Halal and Healthy

Chew boullette (fish balls)

2011-04-06T10:51:00.000-06:00

boullettes
680 grams of boneless white fish chopped up
2 onions chopped finely
2 slices bread (moisten with water if using fresh fish)
1 T parsley
1/8 t black pepper
1/4 t red pepper
pinch of salt
1 cube of maggie
2 t garlic powder

blend ingredient in your blender or food processor and make small balls, fry in oil than set aside

chew
fry one chopped onion until translucent, add 1 garlic clove pressed, a cube of maggie and 2 cans of tomato paste add vegetables of your choice, carrot, potato, cabbage and enough water to cover them and simmer until cooked

*note, you can make your boullettes small like marbles omit the veggies from the stew to make a sauce and serve over benechin (the recipe I'm linking is made with meat but substitute fish) this dish is called jagua

liver

2011-04-06T09:47:00.000-06:00

2 onions chopped
1 pound of liver sliced

marinade the liver at least an hour before cooking
one chopped onion
a maggi cube
salt and pepper
two pressed garlic cloves

fry liver in a small amount of oil with the remaining onion until brown do not overcook add a teaspoon of lemon juice stir and serve with rice and salad.

Date almond tea ring

2009-12-02T15:40:00.000-07:00

make a sweet bread

dissolve
1 tsp sugar, in
1/2 cup lukewarm water
sprinkle 1 pack of yeast, (2 1/4 tsp) over this
let sit for at least 10 minutes until it foams up

In a large bowl

1 cup of milk(scalded)
1/3 cup sugar
2 tsp salt
1/2 cup shortening
2 tlbs wheat germ(optional)
1 egg slightly beaten

stir yeast mixture and add to milk mix

beat in 2 cups of flour (beat well)

gradually add 2 -3 cups more of flour until it pull away from the sides
knead for about 10 minutes on a floured surface adding 1 tlbs of flour at a time if it become sticky
form into a smooth ball and place in a greased bowl making sure to rotate ball to grease it all over
cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled (2 hours)
punch down and knead for a couple minutes
cut in half making 2 balls using only half
roll out into a rectangle
brush edges with butter

sprinkle with this mixture

1/4 cup brown sugar lightly packed
1/3 cup dates pitted and chopped
1/4 cup chopped almonds

roll up like a jelly roll
make a ring and slit eadges 3/4 way though turning slightly
let rise again for about 45 minutes covered

preheat oven to 400 and bake for 20 to 25 minutes

(you may want to use the other half of the dough to make doughnuts or cinnamon buns)

Graham Crackers

2009-11-10T19:27:00.005-07:00

I got inspiration for this recipe from the beat this cookbook but since I didn't have some of the ingredients I came up with my own recipe.

2 cups flour
1/4 cup wheat germ
1 tlbs black strap molasses
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp instant ginger tea
1/4 cup butter (cut in slices)
1/3 cup honey
6 tlbs cold water

In a bowl mix the molasses and sugar together(if you have brown sugar don't use the molasses)
add the flour, wheat germ, baking soda, salt, spices and butter mix to a cornmeal mixture, add the water and form a dough it should hold together and not fall apart

Butter and dust a cookie sheet with flour or use parchment paper, roll out dough thin
you may use a cookies cutter or just make squares prick all over with a fork and bake in a 350 degree preheated oven for 15 minutes

use for your favorite pie crust or a eat as a nice snack!

Quinoa

2009-10-26T06:53:00.005-06:00

I'm in love with this super food, high in magnesium and iron, gluten free, easy to digest and high in dietary fibre.

Cook this grain just like rice, eat it for breakfast as a cereal or substitute it for your rice or couscous recipe.

Pastry for Meat Pies

2009-10-15T14:19:00.000-06:00

2 cups flour
½ tsp salt
4 oz butter or shortening
Ice water
1 ½ tsp curry powder (optional)

Sift together flour, curry and salt add butter and combine using a pastry blender or your finders until I’s coarse.

Add just enough water to hold the dough together

Put into a ball wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour

Remove pastry from fridge and let come to room temperature about 15 minutes, roll out on a a floured surface to ¼ inch thickness

Cut dough into circles with a cookie cutter place meat on half and fold over . seal pastry with fork

Cook in a preheated 400 * oven for 30 minutes or until golden brown

Jinnejobe (ngalakh)

2009-10-09T12:47:00.000-06:00

4 cups bouye or any tropical juice
1 cup peanut butter
1/4 can milk(optional)

blend all ingredients well, a blender is ideal, put in a container and place in fridge to cool

4 cups cooked millet or couscous

dish out warm millet in bowls and serve cooled jinnejobe over, you can add any dried or fresh fruit. I would eat this at breakfast as it is really filling.

This is also called ngalakh check out the recipe in the congo cookbook i don't usually have orange flower water on hand so i didn't include it in the recipe.

Garlic Lime Chicken

2009-10-07T22:28:00.000-06:00

Marinade 2 pounds of chicken for at least 2 hours with this

6 cloves garlic
2 tlbs soy sauce
2 in ginger peeled and sliced
1/3 cup lime juice
3 tlbs olive oil

Grind all ingredients together rub over chicken and place in a bowl or plastic bag, bake or grill until cooked.

