An Edible Mosaic™

Everyday Fare With Extraordinary Flair

An Edible Mosaic: Virtual Book Launch Party {Giveaway of Over $1300 Worth of Items!}

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I feel so incredibly blessed beyond measure. I have wonderful family and friends, a job I love so much it doesn’t really feel like work, I’m part of an amazingly supportive community of food bloggers, and I have the best readers in the world. And now I have a book that contains a small piece of my heart and soul to hold in my hands and call my own.

Truth be told, I’m still pinching myself because the reality of it still hasn’t quite sunk in yet. I am humbled, truly, more than words can express. All I can say is thank you to those of you have taken time out of your busy lives to support me…whether it’s reading my blog, leaving me a comment here, sending me a message on Facebook, tweeting something to me, pinning a photo of one of my recipes that you want to make, shooting me an email, or buying my book. There is no gesture too small. You all make my world brighter.

So now, I want to invite you to my virtual book launch party. This is a time for celebration and joy, and I am thrilled to share it with you. Grab a hot cuppa and settle in because this post is a long one full of goodies that you do not want to miss!

You might be wondering exactly what a virtual book launch party is. When a book is launched it’s not uncommon to have a book launch party with great food, fantastic company, and swag (aka cool free stuff!). This online version has all of the above. (The free stuff is at the bottom…scroll down and take a peak if you want, but come back up because there’s lots of goodies even before the giveaways!)

FIRST THINGS FIRST: THE FOOD

The food I’m sharing with you is none other than the recipe for Saffron Rice with Golden Raisins and Pine Nuts from my cookbook. With savory onion and saffron, sweet golden raisins, and pine nuts, this dish is a lovely balance of flavors and textures. Not to worry though – if saffron isn’t your thing, you can use turmeric instead. My mother-in-law likes to serve Saffron Rice with an aromatic shrimp dish in tomato sauce (the recipe for which is in my cookbook); this rice is also delicious with broiled fish or roasted chicken though.

Print
Saffron Rice with Golden Raisins and Pine Nuts (Roz Mlow'wan)
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Yield: 4 to 6 servings
 
Ingredients
  • 1½ cups (325 g) basmati rice, rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons pine nuts
  • 1 onion, finely diced
  • 4 tablespoons sultanas (golden raisins)
  • 1¾ cups (425 ml) boiling water
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon saffron threads (or ½ teaspoon turmeric)
Instructions
  1. Soak the rice in tepid water for 10 minutes; drain. While the rice is soaking, put half a kettle of water on to boil.
  2. Add the oil to a medium, thick-bottomed lidded saucepan over medium heat. Add the pine nuts and cook until golden brown, about 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Transfer the pine nuts to a small bowl and set aside.
  3. Add the onion to the saucepan you cooked the pine nuts in, and cook until softened and just starting to brown, about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the rice and cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in the sultanas, boiling water, salt, and saffron (or turmeric), turn the heat up to high, and bring it to a rolling boil.
  4. Give the rice a stir, then cover the saucepan, turn the heat down to very low, and cook until tender, about 10 minutes (do not open the lid during this time). Turn the heat off and let the rice sit (covered) 15 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
  5. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle the toasted pine nuts on top; serve.
Notes
Recipe courtesy of An Edible Mosaic: Middle Eastern Fare with Extraordinary Flair by Faith Gorsky (Tuttle Publishing; Nov. 2012); reprinted with permission.

Optional Addition: Add two pods of cardamom, two whole cloves, and one 2-inch (5 cm) piece of cinnamon stick at the same time that you add the rice.

My cookbook, An Edible Mosaic:  Middle Eastern Fare with Extraordinary Flair, is now available for purchase in bookstores across the US and online! Depending on the area, there may be distribution issues due to Hurricane Sandy…if you can’t find the book at your local bookstore, please feel free to request it from the store manager. (And if you were able to find the book at your local bookstore, please feel free to let me know – I’d be thrilled!)

