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Today’s post is a fun one.
Not only is it a giveaway (four giveaways, actually!), but I’m hoping to be able to convince you to try something that you might not normally try. To step out of your comfort zone and discover something that’s as rich in culture as it is delicious. You never know, maybe you’ll find a new family favorite!
In some cases, you might want to try something new, but have no idea where to look for ingredients…
I know sometimes it can be hard to source Middle Eastern ingredients – or any international ingredients for that matter – if you’re not sure where to start looking for them. I want to share a few of my go-to sources:
1. Start at your local grocery store. If you’re like me, you probably shop (mostly) around the outer perimeter of the grocery store – I start in the produce department, and then hit up the meat and dairy sections, and also the organic section (and of course a couple other random aisles in the middle of the store). For me, this means that I have no idea everything my store has to offer. When I was searching for exotic ingredients, I found a pretty well-stocked international aisle right in the middle of my local grocery, offering ingredients like rosewater, tahini, and ghee (clarified butter). And don’t be afraid to ask for help finding something; even if your store doesn’t carry a particular item, they might be able to order it for you or they might know where you can get it.
2. Do a simple Google search. Even a basic search like “middle eastern grocery store tampa florida” or “arabic grocery store tampa florida” should yield a good starting point. (Of course be sure to fill in your city and state!)
3. If you can’t find Middle Eastern grocery stores in your area, look for other ethnic stores. Indian grocers, in particular, carry a lot of the same ingredients required for Middle Eastern cooking. You can do a simple Google search for Indian grocery stores in your area (see #2 above).
4. Ask at your favorite Middle Eastern restaurant. Next time you’re eating at your favorite Middle Eastern restaurant, ask where they source their ingredients. (Or just give them a call to ask – but make sure you don’t call during mealtimes when they’re likely to be too busy to chat for a minute.) They might be able to either point you in the right direction, or sell you the ingredient you’re looking for.
5. If you’re looking for spices, check out a spice shop in your area. Penzeys spices are consistently fantastic quality and they have stores all over the U.S.
6. Check out local specialty shops. For example, if you’re looking for a couple different Middle Eastern cheeses to make Knafeh, take a look at a local specialty or artisanal cheese shop.
7. If all else fails, the internet is sure to have it – but be sure you’re buying from a quality company. For about four years now, Mike and I have been ordering from Hashems online store. This is literally the only online Middle Eastern store we buy from because they have everything, and even if they don’t have something listed on their site, I’ve found that they might still have it – I always just ask. Mike is crazy about nuts and he will only eat the nuts from Hashems. The same thing goes for their flatbread; Mike usually places a huge order for their bread (since he eats it at every meal) and keeps it in the freezer, just pulling out a pack as necessary. I also love their Turkish coffee, and their spices are great as well. Don’t forget, if you’re a first-time customer at Hashems, you can get 20% off your entire order with coupon code “anediblemosaic”. (Please note that I am not making any money off your order with Hashems. I truly believe in their products and they are what you’ll find in my own kitchen, which is why I’m helping to promote them.)
8. And right now you have a chance to win some Middle Eastern ingredients!
* * * * *
Hashems and I put together four different prize packs for this giveaway; all are based on recipes from my cookbook, An Edible Mosaic: Middle Eastern Fare with Extraordinary Flair. Courtesy of Tuttle Publishing, every prize pack also includes a signed copy of the cookbook that I will personalize for the winners!
Prize Pack 1: Coffee Time (The recipe for Turkish coffee can be found in my cookbook; also, here is a video from Hashems showing how to make it.)
Includes the following items:
- Date-filled cookies (ma’amoul)
- Turkish coffee
- Turkish coffee pot
- Six small coffee cups
- One signed copy of my cookbook
Prize Pack 2: Falafel Set (Here is my Falafel recipe.)
Includes the following items:
- Dried chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
- Falafel mold
- Hashems falafel spice mix
- One signed copy of my cookbook
Prize Pack 3: Ma’amoul Set (Here is my Ma’amoul recipe.)
Includes the following items:
- Baking dates
- Ma’amoul mold (for date filling)
- Ground mahlab spice
- Cake spice mix
- One signed copy of my cookbook
Prize Pack 4: Saffron Rice Set (Here is my Saffron Rice recipe.)