(since I lost my camera this pic can be found here)

Hodge Podge

2009-10-03T22:46:00.000-06:00

This is a Nova Scotian classic stew that is made with fresh garden vegetables

2 cups Baby Potatoes (scrubbed not peeled)
1 cups Baby Carrots (scrubbed not peeled)
2 cups Young tender string Beans (yellow and green)
1 cups Fresh Peas
1 cup Cream and or 1 can of milk

1/4 pound of butter

cook vegetables in order of their cooking times in the least amount of water, when finished add your milk or cream and butter let sit for a half an hour to allow the milk to absorb into the veggies.

basic bread

2009-09-29T16:01:00.000-06:00

I'm not the best baker but I thought my bread turned out pretty tasty

in a large bowl
1 1/4 cups boiling water
2 tbs sugar
2 tsp salt
2 tbs wheat germ
1 tbs oil

cool to lukewarm

in another small bowl, dissolve
1 tsp sugar , in
1/2 cup lukewarm water
sprinkle 1 pack of yeast over, let sit until it foams up
stir well and add to large bowl

add 4 cups of flour beating well after each cup until it pulls away from bowl
knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes
shape into a smooth ball, grease ball and place in a large bowl in a warm place covered until doubled
punched down, knead for about 5 minutes roll out into rectangle than roll up sealing edges with water
slit the top 3 times with a sharp knife and let rise again

bake for 20-25 minutes in a preheated 400* oven

Banana split dessert

2009-09-03T11:20:00.000-06:00

I didn't have a picture ready for this recipe but it is a layered pie like dessert. This recipe is compliments of my uncle Art:)

First layer:
2 cups graham wafer crumbs
1/2 cup melted butter
mix and press into a 13 x 9 pan, chill

Second layer:
1/2 cup butter
8 0z package cream cheese
11/2 cup icing sugar
2 tsp vanilla
mix and spread over first layer

Third layer:
19 0z can crushed pineapple drained
3 sliced bananas
1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries
mix fruit, put on second layer

Topping:
1 container of cool whip or prepared dream whip
1/4 cup coconut (optional)
spread over third layer; sprinkle with coconut

let set in fridge all day or overnight

enjoy

nokos

2009-08-31T13:17:00.000-06:00

Nokos is a wollof word meaning tasty spice mix, it is used in African homes to flavor many soups and stews.

1 garlic clove
1 onion chopped
1 habanero pepper
2 bouillon cubes
1/2 tsp whole pepper
1 tsp sea salt

grind all ingredients together, use to suit your taste

Food Fight

2009-08-28T22:15:00.001-06:00

Aisha, the Prophet's wife, says, "I brought some soup which I had cooked, and told Sawdah, with the Prophet sitting between her and me, 'Have some!' but she declined. I said, 'You either eat or I smear your face! She would not eat, so I took some soup from the bowl and smeared her face. Allah's Messenger laughed and lifted his feet off the floor. He said, 'Smear her face! so she took some from the bowl and smeared my face, and Allah's messenger kept laughing." (Abu Yala al Haithami vol. 5 pg 316

I love this story because it shows how lighthearted and fun the Prophet peace be upon him was, as muslim we are not permitted to be wasteful especially with food but in certain situations with close family members a little dab may bring a little closeness.

Ceebu Yapp

2009-08-25T05:45:00.000-06:00

Ceebu Yapp is wollof for rice and meat which is usually cooked in one pot, there are variations to this recipe ceebu ginaar rice and chicken or benechin rice and fish, benechin has a special rub that is placed on the fish, that recipe here, back to ceebu yapp:)

1/2 cup oil
1/2 pound of lamb or beef
1 onion diced
1 garlic clove minced
2 carrots roughly cut
1 small eggplant
1 potato cut in half
1 sweet potato cut in half
1 cassava
1 small cabbage cut in wedges
6 okra pods
1 cup of tomato paste
1 bay leaf
2 tsp salt
1 bouillon cube
2 pinches of sugar
1/4 cayenne pepper
1 habanero pepper
3 cups of broken rice
6 cups of water

fry meat in oil until browned add onion and garlic and cook just to release flavour

add water, tomato paste, stir until smooth add all spices and veggies cooking order(carrots, cabbage take longer so cook for about 20 minutes than add the rest) simmer until all are cooked

wash and drain rice

you can do this 2 ways (1) lift meat and veggies out of pot and keep warm add rice and cook on low heat covered until cooked about 20 minutes, serve on a platter with meat and veggies on top or (2) add rice to pot and cook for 20 minutes, serve on platter

Usually there in the prized browned rice stuck to the bottom of the pot called knogn that is all too happy to be received or kept to yourself.

Use whatever veggies you have on hand, nothing here is written in stone :)

Rof

2009-08-24T10:57:00.000-06:00

Rof is a condiment to stuff fish used in African homes

get that pestle and mortal out :)
1 habanero pepper
bunch of parsley
bay leaf
1 onion
3 cloves of garlic
sea salt
pepper

grind to a smooth paste

play around with this recipe to make it your own, maybe add lemon rind or leave out the habanero pepper

Yassa

2009-08-21T11:07:00.000-06:00

You will be crying tears of joy after eating this:) This is a very popular West African dish, enjoy!

