Cookies and cream

  Labneh is a Middle Eastern strained yogurt cheese made by draining the whey from plain yogurt until it becomes thick and creamy—similar in texture to cream cheese but tangier in flavor. It’s often made from cow’s or goat’s milk yogurt. Key Features of Labneh: Texture : Thick and spreadable, like cream cheese or Greek yogurt. Taste : Tangy, slightly sour, and rich. Uses : Commonly used as a dip, spread, or base for toppings like olive oil, herbs, za'atar, or chopped vegetables. It can also be added to sandwiches, salads, or used in desserts. Nutrition : High in protein and probiotics (if not heat-treated), with less lactose than regular yogurt due to the straining process. Labneh is often served with olive oil and pita bread as part of a mezze (appetizer spread) and can also be rolled into small balls and preserved in olive oil for longer storage.

 

 A herb salad is a refreshing, flavorful dish that highlights fresh herbs and is perfect as a side or a light meal. The combination of aromatic herbs with a light dressing creates a vibrant, zesty salad. You can mix and match herbs to suit your taste, and it pairs wonderfully with many dishes, especially Mediterranean or light fare. Herb Salad Ingredients: 1 cup fresh parsley (flat-leaf or curly), chopped 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, torn 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves (optional) 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped (optional) 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped (optional) 1/2 cup mixed greens (like arugula or spinach), optional (for some added texture) 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced (optional, for a bit of sharpness) For the dressing: 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 tbsp lemon juice (or more to taste) 1 tbsp white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar 1 tsp honey (optional, for a slight sweetness) 1/2 tsp Dijon mus...

 A tangy yogurt dressing is a great way to add a fresh, creamy, and zesty kick to salads, wraps, or even as a dip for veggies. It's super easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste. Here's a simple recipe: Tangy Yogurt Dressing Ingredients: 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or any yogurt you prefer) 2 tbsp lemon juice (for tanginess) 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (adds extra tang) 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for a touch of sweetness) 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor) Salt and pepper, to taste 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for a little more sharpness) Fresh herbs (optional: dill, parsley, chives, or mint), finely chopped Directions: Mix the ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey (if using), garlic powder, and Dijon mustard (if using). Whisk until smooth and well combined. Season: Taste the dressing and adjust with salt...

  Sour Sweet Chicken is a delicious dish that combines the tangy, sweet, and savory flavors we all love in Chinese takeout. It’s typically made with crispy chicken coated in a tangy sauce that has a hint of sweetness and a slight sour kick. Here’s a simple recipe for making your own at home: Sour Sweet Chicken Ingredients: For the Chicken: 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks 1/2 cup cornstarch 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1 egg, beaten Salt and pepper, to taste Vegetable oil for frying For the Sauce: 1/4 cup ketchup 1/4 cup rice vinegar (or white vinegar) 1/4 cup sugar (or honey for a natural sweetness) 2 tbsp soy sauce 1/4 cup water 1/2 tsp ginger (optional) 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional) 1 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening) For Garnish (optional): Sesame seeds Green onions, chopped Directions: Prepare the chicken: In a bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, and pe...

 Ketchup spaghetti, also known as "Spaghetti al Ketchup" , is a surprisingly popular dish in some parts of the world, particularly in Japan, where it's a quick and comfort food. It's a simple, sweet, and tangy dish that's perfect for when you're in the mood for something quick, easy, and satisfying. Here's how you can make it: Ketchup Spaghetti Ingredients: 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti (or any pasta you prefer) 1/2 cup ketchup 1 tbsp olive oil 1/2 onion, finely chopped 1/4 cup bell pepper (optional), chopped 1/2 cup cooked chicken, ham, or sausage (optional) 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor) Salt and pepper, to taste Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping) Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish) Directions: Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of the pasta ...