Includes the following items:
- Basmati rice
- Pine nuts
- Golden raisins (sultanas)
- Saffron
- One signed copy of my cookbook
* * * * *
I am willing to ship the prizes anywhere in the world, so international readers are welcome to enter. You do not need to have a blog to enter this giveaway! To participate, you can do any of the following (please leave a separate comment for each so I can count them as separate entries):
- Leave a comment telling me your favorite Middle Eastern dish.
- Leave a comment telling me if you’ve ever made a Middle Eastern recipe at home.
- Like Hashems on Facebook and leave a comment here telling me.
- Like Tuttle Publishing on Facebook and leave a comment here telling me.
- Like An Edible Mosaic on Facebook and leave a comment here telling me.
- Share this giveaway on any of your social media (such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc.), or on your blog and leave a comment here telling me.
This giveaway ends Thursday, January 3, 2013 at 5AM EST; after that the winners will be randomly selected and notified by email. Good luck to all!
I’m the writer, recipe developer, photographer, and food stylist behind this blog. I love finding the human connection through something we all do every day: eat! Food is a common ground that we can all relate to, and our tables tell a story. It’s my goal to inspire you to get in the kitchen, try something new, and find a favorite you didn’t know you had.
Free Bonus
I’m already one of your facebook fans!
I liked Tuttle Publishing on facebook via my blog’s page–Apple a Day.
I liked Hashem’s on facebook via my blog’s page–Apple a Day.
I haven’t done too much Middle Eastern cooking at home, but the dishes I have made have been wonderful. One of my favorites was Moroccan chicken with couscous and golden raisins. I don’t have a tagine, but I used my Dutch oven and everything came out just fine!
Ever since I first tried Middle Eastern food (starting with Lebanese cuisine) in college, I’ve been in love with it’s perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spice. The first dish I tried is still one of my favorites–chicken with yogurt and pomegranate seeds.
I do actually like to cook middle eastern food a lot :)
I’m from the middle east (Egyptian), so, I love staffed grape leaves(with rice&meat) and also love (koshery) :)
I like An Edible Mosaic on facebook!
I’ve attempted kebabs at home, always came out delicious! I have a Penzy’s right down the road from me, I love it!
My favorite Middle Eastern dish is definitely any kind of kebab and saffron rice, so good!
shared on pinterest
I love falafel!
shared on Facebook
Shared on Google+
I like an edible mosaic / Faith’s Kitchen on Facebook
liked Tuttle Publishing on facebook
liked Hashems Nuts & Coffee Gallery on Facebook
My favorite middle eastern dish is dolma, aka stuffed grape leaves. My mom’s recipe is always the tastiest.
I’m from the Middle East and now that I have left home to move closer to school, I find myself craving and cooking Middle Eastern food every so often. However, i Have branched out from my own culture’s foods and am starting to make more traditional Arabic foods (i’m from Iran) and Turkish foods.
My favorite middle eastern dish is Kanafeh. I love it and love how it tastes with black tea or coffee. I would definitely love to learn how to make it
I’ve already liked your page on FB
I’ve already liked your FB page
I just liked Tuttle publishing on Facebook
I just liked Hashems on Facebook .
Already like you on FB
Liked Tuttle Publishing on FB
Liked Hashem’s on FB
I love fixing middle eastern candies with date paste. I used to buy the same baking dates that you’re giving away, until the shop I bought them from closed down, and now I can’t find them any more!
My new favorite is chicken shawarma. Discovered a little middle eastern cafe called Sahara and the shawarma wrap is amazing.
I liked you on Facebook, and I love cooking Lebanese food!
I pinned this on Pinterest
I shared on Facebook
I already like An Edible Mosaic on Facebook
I liked Tuttle Publishing on Facebook
I liked Hashems on FB
I love hummus and falafel.
I used to make Baklava until I had to go gluten-free.
I posted the link on twitter from @poodle_power https://twitter.com/poodle_power/status/286261234599333889
I already like you on Facebook
I liked Tuttle Publishing on Facebook
I like Hashems on Facebook
I haven’t ever been brave enough to make middle Eastern food at home, but would love to try!
I do love a good falafel!