2 or 3 pounds of fish or meat (chicken is traditionally used) cut to your liking
4 or 5 onions sliced thin
1/2 cup of lemon or lime juice (you can use vinegar just use 1/4 cup)
1/2 cup of oil
2 habanero peppers
1 bouillon cube
salt and pepper
dash of sugar
1/4 cup sliced green olives (optional)
2 tsp curry powder (optional if you want unique flavor)

mix all ingredients in a large plastic bowl except habanero peppers and curry

remove chicken, bake, fry or grill chicken (grilling is tastier) until cooked, set aside

remove onions from marinade and fry until translucent add marinade, curry powder if using, habanero peppers and cooked chicken, simmer until slightly thickened, if needed add water 1/4 cup at a time.

serve over rice

Love what you eat

2009-08-21T06:48:00.001-06:00

I was just reflecting on the fact that the first temptation for man and act of disobedience was because of food. The desire we all have for food is so overwhelming it is definitely a reason why we fast during Ramadan or whenever lusts overcome us. If we are hungry all other desires seem less important. Most of our lives revolve around food and yet we never give thought about what we put in our bodies how a simple diet could make us healthier, all we can think about how we want more ingredients, different types of food it reminds me of ayah in the Quran And [recall] when you said, "O Moses, we can never endure one [kind of] food. So call upon your Lord to bring forth for us from the earth its green herbs and its cucumbers and its garlic and its lentils and its onions." [Moses] said, "Would you exchange what is better for what is less? Go into [any] settlement and indeed, you will have what you have asked." And they were covered with humiliation and poverty and returned with anger from Allah [upon them]. That was because they [repeatedly] disbelieved in the signs of Allah and killed the prophets without right. That was because they disobeyed and were [habitually] transgressing.(Quran 2.61)

Jealousy

2009-08-14T10:34:00.002-06:00

This Story teaches us how great the Prophet peace be upon him was as a husband and that we must remember to be humble with the gifts Allah has given us.

Aisha said: "Safiyya, the wife of the Prophet, sent a dish she had made for him when he was with me. When I saw the maidservant, I trembled with rage and fury, and I took the bowl and hurled it away. The Prophet of Allah then looked at me; I saw the anger in his face and I said to him: 'I seek refuge from Allah's Apostle cursing me today.' The Prophet said: 'Undo it'. I said: 'What is its compensation, O Prophet of Allah?' He said: 'The food like her food, and a bowl like her bowl.'"(Musnad, by Ahmad Ibn Hanbal, v6, p227) (Sahih al-Nisa'i, v2, p148)

Sahih al-Bukhari Hadith: 7.152 (The Chapter of Envy)
Narrated Anas:

While the Prophet was in the house of one of his wives, one of the mothers of the believers sent a meal in a dish. The wife at whose house the Prophet was, struck the hand of the servant, causing the dish to fall and break. The Prophet gathered the broken pieces of the dish and then started collecting on them the food which had been in the dish and said, "Your mother (my wife) felt jealous." Then he detained the servant till a (sound) dish was brought from the wife at whose house he was. He gave the sound dish to the wife whose dish had been broken and kept the broken one at the house where it had been broken

Chaf

2009-08-09T17:26:00.000-06:00

Chaf means roasted in wollof but is most commonly known as a sea sand roasted groundnut, ladies bring their large pots out and cook the nuts in the sand and then sift out the sand and serve you a portion in paper cones made of newspaper. You can achieve this at home in a heavy bottom pot over the stove but I think you lose some of the ambiance of this snack and since I don't live by the sea anymore this is what I do,

2 cups raw shelled groundnuts
4 cups water
2 tsp salt

soak the nuts in salted water for about 2 hours

preheat over to 350*, drain nuts

cook on a baking sheet for about 1/2 hour or until skins slip off easily

(make up your own spice mix to sprinkle on while cooking)

In times of grief

2009-08-07T09:29:00.002-06:00

Aisha (may Allaah be pleased with her) used to recommend Talbina for the sick and for one who is grieving over a dead person. She (may Allaah be pleased with her) used to say, "I heard the Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) saying, 'The Talbina gives rest to the heart of the patient and makes it active and relieves some of his sorrow and grief.' " [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree].

Aisha (may Allaah be pleased with her) said that whenever one of her relatives died, the women assembled and then dispersed (returned to their homes) except her relatives and close friends. She (may Allaah be pleased with her) would order that a pot of Talbina be cooked. Then Tharid (a dish prepared from meat and bread) would be prepared and the Talbina would be poured on it. Aisha (may Allaah be pleased with her) would say (to the women), "Eat of it, for I heard the Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) saying, 'The Talbina soothes the heart of the patient and relieves him from some of his sadness.' " [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree ].

Talbina is made by adding 1-2 tablespoon of barley flour (must be 100% wholegrain barley flour) to one and a half cups of water. Place on low heat for 10-15 minutes (optional: add milk or yoghurt and sweeten with honey). Drink at least 1 cup daily. This may also be added to soup or any dish for flavour and as a thickener.

Alternatively you may add 1-2 tablespoon of barley flour (must be 100% wholegrain barley flour) to one and a half cups of milk. Place on low heat for 10-15 minutes. You may sweeten with honey. Drink at least 1 cup daily.

Fufu

2009-08-06T05:34:00.002-06:00

Fufu is a thick paste that is used to scoop up your favorite soup

2 pounds of yams peeled and cubed
3 cups of water
2 tsp salt

cook yams in salted water until easily mashed, drain and puree through a food mill over a bowl.

pound the yam with a wooden mallet, dip the mallet with cold water to keep it moist and to prevent it from sticking. Pound until the yam is together but still slightly sticky

get a bowl full of cold water and a large plate, sprinkle the plate with cold water, wet your hands and take about 1/4 yam paste and roll on the plate or in between your hands into balls, dip your hands in water to keep them moist and from sticking to the paste continue until all paste is balled.