Here’s where you can buy it online:

Amazon US

Amazon Canada

Amazon UK

Barnes & Noble

Book Depository (free shipping worldwide)

It would make a lovely holiday gift…or gift-to-self!

THE PARTICIPATING BLOGGERS

I’m extremely fortunate to have had the pleasure of getting to know so many amazing bloggers in the last 3 1/2 years since I started blogging. The bloggers participating in my virtual book launch party are an extremely talented bunch, and I can’t thank each and every one of them enough for their willingness to help. They are all sharing a post with my Saffron Rice recipe today…please head over to their blogs to check out their posts!

Here they are, in random order:

Erica (Itzy’s Kitchen)

Vianney (Sweet Life)

Sommer (A Spicy Perspective)

Jo-Lynne (Musings of a Housewife)

Bev (Bev Cooks)

Julia (The Roasted Root)

Lauren (Healthy Food for Living)

Jenn and Seth (Home Skillet)

Asiya (Chocolate & Chillies)

Kim (Liv Life)

Lucy (Teen Baker)

Girlinapurpledress (A Light Perspective)

Krista (Krista’s Kravings)

Katerina (Culinary Flavors)

Katrina (Warm Vanilla Sugar)

Barbara (Moveable Feasts)

Lori Lynn (Taste with the Eyes)

Juliana (Simple Recipes)

Amy (Savory Moments)

Jessica (Bacon and Soufflé)

Roxana (Roxana’s Home Baking)

Reeni (Cinnamon Spice & Everything Nice)

Victoria (Mission: Food)

Krista (Budget Gourmet Mom)

Veronica (Veronica’s Cornucopia)

Angela (Spinach Tiger)

Shannon (Tri to Cook)

Nancy (Good Food Matters)

Heidi (Food Doodles)

Vicki (In-Home Culinary Classes)

Nicole (Prevention RD)

Patty (Patty’s Food)

Kellie (Food to Glow)

Priscilla (She’s Cookin)

Mary (Keep Learning Keep Smiling)

Tanantha (I Just Love My Apron)

Jean (Lemons & Anchovies)

Liz (That Skinny Chick Can Bake)

Dana (Food for Thought)

Kristina (Spabettie)

Sue (The View From Great Island)

Michele (Cooking at Home)

Louanne (Louanne’s Kitchen)

Kelsey (A Slo Life)

Claudia (Foodessa)

Lora (Cake Duchess)

Mollie (Eat Run Read)

Coco (Balance, Joy and Delicias)

Tania (My Kitchen Stories)

Melissa (Fried Ice and Donut Holes)

Evi (Fifthfloorkitchen’s Blog)

Julie (Mommie Cooks)

Debi (Table Talk Blog)

Maya (Foodiva’s Kitchen)

There are a few of my dear blogger friends who I didn’t ask to participate because they are already doing so, so much to help support me. And I know that with how generous they are, they would have most likely said yes to participating, although it might have stretched them too thin. To every single one of my blogger friends, thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you’re doing and all you’ve done for me.

GIVEAWAYS GALORE

And of course, what is a party without some goodies? (Take note, some giveaways are open to US residents only, but many are open worldwide!) A huge, heartfelt thank-you to all the wonderful giveaway sponsors!

Here is the list of giveaway goodies:

1. One CUTCO Kitchen Classics Gift Set, Valued at $227 (Images Courtesy of CUTCO)

The Kitchen Classics Gift Set has all the knives you need to get started in the kitchen. With its 7 5/8″ Petite Chef Knife, 2 3/4″ Paring Knife, and Trimmer (utility knife) you’ll be chopping, slicing, and dicing your way to delicious meals every day. Home cooks and the pros agree that these are the three must-have knives for their kitchen.

The knives are made of high-carbon stainless steel and feature handles that are comfortable to hold and fit securely in your hand. Made in America, the knives are covered by CUTCO’s Forever Guarantee, which covers free sharpening and repairs, forever – no receipt and no registration required.