I make butter chicken in my slow cooker.
I shared this on Twitter!
I liked Tuttle Publishing on FB
I liked Hashem’s on FB
I already like (love) you on Facebook.
I haven’t cooked any Middle Eastern food yet, but I have enjoyed it in restaurants. I can’t wait to get these recipes going in my own kitchen!!
I want to make your date cookies…and the saffron rice…and … and…
i make middle eastern dishes at home every day. tomorrow i plan to make dawood basha
my favorite middle eastern dish is misaqa’aa (moussaka)
i liked an edible mosaic on fb
I really like Indian food. There isn’t one dish in particular. If I have to pick one thing with every dish I love to have naan & chaat.
I’ve liked An Edible Mosaic on Facebook.
I’ve liked Hashems on Facebook.
I’ve made many Middle Eastern dishes at home, including dolmas, shepherd’s salad, and pita bread with zatar. I’d like to make falafel someday, but I am slightly deep-frying-phobic (but I will happily eat them if someone else fries them!).
My favorite Middle Eastern dish has got to be dolmas.
Tweeted at https://twitter.com/KDFF/status/286204702868262913
Karen Goodwin Delaney likes An Edible Mosaic on Facebook
Karen Goodwin Delaney likes Tuttle Publishing on Facebook
Karen Goodwin Delaney likes Hashems on Facebook
I have made a few over the years, but would love to expand the variety with your cookbook
Saffron Rice is my favorite Middle Eastern dish!
I like Hashems on facebook
I like turtle publishing on facebook
I like an edible mosaic on facebook
I have made baba ganoush, falafel and tabouli at home
I like falafel!
I tweeted about this giveaway (twice, actually, because the first time I forgot to include your Twitter username in my tweet).
I already liked Faith’s Kitchen/An Edible Mosaic on Facebook.
Now I like Tuttle Publishing on Facebook, too. What an interesting company!
I like Hashams on Facebook. Thanks for pointing me to it. Where I live, it’s a couple of hours’ drive to find any specialty stores.
I love a good Turkish red lentil soup.
Aside from my fear of falafel, I have made some Middle Eastern dishes at home. Hummus, of course, is an easy and delicious example.
I love falafel, but have never had the courage to make it at home. Lame, I know.
I have never made or tried middle eastern food, but would love too!
I shared this post on G+
I liked Tuttle Publishing on Facebook.
I liked Edible Mosiac on Facebook.
I love falafel!!
I liked Hashem on Facebook!
I love to try Middle Eastern food at home! I like Mattar Paneer.
My favorite Middle Eastern dish is a dish that I discovered online and successfully made at home. It is called Khoresht Fesenjan and it is a soup made with butternut squash, walnuts, and pomegranate. Yum!
Liked your Facebook page!
Liked Tuttle’s!
Liked Hashem’s- what a great resource!
Pinned you! http://pinterest.com/pin/205265695488083674/
I have made hummus and falafel although the falafel was from a mix that I got at a health food store.
Thank you for the chance to win! I am a foodie for sure and would be so excited to win any of these prize packs! I would have to say that falafel is my favorite middle eastern foods.
I’ve been experimenting with flavored hummus lately too. I made a pizza flavored hummus as an appetizer. Delicious!
It may be cliche, but I just love hummus.
I have made fried eggplant with yogurt dip, couscous and Moroccan Stew.
I could live off of hummus and naan. Lamb kabobs would come in a close second.
What an amazing giveaway–thanks for the opportunity! I don’t have too much trouble finding Middle Eastern ingredients, since we have an Iranian market in walking distance. Labneh forever! :)
I do Kibbes :)
I love Shawarmas, taboule, labne, you name it!!
I “liked” on Facebook “An Edible Mosaic” and I made your recipe for Creamy Moroccan-Spiced Peanut Butter Couscous today! We had some after dinner for dessert and will have the rest for breakfast in the morning. It really works as a dessert too. Awesomely good and the kitchen smelled great for hours after.
I love falafel.
I have made hummus and mint soup at home.
I liked An Edible Mosaic on FB! :)
I cook Middle Eastern all the time. Your cookbook looks great!
I love kussa makhshi with laban sauce.. and khyar mahshi. Thanks for the give-away!!
