Mahia

May 28th, 2016

Dimah - http://www.orangeblossomwater.net -Mahia 91 500

Mahia is one of the sweets prepared for Nisf Sha’aban, it is a speciality of Hama. In Hama, people usually buy it and don’t bother making it at home. I asked for the recipe and it actually took few attempts until I got a result almost similar to Mahia Sold in Hama. Although the ingredients are simple (sugar, water, semolina, rose water), the process of making mahia requires patience and practice. 

Let’s make Mahia:

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Nisf Sha’aban -2016

May 23rd, 2016

Dimah - http://www.orangeblossomwater.net - Nisf Sha'aban 1 500

Sha’aban is the eighth month of the Islamic calender, it is the month before Ramadan.

Nisf Sha’aban or Mid-Sha’aban is the 15th day of the eighth month (sha’aban) of the Islamic lunar calendar. Laylat Nisf Sha’aban is the night preceding the 15th day of Sha’aban. The most important event at the fifteenth of Sha’aban was the changing of the qiblah which was ordered by God from Masjid Al-Aqsa (Al-Aqsa Mosque) in Jerusalem, to Masjid Al-Haram (The Sacred Mosque) in Mecca.

In Syria it is a tradition to celebrate Nisf Sha’aban every year. In Hama, special sweets are prepared for this occasion, these sweets can’t be found on other days of the year. Parents visit their married daughters and take with them these sweets as a gift.

Four kind of sweets are prepared:
– Ma’amoul Abiad
– Makbouseh
– Mahia
– Bashmina

More pictures with details:

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To Aleppo With Love – Ka’ek Al-Eid Al-Maleh

April 28th, 2016

Ka’ek Al-Eid Al-Maleh is a specialty of Aleppo, salty ring cookies seasoned with “mahlab, anise, fennel, and cumin”. This Ka’ek is my favorite, the smell and the taste of it always bring me back to all the beautiful moments in Aleppo. Try it and you will be addicted to it.

Let’s make Ka’ek Al-Eid Al-Maleh:

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Orange Blossom Water Turns Seven!

February 28th, 2016

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Today my blog celebrates its seventh birthday.

Many thanks to all those of you who regularly visit and read my blog. It’s you dear readers, your comments, emails, and feedback that keep me going and make my journey interesting and fulfilling. Thank you very much for your continued support and love.
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To Aleppo With Love – Trit Bel-Laban

February 27th, 2016

Dimah - http://www.orangeblossomwater.net - Trit Bel-Laban 91 500

Trit Bel-Laban is Aleppine dish that uses pieces of fresh flatbread as a foundation upon which various ingredients “yogurt, eggs, meat” are added on top. It can be served as a breakfast or dinner.

Let’s make Trit Bel-Laban:

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