April 11, 2023

Lebanese Morning Walnut Cake Is a Sweetie

My friends from Lebanon make this not-too-sweet cake as a breakfast treat. I love its walnut flavor. Benefits Walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids for heart health; fiber for gut health; protein to support healthy muscle mass; and beta-sitosterol, which may help lower cholesterol levels. Serves 6–8 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 tsp. baking powder 4 eggs 1½ cups sugar 1 cup walnut oil 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract 1 cup chopped walnuts Butter and flour to coat Powdered sugar, as garnish 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. 2. In a large bowl, mix the flour and baking powder […]
March 1, 2021

Spices Are an Integral Part of Lebanese Cuisine

I met chef Mike Elmachtoub when someone recommended his catering company to me. I called Urban Crunch Meal Prep & Catering and ordered some pistachio-crusted salmon and filet mignon for my staff. The food was well received, so I began to order more and more from Urban Crunch. Chef and owner Mike and I got to talking about his upbringing in Lebanon and how his father owned multiple restaurants all over the world. Mike knew he wanted to be in the restaurant business himself, so he studied culinary arts at Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena. (He’s lived in the U.S. […]