*you can buy instant fufu flour in west African food stores if this seems too daunting :)

serve with soupa kanja

Soupa Kanja

2009-08-05T05:12:00.001-06:00

The star of this soup is the okra(kanja) and red palm oil, if you ever get the pleasure of visiting the Gambia, this soup is traditionally made every Saturday in almost all homes for lunch. I make this soup according to what I have available in Canada. The inspiration for the gumbos you may have tried probably originated from this West African stew.

1 cup palm oil (make sure it is red not the refined palm oil)
1 pound stew meat cut into cubes
1 onion, peeled and chopped
1 or 2 habanero peppers
five to ten cups water
one smoked or dried fish, cleaned, rinsed in water, and bones removed, broken into bite-sized pieces, I use smoked cod(no bones)
one fresh fish, cut into bite-sized pieces
twenty to thirty okra, ends removed sliced thin or puree
1 beef bouillon cube
1 tsp cumin powder
salt, cayenne pepper (to taste)

Fry the meat in a little oil then add the onions
add the water and okra and cook on low until the soup thickens
add the fish, the peppers, cumin and bouillon cube
add the rest of the palm oil and cook until it rises to the top
serve over rice or with fufu
(I love carrots, I add them to everything)

Kaani Sauce

2009-08-03T07:08:00.000-06:00

Just another way to say Hot Sauce, everything my husband eats must have this, accara, doughnuts, steak.

1 onion chopped
1 clove of garlic (optional)
1/2 can tomato paste
bay leaf
habanero pepper
pinch of sugar
salt and pepper
1 cup of water
oil

fry the onion and garlic in a little oil until translucent add other ingredients and simmer on low until thick, you can serve as is or puree. (take the habanero pepper out if you puree or it may be to hot)

Chakery

2009-07-31T06:57:00.001-06:00

2 cups cooked couscous
2 cups yogurt
1/2 cup can milk
1 can of crushed pineapple
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar (optional)
1/2 tsp vanilla bean crushed

Combine all ingredients until well blended, sprinkle with cinnamon

Saffron Rice with Chicken and Dates

2009-07-28T07:01:00.003-06:00

4 chicken drum sticks
2 cups of rice
6 dates pitted and chopped
1/2 tsp saffron soaked in 1/2 cup of water
1 bay leaf
1 tsp salt
1 tsp poultry seasoning
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp curry powder
1 onion chopped
1 carrot sliced
1/2 cup
1/2 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup corn niblets
4 cups of chicken stock
1/2 cup of ghee

Rub 4 chicken drum sticks with salt and pepper

Fry in a small amount of ghee until cooked

add onion and carrot cook lightly

add remaining ghee and coat rice

add 4 cups chicken stock and water with soaked saffron

add corn and all spices simmer covered until cooked

stir in dates and peas, let stand for 5 minutes covered, serve

Bissap

2009-07-26T06:51:00.000-06:00

2 litres of water
1 cup sorrel
1 cup sugar
bunch of mint (optional)

Bring water to a boil, add sorrel and mint, steep for 4 hours, strain into a pitcure,add sugar, stir serve cold over ice.

Churah Gerteh

2009-07-23T05:11:00.001-06:00

This is a popular African breakfast dish made of peanuts and rice, I really like eating this during Ramadan. Here's how I do it.

2 cups of cooked rice
1/2 cup of peanut butter
4 cups of water
1/2 cup of sugar

Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat until thickened, stirring occasionally.

dish into bowls then add milk or yogurt to your liking.

Chicken Tetrazzini

2009-07-21T02:01:00.004-06:00

sift together

1/4 cup of flour

1/2 tsp salt

pinch of pepper

pinch paprika

In saucepan

melt 3 tlbs butter add flour mixture making a roux

slowly add 2 cups of milk until thickened

add bay leaf

add 1 cup chicken stock, simmer on low heat stirring occasionally

meanwhile

cube chicken and rub with salt and pepper

fry chicken and add 2 cups sliced mushrooms and 1 onion chopped

add chicken and veg to sauce pan along with 1/3 cup of Parmesan and 1/3 cup mozzarella; season with salt and pepper.

serve over your favorite noodles

(add any vegetables you may have, I had broccoli, cauliflower and carrots)

Naan

2009-07-20T01:32:00.001-06:00

1 pack of active dry yeast

1 cup warm water

1/4 cup white sugar3 tbsp milk

2 tsp salt

4 1/2 cups bread flour 1/4 cups melted butter

1 egg beaten

2 tsp minced garlic (optional)

In a large bowl dissolve yeast in warm water until it foams up about 10 minutes. stir in sugar milk eggs salt and enough flour to make a soft dough

knead for about 8 minutes or until smooth

Place dough in an oiled bowl cover and let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in volume

Punch down knead in garlic and pinch off golf ball sized dough roll into balls and place on tray, let rise until doubled covered in plastic wrap

during second rising preheat grill to high heat or fry pan

roll balls very thin lightly oil grill cook dough 2-3 minutes until puffy and slightly brown brush un cooked side with butter and turn over brush cooked side and cook 2-4 minutes remove ( i sometimes skip the brushing with butter if I'm using a frying pan or don't have any:))

makes about 12 naan

honey hair

2009-07-17T12:06:00.001-06:00

Moisturizing conditoner

1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup olive oil
few drops of your favorite essential oil
Blend ingredients, warm up a little, apply to hair put on a shower cap leave for 1/2 hour or all night wash thoroughly.

