(note -- photo not mine, courtesy of Wikipedia)
When I was in school in Saudi, we were on the year-round, trimester system. In between each trimester, we would have a break or "intersession" with 2 weeks of school-sponsored activities you could sign up for if you wanted (or if your parents wanted to get you the hell out of the house for a couple of hours during those weeks). Over the years I partook in a variety of activities: the quintessential four-square, bead-loom bracelet making, calligraphy, golf, and others. One intersession, in 4th grade, I took an Arabic cooking class. I can really only recall 3 or 4 of the dishes we made, such as samboosas, fattoush, and the following salad. But oh, the memories the tastes bring back.
For me, Arab food is comfort food. In times of stress and strife, it is interesting how we cling to comfort foods and habits.
Recently, I've had some fairly major life events.
PJ and I, citing irreconcilable differences, have broken up. Our engagement is over, he got an apartment with a friend, and is moving his things out of my house as quickly as he can with limited help and one vehicle. We seem to be maintaining a friendly "working" relationship at the present time. I hope we can be friends. I don't want him to be gone from my life entirely.
His moving out and our moving apart is weird, but I know it is for the best. We are two too-different people who have grown apart. I will always love him as a person, but I know we are not meant to be. I know there is someone else out there for the both of us who will complement each of us better. I'm glad we discovered this now too as there are no children or property or legal crap to deal with.
Also, I didn't get into the MLIS program at UA. Oddly enough, I'm sort of okay with it. According to a dear, dear friend, things happen in life because they are written so according to divine decree (not exactly predestination...sort of like destiny plus free will in cooperation). It is the Islamic belief of qadar.
Therefore, I do not know the path my life is taking now. I do not know why these things have happened, but I know there are many reasons and whereever this path leads, I will be better for it. I have faith that things happen for a reason, and I have faith that what is coming will be better than before.
With all that said, go make a salad and enjoy!
Cucumber and Yogurt Salad ( Salata Kheyyar Bel - Labban )
- 2 cups yogurt (I used a nondairy yogurt)
- 1 tablespoon dried mint (chopped fresh is nice too!)
- 2 cloves garlic, pressed or finely diced
- salt to taste
- 4 cucumbers
1. Wash and peel the cucumbers. Cut in two, lengthwise, then chop in pieces, then add to the yogurt.
2. Mash the garlic. Add it and the salt to the yogurt, mixing well.
3. Sprinkle the salad with dried mint. Chill and serve.
Serves 2 - 4 persons.
(note -- photo not mine, courtesy of Wikipedia)
When I was in school in Saudi, we were on the year-round, trimester system. In between each trimester, we would have a break or "intersession" with 2 weeks of school-sponsored activities you could sign up for if you wanted (or if your parents wanted to get you the hell out of the house for a couple of hours during those weeks). Over the years I partook in a variety of activities: the quintessential four-square, bead-loom bracelet making, calligraphy, golf, and others. One intersession, in 4th grade, I took an Arabic cooking class. I can really only recall 3 or 4 of the dishes we made, such as samboosas, fattoush, and the following salad. But oh, the memories the tastes bring back.
For me, Arab food is comfort food. In times of stress and strife, it is interesting how we cling to comfort foods and habits.
Recently, I've had some fairly major life events.
PJ and I, citing irreconcilable differences, have broken up. Our engagement is over, he got an apartment with a friend, and is moving his things out of my house as quickly as he can with limited help and one vehicle. We seem to be maintaining a friendly "working" relationship at the present time. I hope we can be friends. I don't want him to be gone from my life entirely.
His moving out and our moving apart is weird, but I know it is for the best. We are two too-different people who have grown apart. I will always love him as a person, but I know we are not meant to be. I know there is someone else out there for the both of us who will complement each of us better. I'm glad we discovered this now too as there are no children or property or legal crap to deal with.
Also, I didn't get into the MLIS program at UA. Oddly enough, I'm sort of okay with it. According to a dear, dear friend, things happen in life because they are written so according to divine decree (not exactly predestination...sort of like destiny plus free will in cooperation). It is the Islamic belief of qadar.
Therefore, I do not know the path my life is taking now. I do not know why these things have happened, but I know there are many reasons and whereever this path leads, I will be better for it. I have faith that things happen for a reason, and I have faith that what is coming will be better than before.
With all that said, go make a salad and enjoy!
Cucumber and Yogurt Salad ( Salata Kheyyar Bel - Labban )
1. Wash and peel the cucumbers. Cut in two, lengthwise, then chop in pieces, then add to the yogurt.
2. Mash the garlic. Add it and the salt to the yogurt, mixing well.
3. Sprinkle the salad with dried mint. Chill and serve.
Serves 2 - 4 persons.