something that is in front of them most of the time.  Well you might say that one could also like something they don't see everyday; Ofcourse one could also love something based on their imagination as well; but it wouldn't be the love for the actual thing, it would be more like their love for their own imagination.  I am not sure if I make any sense out of it, but just a thought that crossed my mind.

So, all in all, eventhough I witness the culture, cuisine, and the language through TV; I would love to see it all in person someday and only then I can truly know how much I really like it.  I present to you, in the picture, my attempt at imitating Korean Cuisine; it turned out to be pretty well.  I wanted to make the egg rolls, but fell short of the time and energy.  Then again, some things should be left for later.

Project 365 - Turkish Food (March 1, 2012)

I am very seriously considering changing my Project 365's name to "Project about food and plants."  I suppose these are a few of my interests, so it shouldn't be a surprise to see myself indulged in such habits.

Anyhow, today's Turkish food day.  I haven't had much Turkish food over the years, so today was one of those rare moments.  Although the food might be very similar to other Arab dishes, but it sure has its distinctive flavoring.  I would definitely recommend Turkish Cafe on E 16th street in Brooklyn.  The Tavuk Kababs with rice and Shepard salad were amazing.  

Project 365 - Fruits (February 23, 2012)

How can I write everyday blogs and not mention my favorite fruits.  I am the biggest advocate of eating fruits, when it comes to eating habits in general.  I am not claiming to be a healthy eater, nor am I trying to project a healthy image.  I have my fair share of junk foods (For those of you who know me, have closely observed my bad habits); but fruits have a very special place in my heart.  Be it picking fruits, or eating them; I love it.  Oranges and apples are a definite winter favorites of mine.

P.S.  I honestly cannot wait till the summer comes by, so I can get to pick strawberries and peaches!

Project 365 - Just a Few Weeks (February 21, 2012)

Passing through these flowers reminded me of how spring is only a few weeks away.  My favorite time of the year.  When all you see is different colored flowers, greenery, birds, and the amazing food markets.  Everyone is out, everything seems happy, and even the sun smiles everyday.

Project 365 - Favorites! (February 18, 2012)

No food compares to the food that your mother prepares.  All of us have our favorites, but there are certain dishes that no one can make it better than your mom.  Those few signature dishes, that no matter where you go or who prepares them; they just cannot taste the same.  Since I am a huge sweets fan, most of it is because of my mom.  All the Meetha (sweet) dishes she makes, no one and I mean no one can make it better than her.

Be it zarda, kheer, halwa or my favorite Mutanjan; they just do not hold that same sweetness.  Even though I have to request it a few times, at which my mom suggests I learn to cook it myself;  but my answer remains the same "But mama no one makes it better than you! :)"

Project 365 - SuperBowl (February 5, 2012)

Superbowl is all about food and having fun!  With friends and family everything becomes double the joy!

Since our home team was in the finals, it made it that more exciting.  While, my sister and I argued with our brothers on "our" team vs. theirs (Of-course their teams did not make the finals!); we were all anxious to see the game together.

Yes! Our team won; and yes! we heard the whole neighborhood scream out of joy!

-With some great food that is; hence, the home made pizza! :)