Halal Honey

2009-07-17T10:11:00.001-06:00

There are so many benefits of honey, we can use it as a cold medicine or as an ointment for skin care, The Prophet(pbuh) prescribe its a medicine and not only that he(pbuh) love to eat it, which led his wives to jealousy, this is how the story goes, His wife Zainab bint Jahash(ra) used to get this type of honey he really enjoyed so it would delay him in visiting his other wives, this upset Aishah so she, Hafsah and Saudah concocted a plan to tell the messenger that he had bad breath, after hearing 3 of his wives tell him this he swore off honey but Allah(swt) knows best and said O Prophet, why do you prohibit [yourself from] what Allah has made lawful for you, seeking the approval of your wives? And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful. Alhamdulillah for this ayat or we all may not have been able to have the benefits of honey.

Bouye

2009-07-16T13:24:00.013-06:00

This drink from the Boabab tree is my absolute favorite, it's a good source of Iron, Calcium and it's rich in vitamin C

2 cups bouye
2 litres of water
1 cup sugar

quickly wash bouye in cold water

boil 2 litres of water pour over bouye in a large bowl until all the pulp falls from the seeds let cool down

strain into a pitcher add sugar, stir

serve cold

Fiqh and Food

2009-07-13T11:38:00.002-06:00

The marriage of the Prophet(pbuh) and Zainab bint Jahsh(ra) gave way for some important laws and social ettiquettes that we all strive to follow inshallah, one it gave the ruling on not ascribng oneself to your adopted parents and put it in practice with the Messenger marrying the ex wife of his adopted son, Call them by [the names of] their fathers; it is more just in the sight of Allah . But if you do not know their fathers - then they are [still] your brothers in religion and those entrusted to you. And there is no blame upon you for that in which you have erred but [only for] what your hearts intended. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.(33.5) And [remember, O Muْammad], when you said to the one on whom Allah bestowed favor and you bestowed favor, "Keep your wife and fear Allah ," while you concealed within yourself that which Allah is to disclose. And you feared the people, while Allah has more right that you fear Him. So when Zayd had no longer any need for her, We married her to you in order that there not be upon the believers any discomfort concerning the wives of their adopted sons when they no longer have need of them. And ever is the command of Allah accomplished.(33.37) and also let us know overstaying your welcome is not cool and of course the ruling on veiling O you who have believed, do not enter the houses of the Prophet except when you are permitted for a meal, without awaiting its readiness. But when you are invited, then enter; and when you have eaten, disperse without seeking to remain for conversation. Indeed, that [behavior] was troubling the Prophet, and he is shy of [dismissing] you. But Allah is not shy of the truth. And when you ask [his wives] for something, ask them from behind a partition. That is purer for your hearts and their hearts. And it is not [conceivable or lawful] for you to harm the Messenger of Allah or to marry his wives after him, ever. Indeed, that would be in the sight of Allah an enormity.(33.53)

Another miracle the Prophet(pbuh) recieved was food. Umm saleem prepared Hais and sent it with her son Anas Ibn Malik to the wedding party, approximately 300 guests attended, the food that she sent besides the sheep that was slaughted would not have filled all the guests but each time guests came for the food more appeared in the container and they ate till their fill. It was truly a feast!! Subhanallah. Although this wedding buffet was the most extravant of the Prophet(pbuh) hais was also enjoyed at his wedding with Saffiya(ra).

Here is a recipe for hais I found, enjoy

HAIS
Enough stale bread for 5 cups of crumbs
1 cup finely ground almonds
1 cup finely ground pistachios
5 cups pitted dates (about 2-1/2 lbs.)
1 cup melted butter or mild sesame oil
Confectioner's or superfine sugar

Using a food processor or blender, pulverize enough stale bread to make 5 cups, then set aside. Finely chop the nuts, and set aside. Finely chop the dates, then add the nuts a bit at a time until all are incorporated; then add the bread crumbs in the same manner. Pour in the melted butter all at once and continue to process until the texture is smooth.

Roll into balls or fingers, dust with sugar, and let rest in a cool place before serving

Struggles

2009-07-10T04:33:00.001-06:00

Recently this verse spoke to me I think mostly cause sometimes I struggle with changing/ opening my mind to what Allah wants and not what I selfishly want, whether its eating out at non halal restaurants, listening to music or simply not realizing small sunnahs make a big impact on my life. It is He who has sent down to you, [O Muْammad], the Book; in it are verses [that are] precise - they are the foundation of the Book - and others unspecific. As for those in whose hearts is deviation [from truth], they will follow that of it which is unspecific, seeking discord and seeking an interpretation [suitable to them]. And no one knows its [true] interpretation except Allah . But those firm in knowledge say, "We believe in it. All [of it] is from our Lord." And no one will be reminded except those of understanding.

Subhanallah, no detail is left out of this way of life.

Mom's Banana Bread

2009-07-08T02:42:00.001-06:00

This is my mom's recipe

2 1/2 cup flour

3 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 cup margarine

1 egg

1 cup sugar

1 tsp salt

3/4 cup milk

3 overripe bananas mashed

Cream together margarine, eggs and sugar, add the other ingredients and beat until smooth