This giveaway is open to US residents only.

2. One $150 Pier 1 Imports Gift Card, Which Can Be Used to Purchase Something Like This Lovely Hammered Metal Entertainment Set (Images Courtesy of Pier 1 Imports)

The Hammered Metal Entertainment Set pictured here includes the following (but you can use the $150 gift card to purchase any merchandise you like):

This giveaway is open to US residents only.

3. One 3 Quart GreenPan San Fancisco Hard Anodized Aluminium Saucepan with Lid, Valued at $99.99 (Image Courtesy of Big Kitchen)

GreenPan uses Thermolon, a natural, non-stick, mineral-based coating that contains no dangerous chemicals. Completely PTFE-, PFOA-, and silicone oil-free. The non-stick is even applied in such a way that results in 60% less carbon dioxide emissions.

This giveaway is open to US residents only.

4. Three Copies of America’s Favorite Food, Valued at $74.85 (Photo by Faith) 

Thiscookbook marries the beauty and ease of a traditional print cookbook with the online cooking tools and vast resources of MyRecipes.com.

Note that the three copies will be given to three different winners.

This giveaway is open worldwide.

5. One Scharffen Berger Chocolate Box, Valued at $60.80 (Photos by Faith)

America’s first contemporary artisan chocolate manufacturer, Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker, set out to craft the richest, most flavorful chocolate by sourcing the best cacao in the world, blending it in small batches, and gently processing it to maintain the subtle flavors in the beans. (The Scharffen Berger Chocolate Adventure Contest is going on now – there is a $25,000 grand prize! You can find out more at www.ChocolateAdventureContest.com.)

The chocolate box for this giveaway includes the following (all items will be given to one winner):

This giveaway is open worldwide.

6. One Marx Foods Box, Valued at $80 (Images Courtesy of Marx Foods)

Marx Foods says about their company “We’re a family business…the 5th generation to be exact. Things have certainly changed since 1895, but our desire to provide the finest and freshest foods to our customers hasn’t. Frank, Justin, Keith, and Garrett Marx and their small staff work with the foragers, farmers, fishermen, and artisans to supply you with the best. We welcome you into our family.”

The box for this giveaway includes the following (all items will be given to one winner):

This giveaway is open to US residents only.

7. One D’Artagnan Charcuterie Basket, Valued at $55.99 (Photo Courtesy of D’Artagnan)

D’Artagnan, founded in 1985 by Ariane Daguin, has been dedicated to procuring the freshest, most natural products from farmers who uphold sustainable, humane farming practices, and never use hormones or antibiotics. At the vanguard of the farm-to-table movement, D’Artagnan is the leading purveyor of organic poultry, game, foie gras, pâtés, sausages, smoked delicacies, and wild mushrooms to the nation, supplying everyone from the world’s top chefs to discerning home cooks.

This giveaway is open to US residents only.

8. One King Arthur Flour Box, Valued at $36.70 (Photos by Faith)

The box for this giveaway includes the following (all items will be given to one winner):

King Arthur Flour is a wealth of baking information! Get step-by-step instructions for your most delicious baking through their Baking Banter blog or one of over 2,000 free recipes online. Check out their videos for lots of baking tips, interviews with our farmers, and stories from their employee-owners. Learn more about their flours, their commitment to quality, and why you get so much more with King Arthur Flour.

This giveaway is open to US residents only.

9. One $50 Wean Green Gift Card, Which Can Be Used to Purchase Something Like This Lovely Set of Wean Cubes (Image Courtesy of Wean Green)

Pictured here is the Garden Pack Wean Cubes, but you can use the $50 gift card to purchase any merchandise you like.

Wean Cubes are the smallest tempered glass food storage container, making them perfect for baby food or small portions. They have better closures with a clip lock system, making them easy to open and convenient to use. Wean Green glass is soda lime and therefore 100% recyclable.

