Over the past three weeks, I’ve been sharing a sampling of authentic Middle Eastern recipes from Faith Gorsky’s new cookbook, An Edible Mosaic, including Zucchini Fritters, Spiced Chicken Shawarma Wraps and Semolina Cake.
Zucchini Fritters (gluten-free)
It’s been a really fun way for me to learn more about Middle Eastern cuisine and culture, and to experience first hand how easy and approachable the recipes are in An Edible Mosaic. I think what makes this book such a great reference for anyone new to Middle Eastern cuisine is that it is written by a wife who knew nothing about this cuisine and learned by cooking side-by-side next to her Syrian mother-in-law out of love for her husband.
Spiced Shawarma Chicken Wraps
Food is love and I can easily relate to learning to cook for loved ones as that’s I did for my husband when I first met him, and continue to do for my family of four boys.
Corn “Semolina” Cake
An Edible Mosaic is filled with photos taken by the author, and is organized into the following chapters:
- Basic Recipes
- Breads and Pies
- Salads
- Vegetables and Rice Side Dishes
- Appetizers and Light Meals
- Beans and Lentils
- Chicken and Seafood
- Beef and Lamb
- Desserts
- Drinks
There are also sections on Cooking Tips and Techniques, Basic Cooking Tools, Buying the Right Middle Eastern Ingredients, and Middle Eastern Grocery Stores.
In addition to the featured recipes I posted about, I also made the Beet Salad with Tahini Dressing, and assembled a Masa Platter for a church Fall picnic which included Eggplant Dip, Bell Pepper Walnut Dip, Cabbage Salad, and Yogurt Cheese.
Faith is meticulous in her instructions for each recipe, which made it so much easier for me to gauge whether or not the food I made came close to the right consistency and texture. As someone who had to learn how to make each of these recipes herself, I think Faith is especially attentive to the nuances of each recipe and writes each recipe as if it is for someone learning to make Middle Eastern food for the first time.
And now you all have the chance to win a copy of Faith Gorsky’s new cookbook, An Edible Mosaic! (just released November 6th). This giveaway runs for 2 weeks so you have plenty of time to enter.
Wow, what a beautiful review – I am blushing, lol! It makes me happier than words can say to know that you’ve been enjoying cooking from my book – and that your family has been enjoying the recipes! Thank you so, so much for everything, my friend. xo
I would take a few months off work and travel around western Europe!
hmmm, following a passion? I reduced my hours at work and have been attending classes and pursuing my love of cooking – I think I’m doing it! 🙂
Middle Eastern is probably my favorite ethnic cuisine – I’d love to see what else is in this cookbook, everything sounds amazing!
If I don’t win this one, I am buying it for sure. All I have ever wanted to do with my life is travel. I hoping to be able to begin very soon!
My passion is nutrition. Nothing else truly comes close. I’m on a never ending quest to learn everything I can about health and nutrition, and I strive to keep others informed of my findings along the way.
Living it right now: I write, photograph, cook, read, write, and snuggle with my boys!
At this point in my life, I have no idea. I had a career. Now I am a stay at home mom. After this, I think I will be a travel writer, on someone else’s dime that is.
At this point in my life, I have no idea. I had a career. Now I am a stay at home mom. After this, I think I will be a travel writer, on someone else’s dime that is!
At this point in my life, I have no idea. I had a career. Now I am a stay at home mom. After this, I think I will be a travel writer.
Those Zucchini Fritters looks amazing girl!
Following my passion wouldn’t be anything like what I am doing now! I would love to be a personal trainer/yoga instructor and a health coach, but now I am a meteorologist in the Air Force.
I love all of the gorgeous colors in these foods – I can see why she’d call it an “edible mosaic.” My passion? Hmmm… working on it now with cooking and writing every day. Thanks for the inspiration!
Looks like a wonderful book to have. I love the use of spice in Middle eastern cuisine and just love how flavorful it is.
I love the appetizer platter. It’s so colorful, festive, and there’s a nice color and flavor balance.
Following my passion would be to learn cake decorating
What a lovely review. I would love to cook something from this book. The masa platter looks very inviting 🙂
My passion would be to stay home with my family and spend my time cooking beautiful foods – REAL foods – 3 meals a day. 🙂
Great review! It is a most lovely book with both the recipes as well as photos being perfectly wonderful!
What a great contest! This contest looks amazing.
writing and reading
My passions is advocating for healthier food in schools and teaching kids about healthy eating (cooking classes, ect). My dream one day is to either work at a nonprofit that does this work or start my own. I have a passion for cooking and healthy eating and I hope to share with other someday (which I get to do through my blog for the time being!).
Great giveaway by the way! I am Lebanese and LOVE Middle Eastern cooking. Even if I don’t win I am totally checking this cookbook out! 🙂
I would open up a bakery shop!
I would travel the world!
At this point in my life I’m trying to figure out what my biggest passion is that I could turn into a business and be able to have the flexibility to work wherever and whenever I want