 A classic pastrami sandwich is always a hit! The smoky, salty pastrami paired with tangy mustard, pickles, and rye bread is a combination that never gets old. Here’s a simple recipe to make your own delicious pastrami sandwich. Classic Pastrami Sandwich Ingredients: 1 lb (450 g) pastrami, thinly sliced 4 slices rye bread (or your preferred bread) 2-3 tbsp yellow mustard (or Dijon mustard, if preferred) 4-6 slices of dill pickles (or pickle chips) 1/4 cup Swiss cheese (optional, but adds great flavor) 1 tbsp butter (optional, for toasting the bread) Salt and pepper to taste Directions: Prepare the bread: If you prefer a toasted sandwich, spread butter on one side of each slice of rye bread. Toast the bread in a skillet or on a griddle over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. If you like it un-toasted, you can skip this step and go straight to assembling. Prepare the pastrami: Warm up the pastrami by placing it in a skille...

 A spicy roast beef sandwich sounds delicious! Here's a recipe for a flavorful and spicy sandwich that combines the rich taste of roast beef with a kick of heat. You can customize the spice level to your liking. Spicy Roast Beef Sandwich Ingredients: 1 lb (450 g) thinly sliced roast beef (preferably medium-rare) 4 sandwich rolls or brioche buns (you could use the brioche recipe if you like!) 2 tbsp mayonnaise 1-2 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust based on spice preference) 1 tbsp Dijon mustard 1-2 tbsp pickled jalapeños (optional, for extra heat) 1 small red onion, thinly sliced 1 cup arugula or lettuce (optional) 1/4 cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese (optional) Salt and pepper to taste Directions: Prepare the spicy mayo: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, and Dijon mustard. Taste and adjust the spice level by adding more sriracha if you prefer it spicier. Add a pinch of salt and pepper for extra flavor. Toast ...

 Making brioche at home can be a fun (and delicious) project. Here's a basic recipe to get you started: Ingredients: 1/2 cup (120 ml) warm milk 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast 1/4 cup (50 g) sugar 4 large eggs 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour 1 1/2 tsp salt 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened 1 tbsp honey (optional, for a little extra sweetness) Directions: Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and eggs. Mix until a dough forms. Add butter: Gradually add in the softened butter, a few tablespoons at a time, mixing until fully incorporated. The dough should be sticky but smooth. Knead the dough: Knead the dough for about 10 minutes (or use the stand mixer with a dough hook) until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough is too s...

 A Fruit Cake with Raisins is a rich, flavorful dessert, often enjoyed during the holidays or special occasions. It’s packed with dried fruits like raisins, currants, and dates, and often made with a blend of spices for that cozy, festive flavor. Here's a simple recipe for a classic Fruit Cake with Raisins : 🍇 Fruit Cake with Raisins Recipe Ingredients: For the Fruit Mixture: 1 cup raisins 1/2 cup dried apricots (chopped) 1/2 cup dried dates (chopped) 1/2 cup chopped candied ginger (optional) 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional) 1/2 cup dark rum or orange juice (for soaking the fruits) 1/4 cup apple juice (or additional rum/orange juice if desired) For the Cake: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature) 1 cup brown sugar (packed) 3 large eggs...

 A Peach Cake is a delightful dessert, perfect for summer or any time you’re craving something fruity and sweet. The juicy, fragrant peaches pair beautifully with a soft, tender cake base. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for a Peach Cake : 🍑 Peach Cake Recipe Ingredients: For the Cake: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature) 1 cup granulated sugar 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a healthier version) 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%) 2 large peaches (peeled and sliced thinly) For the Topping: 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for sprinkling) 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for added flavor) Instructions: 1. Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) . Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or square baking pan . You can also line the bottom with parchment paper ...