This giveaway is open to US and Canada residents only.

10. One Custom Basket of Teeccino and TeeChia Products, Valued at $50 (Photos by Faith)

Teeccino is a delicious coffee alternative to help with the problem of using “too much caffeine”. TeeChia is a high performance, gluten-free cereal made from super seeds that produces lasting energy, satiety (satisfying fullness), and regularity. Caroline MacDougall created TeeChia to be a quick and easy wholesome meal for busy people on-the-go, who want to get a full spectrum of antioxidants, omega-3 essential fatty acids, soluble and insoluble fiber, and vitamins and minerals in their breakfast. I’ve personally had both of these products (I’ve been drinking Teeccino for years), and I love them both!

This giveaway is open worldwide.

11. One Stonewall Kitchen Chutney and Cracker Set, Valued at $13 (Images Courtesy of Stonewall Kitchen)

The Apple Cranberry Chutney is the Stonewall Kitchen product of the month for the month of November – it is currently 10% off.

The set for this giveaway includes the following (all items will be given to one winner):

  • Recipe Card for a Chutney Cheeseball

This giveaway is open worldwide.

12. Fifty $10 Hashems Gift Certificates, Valued at $500

From Hashems, “In 1959 our grandfather, Abu Ali Sheik Theeb, opened the first Hashem’s Nuts & Coffee Gallery in the southern Lebanese village of Bint J Bail. Bo Ali provided the towns people with fresh roasted nuts and coffee on a daily basis. Hand mixed spices such as seven spice, kibbeh, and falafel were also made on-site and before long, people where coming from as far as Beirut for Bo Ali’s products.

Generations later, the Hashem family continues to provide quality products using the same authentic recipes and methods that were used to make amazing coffee, nuts, and spices in the past. Our coffee and nuts are roasted daily to ensure maximum freshness. To this day we hand mix our spices and never buy any premixed products that may contain additives, fillers, or preservatives. Rest assured in knowing you are getting top quality, authentic Middle Eastern products.”

Note that the fifty gift certificates will be given to fifty different winners.

This giveaway is open to US residents only.

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

The Only Mandatory Entry: To enter the giveaway, head over to any one of the participating bloggers’ blogs who are listed above to check out their blog (please leave a comment there if you can); then come back here and leave a comment on this post telling me which blog you took a look at.

If  You Want Extra Entries: You can earn additional entries by doing any of the following that you want to do (please leave a separate comment for each so I can count them as additional entries):

1. Share this post on your blog.

2. Share this post on Facebook.

3. Share this post on Twitter.

4. Pin this post on Pinterest.

5. Like CUTCO on Facebook.

6. Follow CUTCO on Twitter.

7. Like Pier 1 Imports on Facebook.

8. Follow Pier 1 Imports on Twittter.

9. Like Big Kitchen on Facebook.

10. Follow Big Kitchen on Twitter.

11. Like My Recipes on Facebook.

12. Follow My Recipes on Twitter.

13.  Like Scharffen Berger on Facebook.

14. Follow Scharffen Berger on Twitter.

15. Like Marx Foods on Facebook.

16. Follow Marx Foods on Twitter.

17. Like D’Artagnan on Facebook.

18. Follow D’Artagnan on Twitter.

19. Like King Arthur Flour on Facebook.

20. Follow King Arthur Flour on Twitter.

21. Like Wean Green on Facebook.

22. Follow Wean Green on Twitter.

23. Like Teeccino on Facebook.

24. Follow Teeccino on Twitter.

25. Like TeeChia on Facebook.

26. Like Stonewall Kitchen on Facebook.

27. Follow Stonewall Kitchen on Twitter.

28. Like Hashems on Facebook.

29. Follow Hashems on Twitter.

DETAILS

1. You do NOT need to have a blog to enter this giveaway.

2. This giveaway starts on November 9, 2012 at 5AM EST and ends on December 9, 2012 at 5 AM EST.

3. Once the giveaway ends, the winners for each item will be chosen randomly.

4. The winners of each item will be notified via email; they will have one week to respond with their mailing information. If they do not respond, a new winner will be randomly chosen.