Bake at 350 for 40-50 minutes in a greased loaf pan dusted with flour

The Table Spread

2009-07-06T06:37:00.001-06:00

In the Quran Allah(swt) tell us how the disciples of Isa(pbuh) asked for a table spread of food as a sign of Isa(pbuh) truthfulness and Allah(swt) granted him this favor and sent food from the heavens. This is just another example of how food plays a role in warming the hearts and of anything they could have asked for it was just a basic need. And [remember] when I inspired to the disciples, "Believe in Me and in My messenger Jesus." They said, "We have believed, so bear witness that indeed we are Muslims [in submission to Allah ]." [And remember] when the disciples said, "O Jesus, Son of Mary, can your Lord send down to us a table [spread with food] from the heaven? [Jesus] said," Fear Allah , if you should be believers."They said, "We wish to eat from it and let our hearts be reassured and know that you have been truthful to us and be among its witnesses." Said Jesus, the son of Mary, "O Allah , our Lord, send down to us a table [spread with food] from the heaven to be for us a festival for the first of us and the last of us and a sign from You. And provide for us, and You are the best of providers."Allah said, "Indeed, I will sent it down to you, but whoever disbelieves afterwards from among you - then indeed will I punish him with a punishment by which I have not punished anyone among the worlds." (5.112-115)
I haven't been able to find any hadith yet about what the dicples ate but some biblical scripture state roasted fish and bread, sometimes Muslims are confused about whether fish is halal, in surah 5 verse 96 Allah(swt) says: "Lawful to you is game from the sea and its food as provision for you and the travelers, but forbidden to you is game from the land as long as you are in the state of iْram. And fear Allah to whom you will be gathered"
There is also a hadith where the messenger (pbuh) says,
"The water of the sea is pure, and its dead creatures are halal."

Easy peasy accara

2009-07-05T03:00:00.001-06:00

2 cups black eyed peas

1tsp salt

1 tsp cayenne pepperer

1 tsp onion powder

1/2 cup water

soak peas overnight, drain water, puree in blender in batches adding water if needed, add other ingredients blend well drop from spoon in deep fryer cook until golden brown, serve on bread with your favorite condiments:)

Honoured Guests

2009-07-03T08:01:00.001-06:00

The Honoured Guests were angels in the human form sent to Ibrahim(pbuh) to inform him about becoming a father to a son but what I love about this story is how we treat unexpected guests or whenever hosting in general. First he greeted them with a stronger greeting then they him then he discretely but quickly went inside and picked his best food and roasted them a calf. He then placed the food close to them encouraging them to eat making them feel comfortable to eat. sometimes when you to to someones house they want your to help yourself , which can make the guest uncomfortable or it may seem like its a burden for you to have them over. Ibrahim(pbuh) never told them let me go cook you something he just did it, he gave them the best he had placing it closed to them and encouraged them to eat.

Allah(swt) says;
Has there reached you the story of the honored guests of Abraham?
When they entered upon him and said, "[We greet you with] peace." He answered, "[And upon you] peace, [you are] a people unknown.
Then he went to his family and came with a fat [roasted] calf
And placed it near them; he said, "Will you not eat?"
And he felt from them apprehension. They said, "Fear not," and gave him good tidings of a learned boy.(51.24-28)

3 way

2009-06-30T20:00:00.002-06:00

Date Shake
1 cup yogurt
1 cup milk
1 cup pitted Medjool dates
2 cups ice cubes
Blend until smooth in a blender

Date Crescents
21/2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 cup melted butter
1/3 cup milk
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 olive oil

preheat oven to 350*F

rub butter into flour until even, dissolve sugar in milk over low heat, let cool, pour milk into flour, add oil and mix until a soft dough forms, knead until smooth. add more flour if needed.

date filing
8 oz pitted dates
1/4 cup butter
1 tsp rose water
chop dates and put in a sauce pan with butter over meduim heat stir until mixture is pasty, remove from heat and stir in rosewater.

roll out dough on a light floured surface until 1/4 inch thick, cut dough in rounds using a cookie cutter place a tsp of filling in centre fold over and crimp dough together with a fork.

bake on ungreased baking sheet until lightly coloured 20- 25 minutes, let cool, enjoy

Stuffed Dates
Pit your date and slice in half
stuff with 2 oz of cream cheese
sprinkle with chopped pecans

Food Spotlight Dates

2009-06-29T11:56:00.001-06:00

Dates, the fruit of the date palm phoenix dactylifera with a yellow skin and brown sweet flesh enclosing a single elongated stone, which grow in clusters arranged in two rows along a central stalk. Usually traded in dried form which is sticky and sweet. Date sales go through the roof during Ramadan as it is sunnah to break your fast with dates because they are high in water and sugar which brings you out of your sluggish state, are easily digested, high in vitamins and minerals and during pregnancy strengthen the muscles of the uterus which must be one of the reasons Allah (swt) told Mary, mother of Isa to eat dates. (Quran 19.23-26)

The prophet(pbuh) ate dates regularly and encouraged us to do the same so when you are eating dates you not only get the physical benefits which are still being discovered but the spiritual benefits of becoming closer to the Messenger (pbuh) by following his tradition.

Abu Muhammad always likes to have dates on hand for guests that we were once asked if it's always Ramadan at our house:P, after reading the hadith reported by Aisha (ra) that a home that has dates will not be hungry it's not a bad idea to have few around.

Soul Food

2009-06-26T06:00:00.001-06:00

Al jumuah, a day of reflection, unity, celebration and worship. The Prophet(pbuh) said, "if is Friday, and a man performs the ritual ablution, puts oil in his hair, wears the most pleasant of his perfume, pus on his best clothes, and then goes out to pray, and does not separate two people sitting together in the masjid, then listens to the Imam delivering the sermon, his sins will be forgiven between the present Friday and the previous Friday and three days more."(Ibn Khuzaimah). Allah(swt) has chosen this special day for us so lets pull out all the stops for this recurring holiday of reward and merriment maybe have friends over, make an extra special dinner, have the kids do a Quran challenge anything that is halal with the remembrance of Allah(swt).