I’ve made hummus and falafel at home.
I’ve just pinned this Giveaway to my Pinterest Board, and would love to be a winner. Thank you so much for this Giveaway, Faith,- all your recipes are amazing.
I love comfort food in the form of a Middle Eastern ground rice pudding. It’s prepared with milk in much the same way as you’d make a custard, and towards the end of the cooking time you stir in ground almonds and a couple of spoons of rosewater. Served chilled, this dessert transports you away on the magic Carpet to the land of the Arabian Nights!
Thank you for this Giveaway. I’d love to win your book Faith.
I am a real fan of your Blog Faith, and want to tell you that all your recipes are amazing. I haven’t yet seen your book, and can’t wait till I do! One of the more unusual recipes we make is your recipe for Persian Okra. https://www.anediblemosaic.com/?p=2158 . The special blend of seasonings make it a very special dish. My husband loves it!
I would love to win the Giveaway, please pick me!
I love flatbreads, and my dad is a huge fan of saffron rice.
I like your page on Facebook!
I’m really loving hummus right now!
I shared the about the giveaway on facebook. Thank you for the opportunity to learn more about other cultures.
I liked Edible Mosaic on facebook.
I liked Tuttle Publishing on facebook.
I liked Hashems on facebook
I love Hummus, I especially enjoy eating my daughters homemade hummus with pita chips. <3
I have enjoyed homemade hummus, my daughters love to make with pita chips.
Liked hashem’s on fb (teri)
Liked tuttle publishing on fb (teri)
I love love love hummus- its a food group for me! I also love zaatar flatbreads
I shared this giveaway on Facebook
I Like An Edible Mosaic on Facebook
I Like Tuttle Publishing on Facebook
I Like Hashems on Facebook
I have made Falafel and hummus at home.
Thanks for the giveaway. My favorite Middle Eastern dish is Falafel.
I have never made a middle eastern dish, but after seeing your website, I really want to try!
Would love to have your cookbook!
I have made some middle eastern dishes at home, including falafel and hummus!
My favorite middle eastern dish is mujaderrah!
I have never cooked a Middle Eastern dish but I can’t wait to try! Here in San Diego, CA we are lucky to have some great Middle Eastern Restaurants such as Khyber Pass with great Lamb Sabzi and Mama’s Bakery serves fantastic Turkish coffee and hot pies. I might have to go there for lunch!
I shared the giveaway on Facebook!
Liked Hashems Publishing.
Liked Hashems too!
I don’t think I have been this excited about the possibility of winning a prize! ANY OF THEM PLEASE!!! LIKED on Facebook.
I like, but really LOVE, An Edible Mosaic on Facebook.
Whoops! I combined my answer… I also love to make hummus at home and create Mezza platters.
I love falafel! We make it regularly at home and it’s always on my to-order list when we go out for any kind of Middle Eastern food.
I Shared this giveaway on Pinterest.
I Shared this giveaway on Twitter.
I Shared this giveaway on Facebook.
I Like An Edible Mosaic on Facebook.
I Like Tuttle Publishing on Facebook.
I Like Hashems on Facebook.
I have made several Middle Eastern recipes at home: Chicken Shawarma, Maroccan Stew, Chicken Mulligatarmy and Indian Naan bread. These are my favorites. I have been wanting your cookbook for awhile now, so I can try some new dishes.
My favorite Middle Eastern dish is: Chicken Shawarma
Shared on Facebook
Liked Edible Mosaic :)
Liked Tuttle
Liked Hashems
No, I’ve never tried any recipes at home yet.
Sadly, the only dish I’ve ever had is Hummus. Your recipes make my mouth water sop I will definitely try some of these in the near future.
I like your page on facebook
I’m actually making chicken shwarma tonight!
I love chicken shwarma!
Pinned giveaway
I LOVed the Indian Butter chicken!!!
I shared this giveaway on pinterest
I have made falafel, hummus, and pita bread at home- so far!
I like Hashems on FB
I like Tuttle on FB
I like you on FB
My favorite recipe is Baba Ganoush with fresh pita bread, yum, getting hungry just thinking about it-
I love stuffed pigeons, or as it’s called in Egypt “Hamam Mahsy”.
Liked Edible Mosaic.