5. If you are an international reader, please tell me in your comment and I will include you in the correct giveaway.

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Comments

  1. I AM so thrilled about your launch today, Faith!!! I can’t wait to try more of your amazing recipes!!! Wishing you continued success, my friend!!!

    PS What an incredible giveaway! I’ll be back to enter :)

    Reply

  2. Great fun, Faith. And fabulous giveaways! I “liked” everyone on Facebook. Love that we all made the same dish. Everyone put their own touch on it.
    I wish you great luck with the book!

    Reply

  83. I know I only have to visit ONE site, but why not visit ALL?

    I have made it as far as Teen Baker so far… so much inspiration out there! And Sommer at A Spicy Perscetive has some amazing photos… reminds me of yours!

    Reply

  106. First of all CONGRATS!!! Hoping for a copy of your book from my hubby for Christmas :-) I visited Sommer at A Spicy Perspective and left her a comment!

    Reply

  137. Congratulations Faith! so many of my own blog friends are mutual friends with you! Yet I have not browsed around your blog! I need to. I’ve heard a lot of wonderful things about your cookbook and plan to check it out for myself!

    Reply

  212. I’m going to have to check out the book! I’ve been looking for a middle eastern cookbook and this looks grea. I checked Nicole’s blog (PreventionRD) out and really like her post!

    Reply

  226. I went to My Kitchen in the Rockies because the blogger’s name is the same as mine (lame reason, I know, but us Kirsten’s have to stick together!) Thanks!

    Reply

  237. A huge congrats to you, Faith, for a job well done. I just know that your book will be a huge success. What an accomplishment! And what an amazing collection of products for your giveaway. A great way to celebrate, for sure!

    Thanks so much for allowing me to participate in your book launch party. I’m sharing a link here of my post of your delicious saffron rice!! :)

    http://lemonsandanchovies.com/2012/11/saffron-rice-with-golden-raisins-and-pine-nuts/#.UJ0yPo58vzI

    Reply

  246. Faith, I’m here because Veronica (of Veronica’s Cornucopia) shared the great news about your cookbook launch. Congratulations! It’s wonderful to see your dream coming true and your sincere, appreciative humility despite the success. (I can see why you & Veronica are friends!) Haven’t even looked through your giveaways yet — wanted to tell you “way to go” first! — and I’m wishing you the very best. (Fabulous recipes, too, thanks!)

    Reply

  253. Hello Faith,

    This is my first time here on your wonderful blog and I cam here through Roxana’s home baking blog.
    Congratulations on the launch of your book!
    This is a magnificent achievement and I wish you all the best of luck.
    I live in Jordan in the middle east and it is wonderful to see someone blogging about middle eastern recipes
    Loved your hareesa recipe at Roxana’s blog :)

    Reply

  262. I went to a couple but the first wasn’t up yet so I’ll got with Healthy Food For Living (a favorite of mine). :) I left a comment and will return to the other bloggers to comment when I have some time.

    I’m so excited for you Faith, I know it must be incredible to have chased after and achieved one of your dreams. So proud of you!

    Reply

  264. I checked out Lemons & Anchovies. This is one of the blogs I follow, so was so excited to see this on there today!

    Reply

  265. Again congratulations on you book Faith…I am very happy for you and even happier that I can participate in such a great event…
    Cheers to you my dear!

    Reply

  282. The recipe and prizes look fantastic. I first saw the recipe on Sommer @ A Spicy Perspective’s website and then came over here.

    Reply

  305. Congrats on the book Faith! I looked at the pictures you posted on Facebook and it looks amazing! And thank you for including me in your virtual book launch party! It was lots of fun!

    I’d like to enter the giveaway. I took a look at The Roasted Root. Also I am in Canada.

