This book recounts Julie’s travels throughout the Middle East and her search for authentic recipes and stories. Julie’s enchantment with this exotic region began as a child and she never lost her dream of visiting Lebanon, birthplace of her great-grandfather, and the countries surrounding it. Julie’s journey takes us from Iran to Jordan, from Egypt to Azerbaijan (once northern ancient Persia) and on to Turkey, Oman, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Syria as she talks with cooks, tastes their food and collects images, recipes and memories. Pillows of pita bread hot from the oven, pastries dripping in syrup and delicately fragrant teas, jewelled rice dishes and plates of spicy meats. Pomegranates and rose water, sumac and saffron – the ingredients themselves are bewitching. Put them all together and savour the wonderful results.
Awards
Gold Ladle 2007, World Food Media Awards (Adelaide, Australia). Best soft cover cookbook
NZ Guild of Food Writers: Culinary Quill 2007. Best cookbook