Ladies even though it is not compulsory for us to attend Jumuah we should make every effort especially in the west because we do not have the opportunity as other women to view the Khutbah on t.v and our ummah is much smaller in the west that this really may be the only opportunity for us to come together and meet which would benefit us but reverts that may only have this opportunity to link with other muslims.

table manners

2009-06-22T22:43:00.002-06:00

"Eat with your right hand and eat from what is nearest to you" Using the right hand for eating is what the Prophet(pbuh) advised us not only is this a sanitary because we use the left to clean ourselves . I know you may be thinking today we have soap and water readily available but still some places in the world are still lacking these facilities and if we are out isn't it great we have this to rely on if a catastrophe may occur. We also know in many families people eat from one plate (saves on washing dishes:)) and I know I hate it when someone touches my food Abu Muhammad did this alot to me when we first married as a way of encouraging me to eat that's another story but after learning about this hadith of not letting your hand roam all over the plate and eating whats closest to you so that all can get the blessings that are in the middle of the plate I quickly let him know. Here are some table manners we should try to incorporate

*sit down while eating

*eat together and share with relatives, friends, neighbors and the needy

*serve others first

*host should begin eating and be the last to eat

*take a smaller portion than what is needed

*no wasting eat your plate clean

*wait for everyone to finish eating before leaving the eating spread
*wash and brush teeth before eating and after

*mention and praise Allah(swt) before and after eating

Allah(swt) says

2009-06-22T12:02:00.001-06:00

"And He it is who causes gardens to grow, [both] trellised and untrellised, and palm trees and crops of different [kinds of] food and olives and pomegranates, similar and dissimilar. Eat of [each of] its fruit when it yields and give its due [zakāh] on the day of its harvest. And be not excessive. Indeed, He does not like those who commit excess." (6.6)

3 way

2009-06-21T13:32:00.002-06:00

Ginger tea
1/2 cup grated ginger
4 cups water
honey to taste
simmer ginger for about 15 minutes if too strong add more water or if too weak simmer a little longer, strain add honey enjoy

Ginger foot soak
2 tlbs grated ginger
1-2 drops of your favorite essential oil
4 cups water
simmer ginger in water for about 20 minutes, strain into a foot basin, add more lukewarm water till your liking stir in essential oil and relax

Ginger snaps
1 cup of molasses can use blackstrap if you have it
1 cup of sugar
1 cup of butter
1 tbsp baking soda dissolved in a little water
1 egg beaten
1 tbsp ginger
1 tsp allspice
1 tsp salt
2 3/4 cup flour
heat molasses just under boiling add sugar, remove from heat add butter and baking soda, cool, add egg, sift dry ingredients then stir in . chill then roll out, cut into shapes bake at 375 until golden brown 10-12 minutes

5 second rule

2009-06-20T13:06:00.001-06:00

If you have ever worked in a kitchen you may have heard about the 5 second rule, a piece of food falls to the floor and if under 5 seconds its ok to serve, now I know most of you are probably disgusted to learn this but the Prophet(pbuh) said " if a morsel belonging to one of you falls down, then let him take it remove any filth that is on it and eat it and let him not leave it for the shaitann..." (muslim)

We must remember that shaitaan is always with us, we should understand how unacceptable wasting food is and realize the blessing that may be in the food we were about to throw away. Common sense must apply to this rule if it falls in something we cannot identify just let it go.

sneaky chefs

2009-06-20T12:20:00.002-06:00

To all my vegetarian or sneaky chefs here is a recipe I got from a vegetarian cookbook, I forgot the name but I love it. Use it for a pasta topper , lasagna rolls on top of steamed veggies or with you favorite meat recipe for extra protein. You can also add more veggies or spices to suit your taste this is just a basic builder.

Lentil bolognese
1 onion chopped
2 garlic cloves crushed

2 carrots grated

2 celery sticks chopped

1 cup of red lentils

1 140z chopped tomatoes

2 cups of stock

1 tablespoon of oregano or 1 tsp of dried

salt and pepper

gently fry the first 4 ingredients in olive oil then add the rest of ingredient in a medium stock pot bring to a boil then partially cover and simmer until thick and soft about 20 minutes

Food Spotlight

2009-06-20T12:19:00.001-06:00

GINGER is a knobby, light brown coloured fleshy root of a tropical plant 'zanjabil' with a warm aroma and hot burning taste. It is available fresh, dried, preserved in sugar syrup and as a ground dried powder. ginger is mentioned in the Quran as a drink we will receive "And there will be circulated among them vessels of silver and cups having been[created] clear [as glass],
Clear glasses [made] from silver of which they have determined the measure.
And they will be given to drink a cup [of wine] whose mixture is of ginger.
[From] a fountain within Paradise named Salsabeel.
There will circulate among them young boys made eternal. When you see them, you would think them [as beautiful as] scattered pearls.
And when you look there [in Paradise], you will see pleasure and great dominion." (76.15-20)

Ginger reduces nausea helps with digestion and increases sexual drive.