    Reply

  308. Wow, what a fabulous party. Hope to meet you some day..:)
    Congratulations, your book looks gorgeous., and the recipe look like treasures I can’t wait to dig in to.
    On my way to Facebook right now!

    Reply

  309. Following Wean Green– thank you Faith for introducing me to this wonderful product line! i love glass– clean, healthy, environmentally safe.

    Reply

  312. I left a comment on Veronica’s (Cornucopia) blog, before I even knew about the give away :) Lots going on here Faith! Congrats again on the cookbook, so excited for you.

    Reply

  316. I don’t know how to be entered for the give-aways, so please consider my request to be entered! (Or pls give me instructions If I need to do something different.) Thank you :)

    Reply

  321. Seriously, I do have to back to work..but before I do, I just liked Pier 1, just for having given you their support — and the lovely give-away, of course.

    Reply

  322. Wow, what a party! Congratulations on your book and all the wonderful recipes. (I’ve been seeing them on various blogs for the past couple of weeks.) I love the ‘fare to flair’ in the title. All good luck!

    Reply

  329. Sorry for the oversight– I did see the entry instructions above.
    I took a look at “Rambling Tart” (Now I see the reason behind “rambling– what a traveler!), and left a comment on “Chocolate & Chillies” blogs.

    Reply

  353. Once again, congratulations on the release of your cookbook! I cannot imagine how thrilling and exciting this is for you. :)

    I went over to Bev Weidner’s site because well, why wouldn’t I?! She is hilarious and did a great job with styling your recipe, which by the way sounds absolutely delicious. Too bad dinner tonight is already made…

    Reply

  357. Congratulations Faith! It must feel wonderful to see all your work finally come to fruition. My copy came late last night and while I haven’t had a chance to really sit down and read it (like a novel) I did flip through the pages and it is obvious that the book is a true labor of love. I see your heart on every page. Thank-you for asking me to be a part of your launch – my post is live! I wish you much success with the book my dear friend! xoxo

    Reply

  359. Hi there Faith! I just came over from Cake Duchess after learning about your cookbook launch. Congratulations! I love Middle Eastern food. The spices and cooking style is simply awesome! Will check out your book and perhaps an early Christmas present to self is called for :)

    Reply

  363. I already subscribe to quite a few of these blogs so I decided to check out a Taste With The Eyes. I love her interpretation of the dish and now I am a new subscriber to her blog!

    Reply

  368. I visited Eat, Run, Read and left a comment. Thanks for the chance to win one of those awesome gifts! And congratulations on publishing your book.

    Reply

  372. I saw your recipe first on my friend Lora’s site (Cake Duchess) and I had to head over here to check out your psot. Your book looks amazing:)

    Reply

  374. I went to Jean’s Lemon and Anchovies blog and enjoyed the Saffron Rice recipe from your cookbook! Congrats on your successful launch and what a wonderful giveaway! I am praying to win something…anything! Hehehe…! I’m a big fan, Faith. Will look for your book here at my local bookstore in Toronto!

    Reply

  391. Congratulations on your cookbook! How exciting for you!

    I went over to Roxana’s Home Baking blog and found a wonderful recipe for eggnog chocolate bread — and left a comment!

    Reply

  420. Congratulations on the book launch, Faith!

    Off to check out your fellow food bloggers (what a great idea for a launch party!).

    (coming by from the fabulous Bonbon Break!0

    PS: I’m ‘international’ – I live in Malaysia.

    Reply

  436. I am SO excited for you!!! I’ve checked out a few of the others’ blogs above and commented…Shannon (tri2cook), Reeni, Amy (Savory Moments)…to name a few!

    Reply

  437. Congratulations on the book. It’s just wonderful. I started reading thru and love the comments and informational tidbits on the culture and how you first tasted some of the recipes.

    Reply

  440. I visited Lauren (Healthy Food for Living) and saw your delicious saffron rice! I had a similar dish the other night at a Moroccan restaurant, but maybe I’ll attempt it myself now!