Liked Turtle Publishing
Liked on Fb
I have made hummus at home
My favourite place to eat is at Pita Pan in Singapore..always gorge on freshly baked pita bread filled with crispy basil falafel with sauces and salads. This is my all time favourite. I also like the Med platter filled hummus,falafel,baba ganoush and dolma leaves.I have also tried their green Shakshuka. I swear i love middle eastern food which is so healthy. I really look forward to having this every weekend.
I have made souvlaki and tzatziki at home!
I love giaourtlou!
As an Armenian American I’ve made a number of Middle Eastern dishes. One of my favorite dishes has to be cold stuffed grape leaves. I could live on them with a little cheese & bread !
Just tweeted about this giveaway
I already follow you on FB; cheers
liked Tuttle Publishing on FB
lIKED Hashem on FB
Yes I have made different versions of hummus and pita bread at home. BTW, thank you so much for this giveaway. Sending across christmas cheer and festive spirits.
I love middle eastern dishes and dote on falafels,hummus, pita bread
Favorite food from Middle Eastern restaurant is Kubideh Kabab and Lahvosh with Chicken and Artichokes.
My favorite Middle Eastern food I have made is your chicken shawarma recipe. Amazing! I love your cookbook.
I shared this on my blog! http://mequalsone.com/2012/12/20/vacation-flog-12202012/
Like Tuttle on FB!
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Like you on FB!
We’ve only made mediterranean style turkey burgers… with homemade tzatziki sauce of course!
My hubby and I love chicken shawarma!
Pinned this giveaway:
http://pinterest.com/pin/53269208064447596/
amy [at] utry [dot] it
Liked An Edible Mosaic on Facebook
amy [at] utry [dot] it
Like Tuttle Publishing on Facebook
amy [at] utry [dot] it
Liked Hashems on Facebook
amy [at] utry [dot] it
Oh yeah, I make Middle Easy dishes at home every once in a while. My hubby is a fan.
amy [at] utry [dot] it
My favorite Middle East dish is kebab.
amy [at] utry [dot] it
I’ve made naan at home–turned out surprisingly well!
I love a good falafel pita!
I shared on my Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/pin/15833036161689859/
I’ve made falafel before at home. Love those little balls!
One of my favorite Middle Eastern foods is lamb shawarma!
Already Like An Edible Mosaic :)
Liked Hashems
Liked Tuttle
I have made a ton of middle eastern recipes and happen to have meat schawarma marinating as we speak!
OMG Faith this is my favorite give-away ever!! OK, let’s see, my favorite middle eastern dish (right now) is your Mujadarra :)
just tweeted too :) would love to win the book.
i have made several stews using chickpeas. I also ocassionaly make hummus!
i love kebsah and baklava- my fav dish! its so flavorful but have never made my own.
liked you on facebook!
Yes I have cooked Middle Eastern recipe at home, inummerable amount of times.
Like you already on facebook
Really great post for people on how to find special ingredients. Can be used for any types of food. My city has hundreds of ethnic grocery stores so not a problem. I don’t think I can pic a favorite Middle Eastern dish :-S Muhammara dip?
and finally, i like tuttle!
i like hashems!
i like an edible mosaic on facebook!
i make hummus all the time at home, but i’m looking to expand my middle eastern horizons.
i love baklava–that’s my favorite middle eastern dish…so far. :)
Like An Edible Mosaic on FB
Liked Tuttle Publishing on FB
Liked Hashems on FB
I love to make middle eastern food at home…kebabs, kefta, shish taouk, toum, hummus..of course your saffron rice!
My favorite middle eastern dish is shish taouk
Liked on facebook and shared the giveaway as well!
Kibbeh is awesome. And I once had a tomatoey eggplant dish whose name I can’t remember.
I LOVE falafel & hummus!
My favorite Middle Eastern food is paratha bread!
I shared this giveaway on facebook!
I liked An Edible Mosaic on facebook!
I have made falafels and baklava at home. Difficult to find ingredients where I live. Will have to check out Hashems. Thanks!
Hmmmm….tough to say what my fave is. I love baba ganoush, lamb gyros, falafels,dolmas, and follow it up with baklava! Yummm!
My favorite Middle Eastern dish is falafel.