Soul Food

2009-06-19T13:25:00.001-06:00

Eat less you will be healthier, the prophet advised us when eating to save 1/3 room for liquids, foods and our breaths, overeating is discouraged if we remembered this hadith "one person's food is enough for two, two persons' food is enough for four, and four person's food is enough for eight"(muslim) we all would be a lot healthier, we would have a lot more energy for acts of worship. We have conditioned our stomach to eat more than we need. Maybe next time you fix yourself a plate of food slide half of it off and save it for your next meal not only will you be saving on groceries but also your waistline:)

Alhumdulillah

2009-06-17T12:39:00.000-06:00

Alhumdulillah is an Arabic word meaning all praise is do to Allah. Muslims around the world praise Allah(swt) after every blessing whether one perceives it good or bad, it is especially good manners to give praise after eating or drinking.
It was narrated that the Prophet(pbuh) said, "Allah is indeed pleased with His slave when he eats a meal and then praises Him for it, or drinks a drink and then praises Him for it." (muslim)

Cantaloupe

2009-06-16T12:47:00.001-06:00

Cantaloupes are in season so why not grab one while out grocery shopping not only are they tasty, low fat but also give you a punch of vitamin C.
Why not try a cantaloupe smoothie while lounging by the pool!

1/2 ripe cantaloupe cubed
1 cup of milk
1 cup of yogurt
1 cup crushed ice
2 tablespoons of sugar
blend and enjoy

Allah(swt)says

2009-06-15T12:34:00.002-06:00

[He] who made for you the earth a bed [spread out] and the sky a ceiling and sent down from the sky, rain and brought forth thereby fruits as provision for you. So do not attribute to Allah equals while you know [that there is nothing similar to Him]. (2.022)

What is Mashbooh?

2009-06-12T13:00:00.001-06:00

Mashbooh is an Arabic word which means suspected, if you can not decide if a food item is halal or haram than it is mashbooh an example of this is you buy some vegetable oil but it does not say 100% so maybe 10% is made from some other animal or plant but you can't find out for sure, this would be suspect.

"Halal is clear and Haram is clear; in between these two are certain things that are suspected. Many people may not know whether those items are Halal or Haram. Whosoever leaves them, he is innocent towards his religion and his conscience. He is , therefore, safe. Anyone who gets involved in any of these suspected items, he may fall into the unlawful and the prohibition. This case is similar to the one who wishes to raise his animals next to a restricted area, he may step into in. Indeed for every landlord there is a restricted area. Indeed the restrictions of Allah are the unlawful." (reported by al-Bukhari and Muslim.)

What is makrooh?

2009-06-12T12:49:00.000-06:00

Makrooh is an Arabic word which means discouraged or hated. If one finds that in their diet the food or drink is harmful to your health than that food or drink is discouraged. Examples of this may be tea, coffee, soft drinks because of their stimulating effects, causes of tooth decay and bad breath.

Allah (swt) says

2009-06-10T11:35:00.001-06:00

"Then eat of what Allah has provided for you which is lawful and good. And be grateful for the favor of Allah, if it is indeed him you worship." (16:114)

What is Haram?

2009-06-09T18:07:00.001-06:00

Haram is an Arabic word meaning unlawful or forbidden. Concerning food in Islam pork and its by-products, alcohol, meat of dead animal, animals slaughtered in a name other than Allah(swt), blood and intoxicating drugs are all haram.
If there is no other food available for your survival you may eat some just enough for your survival.

Allah(swt) says,
He has only forbidden to you dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to other than Allāh. But whoever is forced [by necessity], neither desiring [it] nor transgressing [its limit], there is no sin upon him. Indeed, Allāh is Forgiving and Merciful.(2:173)

Soul Food

2009-06-07T12:12:00.001-06:00

Bismillah (In the name of Allah)

Allah(swt) commands us to utter his name before slaughtering an animal, now there was a study that shows how just uttering this pronouncement relaxes the animal lessons the blood pressure and sterilized the meat, as opposed to animals that did not have the pronouncement. Subhanallah.

It is also a sunnah for one to say "Bismillah" before eating and drinking which benefits both body and soul giving you another moment to remember Allah(swt) and to reflect on what you are eating.

If one forgets to say Bismillah before eating she should say Bismillahi awwalahu wa aakhirahu( In the Name of Allah in its beginning and end)

Allah(swt)says

2009-06-07T08:40:00.001-06:00

"Lawful to you is game from the sea and its food as a provision for you and the travellers"(5:96)

DIY

2009-06-07T06:47:00.002-06:00

Spicy Tuna Patties

makes 10 approximately

1 can tuna

1 onion finely chopped

1 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

1/2 tsp chili powder

1 tsp onion powder

1/4 tsp paprika

2 tsp chili paste

1 tsp sugar

2 tlbs ketchup

3 cups mashed potato

2 tlbs flour or 1/2 cup bread crumbs

Combine all ingredients, shape into patties, refrigerate for at least an hour, then fry on medium heat in a little oil until golden brown

What is Zabiha?

2009-06-05T11:39:00.001-06:00

Zabiha is an Arabic word which means slaughtered in Islam there are a list of rules pertaining to the method of slaughter so anytime zabiha is used for meat it should be halal.
1.) what the animal consumes as food should be halal according to its dietary needs, any injections it may receive should also be halal
2.) a sharp knife should be used so it does not feel pain and away from other animals so they do not witness it
3.) cut the throat, windpipe and jugular vein in the neck being careful not to cut the spinal cord. drain the blood completely before the head is removed
4.) the name of Allah should be pronounced while slaughtering

Allah (swt) says

2009-06-05T11:27:00.001-06:00

"O you who have believed, do not prohibit the good things which Allah has made lawful to you and do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors."

"And eat of what Allah has provided for you which is lawful and good. And fear Allah, in whom you are believers. "(5: 87-88)

What is the meaning of Halal?

2009-06-04T22:32:00.001-06:00

Halal is an Arabic word meaning permissible or lawful. Everything is considered lawful unless it is explicitly or implicitly forbidden by the religion.
If you are doing halal you are going to be healthy:)