    Reply

  441. I went to foodiva’s site and her rice with almonds looked amazing! Congratulations on your new book- i’ll be getting a copy even if I’m not the lucky winner!

    Reply

  442. I will leave it to others to win the goodies (I’ve got too much stuff as it is!) but I just wanted to say Congratulations on a FABULOUS book, and thank you for including me as a blogging friend. You are getting a stunning response, and well deserved, too. Enjoy everything that comes your way. Cheers! *virtual glass of bubbly being raised*

    Reply

  472. I think I clicked on all of the other participating blogs! I couldn’t help myself, it was so nice to see the little differences and changes in the dish :) I especially liked how Lori Lynn presented it!

    Reply

  487. Wow look at all your comments, how wonderful. I will be ordering your book and am honored that you thought to ask me to share your virtual book launch on my blog.

    My sister wants to know what the dish is on the cover of your book. She can’t wait for me to make that for her.

    Reply

  523. Congrats on your cookbook! I look forward to trying your recipes. I liked all those other pages of the commercial companies, and the blogger I visited was Jessica of Bacon ad Soufflé. Best of luck in your career.

    Reply

  526. Hi Faith,
    I have left a comment over at Home Skillet. Would really love to win your book and those fantastic giveaways!
    I’m from Malaysia and keeping my fingers crossed!
    Thank you and wish you every success in your new book!
    **Joyce**

    Reply

  547. Hi faith, I finally received your beautiful cookbook! Love all the recipes that you feature and all the beautiful pictures. Can’t wait to start making all this great food! Congrats on a very well done book and best of luck!!

    Reply

  562. I left a comment on Musings of a Housewife’s page, but, I have to tell you…I left it yesterday, before learning about this giveaway. Just wanted you to know how sincere my compliments were! :D Seriously, love your site, your recipes and photos. I grew up eating Middle Eastern food and it just takes me back. Love it.

    Reply

  571. I’ve been seeing your wonderful rice dish everywhere today, and it looks fabulous wherever I see it. The last one I left a comment on was at Savory Moments. This is a “must make.” :)

    Reply

  583. I have been cooking for a long time, and your recipes look wonderful. I did read the Spinach Tiger blog, and she recommends your food, so I can’t wait to try it! I love the fact that Middle Eastern cuisine is so Vegetarian friendly, as I tend to eat that way most of the time.

    Nice pics, too!

    Reply

  592. My wife bought your new book and left it on the counter at home. I was more than a bit skeptical about Middle Eastern fare to say the least. After I opened it up and started looking at the photos and recipe’s I couldn’t wait to try some of them. Thanks.

    Reply

  596. Hi Faith, thank you so much for your jewel rice recipe! I must say that it was the first successful jewelled rice I’ve tried. I did try one other recipe years ago but it didn’t work. I did mine a little differently though. I always cook my rice in the microwave. I usually use 2 cups of uncooked rice to 3 cups of water. I still used your measurements for the saffron/ water ratio even though my quantities of rice were different. Although it did achieve the jewelled effect like I was hoping, I guess I was expecting the colour of the rice to be a really bright saffron but was only slightly recognized as being yellow instead. Maybe I should have mixed a larger quantity of rice than just a third?? Do you have any recommendations?

    Reply

    • Hi Debbie, Thank you so much for your kind words, I’m so glad you enjoyed the rice! I’ve never tried rice in the microwave, I am so intrigued! A couple things come to mind…I know saffron can vary greatly, depending on where it’s from and how fresh it is. I like to use Persian saffron because I generally have the best results with it. That being said, in general, it’s been my experience that using turmeric instead of saffron will consistently result in a brighter yellow color. If you like turmeric and you have it on hand, it might be worth trying. Other than that, I’ve never made this dish in the micro – I’m not sure if this could somehow effect the color? Let me know how you like it if you try it with turmeric…and thanks again so much for your sweet comment!

      Reply