And I’m going to share this giveaway on Facebook :) Thanks for the opportunity!
My favorite Middle Eastern food would have to be falafel
Also.. I liked you on facebook
When I studied abroad I lived with a Palestinian woman who taught me how to make a few simple things – like tabouleh, roz bil shaghria, and moussaka (which she told me was “the greek version”). I’d love to try to make more!
mmm It’s so hard to pick my favorite dish! I have to go with shakshouka or fattoush!!
Middle Eastern food is my favorite food “genre” and a dish I am super obsessed with right now is vegetarian baked kibbeh!
I tweeted about this! I would love to win a copy of the cookbook and my favorite prize pack would be the falafel or ma’moul set.
I love to make Middle Eastern desserts at home! Basbousa and baklawa are two of my favorites to make at home or bring to a party.
I like Hashems on Facebook.
I like An Edible Mosaic on Facebook.
My favorite Middle Eastern meal is simple: ful with fresh, hot pita bread. It’s my go-to when I’m feeling lazy and want a healthy, yet delicious meal.
We have made hummus and falafel at home, but I would love to try other recipes!
I have trouble picking a favorite dish. Hummus, maybe? Right now though, I’m hankering for some ma’amoul.
I’ve made saffron rice before. Hmmm, haven’t made it in awhile. I should make some soon. :)
I also liked Hashems on Facebook.
I shared your giveaway on Facebook.
I shared this on facebook
I liked Hashems on Facebook
I liked Tuttle Publishing on facebook
I have tried making Hummus at home. It’s never quite perfect, but always edible. I’m still searching for that perfect recipe.
I liked an edible mosaic on facebook
I like An Edible Mosaic on Facebook
I like Hashems on Facebook
I have tried making falfel at home
My favorite food is a Döner Kebab. I first had them when I was traveling in Germany in high school and have wanted to eat them ever since. There’ve been a few places eventually pop up here in the States, but it’s never quite the same thing. The closest I’ve found was when I was in Tokyo this summer.
I absolutely love dolmas
So excited to have found your website! Gorgeous food and the photography is amazing. I Liked you on Facebook. Would LOVE a copy of your cookbook.
I shared giveaway on FB.
I liked Edible Mosaic on FB.
I liked Tuttle Publishing on FB
I liked Hashem’s on FB.
I’ve tried to make halvah multiple times but it’s never the same.
My favorite middle eastern food is falafel. I miss the ones on the street in NY.
We attempt a lot of middle eastern dishes at home.
I could eat hummus everyday!
I made fesenjoon earlier this week
chelo kabob is my favorite
I never knew there were falafel molds! It’s gorgeous. Thanks for telling me about a new source for great products.
Good to be back and visiting my favorite blogs again after my long absence.
I love falafel from Algebra Teahouse in Cleveland.
I have made hummus at home.
I shared this giveaway on facebook!
I have liked Edible Mosaic on facebook!
I have liked Tuttle on facebook!
I have liked Hashems on facebook
Middle eastern things are pretty much my favorite to make – the spices are my favorite. So yes, I make Middle Eastern recipes at home. Weekly.
I love to make falafels!
I recently made Zaalouk – Moroccan Eggplant salad. I have been putting it on everything from burgers to chicken to leftover meatloaf. This stuff is seriously amazing.
My favorite dish is Shawarma- love the flavors!
My favorite dish is Shawarma! Love the flavors
I liked Edible Mosaic on Facebook!
I’ve made a few different Middle Eastern recipes at home but my favorite is my mom’s recipe for kebab-e-torsh. I would love to master homemade baklava :-)
My favorite Middle Eastern dish is fesenjoon, a Persian stew made with ground walnuts and pomegranate molasses.
What a great blog and giveaway! Thank you!
I shared the giveaway on both Facebook and Twitter. Thank you!
I liked you on Facebook!
I liked Hashems on Facebook — thanks for introducing me to them!
My dad is part Lebanese, so I make Middle Eastern food fairly often at home: rice pilaf, baba ghanoush, stuffed grape leaves, salad with tahini dressing.
It’s tricky business to pick only one favorite Middle Eastern dish, but I have to go with my dad’s kibbeh nayeh. I don’t get to eat it very often any more, but it is delicious!