 A Herb Pasta is a simple, fresh, and flavorful dish that's perfect for showcasing the vibrant taste of herbs. You can use a variety of fresh herbs, like basil, parsley, thyme, rosemary, and oregano, to elevate your pasta. Here's a basic recipe for a Herb Pasta : 🌿 Herb Pasta Recipe Ingredients: 200g (7 oz) pasta (spaghetti, penne, fettuccine, or your choice) 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 cloves garlic (minced) 1/2 cup fresh basil (chopped) 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped) 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or rosemary, or a combination) 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping) Salt and pepper to taste Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for added freshness) Red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat) Instructions: 1. Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to the package instructions, until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. 2. Prepare the Herb Sauce:...

 A Mushroom Sandwich is a hearty and flavorful option, perfect for mushroom lovers! You can make it simple or elevate it with some delicious seasonings, cheese, and vegetables. Here's a basic yet tasty recipe for a Mushroom Sandwich : 🍄 Mushroom Sandwich Recipe Ingredients: 2 slices of whole grain bread (or your choice of bread like sourdough, ciabatta, or baguette) 1 cup mushrooms (button, cremini, or portobello — sliced) 1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter) 1/2 small onion (sliced thinly, optional) 1-2 cloves garlic (minced) 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for umami flavor) 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (optional) Salt and pepper to taste 1-2 tablespoons cream cheese or mayonnaise (optional, for spreading) Lettuce or spinach (optional, for freshness) Cheese slices (optional, such as Swiss, cheddar, or goat cheese) Instructions: 1. Prepare the Mushrooms: Heat the olive oil (or butter) in a skillet over medium heat. ...

 A Picasso Sandwich is a fun, creative, and visually appealing sandwich inspired by the artistic, abstract style of Pablo Picasso. It typically features colorful ingredients, arranged in an artistic way, turning your sandwich into a beautiful creation. While there isn’t an official “Picasso sandwich” recipe, you can create your own masterpiece by combining vibrant, flavorful ingredients and arranging them in a visually appealing and unique way. Here’s an idea for a Picasso-inspired sandwich that’s both delicious and artistic: 🎨 Picasso Sandwich Recipe Ingredients: 2 slices of multigrain bread or sourdough bread 1/2 avocado (mashed, for a creamy texture and vibrant color) 2-3 slices of tomato (for bold red color) 1 slice of cheese (cheddar, gouda, or mozzarella — cut into fun shapes like squares, triangles, or circles) 1/4 cucumber (sliced thinly) 1 tablespoon hummus (for a creamy spread) Fresh greens (spinach, arugula, or lettuce) Olives (for b...

  Stromboli is a delicious Italian-American dish that’s similar to a rolled-up pizza, filled with savory ingredients like cheese, meats, and vegetables, then baked into a golden, crispy roll. It's a perfect handheld meal or snack, and you can customize the fillings to your liking! Here's a simple recipe for Classic Stromboli : 🍞 Classic Stromboli Recipe Ingredients: 1 package pizza dough (store-bought or homemade) 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded) 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (grated) 1/2 cup Italian sausage (cooked and crumbled) or pepperoni slices (or any meat of choice) 1/2 cup bell pepper (sliced, optional) 1/2 cup onion (sliced, optional) 1/4 cup black olives (sliced, optional) 1 teaspoon garlic powder Salt and pepper to taste Olive oil for brushing Dried oregano or Italian seasoning (optional for extra flavor) For the Sauce: 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce for dipping Instructions: 1. Prepare the Dough: ...

 A Chicken Avocado Sandwich is a delicious, satisfying, and healthy option that combines tender chicken with creamy avocado and fresh veggies. Here’s a simple recipe for a chicken avocado sandwich that you can enjoy for lunch or dinner: 🥑 Chicken Avocado Sandwich Recipe Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless) 1 tablespoon olive oil Salt and pepper to taste 1 ripe avocado 2 slices of bread (whole wheat, sourdough, or your choice) 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a healthier version) 1 tablespoon mustard (optional for extra flavor) 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon lemon juice (to keep the avocado fresh) Lettuce (optional, for crunch) Tomato slices (optional) Red onion slices (optional) Cucumber slices (optional) Instructions: 1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for about ...