Tag Archives: walnut

A recipe to elevate your date cake to the next level


date walnut cakeLiving in the gulf, offers abundance in dates. You find it everywhere, specially now it’s ramadan. I’ve been looking for the perfect recipe for a cake, which meets my expectations, not being too sweet.

date walnut cakeI’ve been told eating dates leads to a shorter labor. There is no study that proves or negates, but what’s the harm?! I was thinking why i don’t incorporate dates in my daily regime. I would do anything if it leads to easier labor.

date walnut cakeThis perfect recipe of date walnut cake, enliven your classic recipe and takes it to the next level. It will be your favorite breakfast with a hot cup of coffee or juice, or at anytime of the day, you will love it.

  • 250g dates, pitted and chopped
  • 4 tbs softened butter (almost 60g)
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup hot coffee
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 3/4 cups flour
  • 1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 200°C. Combine dates, butter, baking soda, salt, and brown sugar in a mixing bowl. Pour the hot coffee into the bowl and combine. Allow the mixture to cool for 15 minutes before adding the egg, vanilla, baking powder, and flour, mixing gently until smooth. Stir in the walnuts. Pour the batter into the greased pan and bake for 35-45mns or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

date walnut cakeThe reason we put hot coffee is that its acidity reacts with the baking soda to produce rise. Plus it gives a subtle dimension to the flavors without being identified in the final outcome. You can substitute with just water but it won’t be that moist and a bit more dense.

After it is completely cool, you can slice it and serve it with coffee, juice or topped with cream cheese. Wrap it airtight to store at room temperature for several days or in the fridge for longer storage.

date walnut cakedate walnut cakeIt’s a really wholesome cake i recommend, i am sure if you are dates lover you will be making it more often. You will be addicted to it!

This might be my last post now from qatar, as i am traveling to Beirut to deliver my precious “Joud”. I’ll try my best to post at least once a week. I will miss you 🙂

date walnut cakeIf you like this post give it some likes and shares to spread the joy. Don’t forget to like marmite et ponpon facebook page and follow on twitter. More interesting posts are yet to come.

Romano and pineapple salad


IMG_4264I heart salads! It’s my staple option at any time of the day. Salads are so versatile, catering to all tastes and satisfying the cravings.

I believe there is no single ingredient from the food pyramid you can’t stir in. Personally i like adding fruits and nuts.

IMG_4250For this fool proof salad you need (yield 2-3 portions):

  • mix green leaf (arugula, red oak, green oak and frisé), 200g
  • handful walnut
  • shaved aged romano cheese, about 50 g
  • 3-4 slices fresh pineapple

You can use any type of green leaf of your choice. If you’re not fan of the sharp and piquant flavor of aged romano cheese, you can replace it with parmesan and it can still do the balance with the pineapple.

For the dressing you need:

  • 3 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 tbsp orange juice
  • 1 tsp brown sugar

IMG_4251Isn’t so inviting? Indulge in this healthy and succulent dish and do not hesitate to unleash your creativity to come up with your own signature salad.

wholesome salade fermiere


salade fermiere

There is always a salubrious option that you can take when trying to eat healthy. La salade fermiere is a full meal salad, not just health-giving but also delectable.

Very easy and suitable when you want your meal to be on your table in less than 20 minutes.

salade fermiere

To make this salad you need: (4 persons)

  • 400g grilled chicken
  • 1 medium iceberg lettuce
  • 1 big green apple cut in slices
  • 60g dried raisin (washed and soaked in water for 10 minutes)
  • 80g walnut (washed and soaked in water for 10 minutes)
  • 150g shredded gruyere

Dressing:

  • juice of one big lemon
  • 1 tbsp moutarde a l’ancienne
  • 1 tsp dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

salade fermiere

A salutary salad that you will be making at least once a week! Personally i love the different tastes that blends perfectly together, especially with the heavenly dressing! Healthy salad doesn’t mean boring salad! Enjoy.

salade fermiere

 

 

How to add fresh fruits to your green salad – 4 succulent combinations


fruit in saladIntroducing a fresh fruit to your simple leafy salad transforms it to a delicious and non ordinary dish.

Pomegranates, apples, oranges or strawberries pair well with cheese and nuts. Add any type of fruit you like, a handful nut of your choice or cheese and expect an interesting sweetness, that will go beautifully with the crunchiness of the vegetables.

it’s not just the delicious taste that will invite you to dig in but also the beautiful colors.

Here are 4 of my favorite salads that I prepare frequently:

Goat cheese and pomegranate salad

goat cheese pomegranate

  • Mix greens (rucola, frisée, boston)
  • Goat cheese
  • Pomegranate
  • Walnut

Apple chevrette salad

apple chevrette

  • Lettuce
  • Red apple
  • Chevrette cheese
  • Walnut

Goat cheese and strawberries salad

goat cheese and strawberries

  • Mix greens (rucola, frisée, red romain)
  • Goat cheese
  • Strawberry
  • Walnut

Tangy crab salad

tangy crab salad

  • Iceberg and romaine lettuce
  • Shredded crab
  • Avocado
  • orange
  • grapefruit

These pretty salads could be served with balsamic or lemon mayo.

It’s a pleasure to the palate and the eye. Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

aish el saraya (bread of royal castle) – a flavoursome lebanese bread pudding


aish el sarayaA palatable lebanese deli, flavored with orange blossom. Very light, easy to prepare and your toddlers will love it .

Ingredients:

Pudding:

  1. 1 1/2 cup milk full fat
  2. 1 1/2 tbsp sugar
  3. 1 1/2 tbsp corn flour
  4. 1 1/2 tbsp orange blossom

sugar syrup

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp orange blossom

Enough toast to line the plate you will be preparing the dessert in.

Crushed pistachios to sprinkle over, or if you prefer almond or walnuts. They all taste wonderful with it.

Method:

  • Line the toast in the plate
  • Make the syrup: combine water, sugar and lemon and place over medium heat to allow the sugar to melt,  then add the orange blossom and pour the hot syrup over the toast to let them soak in it. Put aside
  • Prepare the pudding: mix the milk, sugar and corn flour together and place over medium heat and keep stirring until the mixture becomes viscous then add the orange blossom and pour it over the soaked toasts.
  • When it cools to room temperature put it in the fridge for at least 5 hours, better for overnight.

Don’t forget to sprinkle the pistachios, almonds or walnut over before serving!

Absolutely yummy