My brand new COOKBOOK, “Feast in the Middle East,” is now available internationally! This book contains both classical as well as modern Middle Eastern recipes, including the dishes you see here on this channel. This over 200 page hardcover book contains meticulous cooking instructions, gorgeous photos, family stories, and historical information on each dish. For ordering information, click HERE:secure.mybookorders.com/Orderpage/2189
When I make my cookies, I do not grind the aniseeds and I also add the sesame seeds inside the dough together with the aniseed. I’m happy to have learned how to make them seamless. Thanks !!
you guys are so sweet together! ❤️ now that i'm inspired, am gonna think of a way to veganize it... probably banana/apple puree instead of the eggs would do the trick.
Ronnieee!! Miss you dear, yes those substitutions probably work! Also you might try a flax egg, 1 tbsp ground flax with 2.5 tbsp water. Happy Holidays and sending hugs your way!
My grandmother and mother made this cookie very often. They also gave the Yansoon to the kids as a cure for an upset stomach. I will make this to cure many upset stomachs now, just as Arak.
I love this cookies, my grandmother (Wedie ) always made me a BIG bag for my birthday.....thanks for this recipe.We call them in spanish rosquillas de ajonjoli y anis.
I made those cookies yesterday, and they're already GONE!! The family loved them. They're light, with just the right amount of sweetness. I love your recipes, I've made a few. I also just ordered your cookbook!!
I made these cookies and used lemon rind and lemon essence and vanilla and they were a big hit with the family and friends thanks for sharing your recipe
Thank you for this delicious recipe. Mom never had an official one. A little this, a little that. I am sure each of you has had the same comments. I am going to make them this afternoon on a very cold, snowy day!
Love it! Thank you for another great video. I'm going to make these with avocado oil since I stay away from vegetable oil as well. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Thank you for you great recipes, as a Mexican I value all the great job you do and recipes I’ve tried all awesome !! , I would like some little cookies I tried in Israel in a libanés restaurant that had an almond on the top that I haven’t such an amazing dessert like that one. Hope you can know which one is 😁
Great video! I am familiar with the small, savory kind of kaak. Smaller than your Mom's kaak. I don't have the exact recipe, but no sugar, no eggs. Flour traditionally kneaded with olive oil and some salt. Add a few whole anise seeds, a few whole cumin seeds, and some mahlab, The occasional seeds in the kaak will produce small gustatory explosions. Egg wash for brushing and holding the sesame seeds. Probably baking soda. Bake till crunchy.
I was waiting for Christmas to come to make them so our Fasting would be over, although you do mention the option of flax eggs. I made these last night and they are great! I baked off half the dough last night and will bake the rest tomorrow. I'm guessing I'll end up with 3 dozen in the end, using a 1 TB scoop to measure out the balls. The print recipe says 3 Cups of AP flour, the video says 3 1/2 Cups . I like to go by weight so I started with 420 grams (3 1/2 C). I'm guessing I ended up with closer to 3 3/4 Cup for what felt to the touch like what you seemed to have (King Arthur unbleached AP). BTW: I was so disappointed I had a prior commitment the day you were here in Berkeley. I'm such a fan and would have loved to meet you in person! Happy Christmas, and may you have a healthy and peaceful new year!
Love you and your mom. You guys always make me laugh! 😆 Is it 2.5 cups or 3 cups of flour? I used 2.5 and they are good but came out kind of flat (even after refrigerating dough). Is that why? Either way, I will try again. They are delicious. Shukran!
Hi Blanche! Do you have a recipe for manakish? I want to make all kinds, the meat ones and spinach ones and cheese ones. I’ve never made them before, so I was wondering if you have the recipes for them!
HI Nadia, I do not have recipes for them on my channel yet, but I do have them in my cookbook at the moment: secure.mybookorders.com/Orderpage/2189 Thank you for your interest!
I personally do not like to use olive oil with cookies. If you use olive oil the cookies have a higher chance of burning. I use avocado oil for baking because it has a higher smoke point, meaning it cooks nice and evenly without burning.
Very good question! I have never used anise oil before but I would imagine it is quite strong. Probably only a few drops will do for that fragrance and flavor. I would personally add a teaspoon, the way you would add a vanilla or almond extract.
Yes you can, but it will alter the flavor a little, which is no problem if you like the flavor. Also cooking time will be less, so it would be good to watch the cookies to prevent them from overbaking or burning.
WHIPPER I LIKE THIS NAME CUTE I DO SOME THINGS LIKE THAT OH BLANCH DOES YOUR COOKK BOOK HAVE ARABIC RECEPIES THAT ARE IMPROVED I WANT MY HUSBAND TO GET FOR A ORESENT ARE THOSE COOKIES OR DATE CANDY IN THERE I AGREE WITH YOU PREVENTION OF SICKNESS IS SO MUCH CHEAPER THAN GOING TO DOCTORS
Yes the book is classical Arabic recipes that are very easy to follow for today's busy cook. If interested, you can order here: secure.mybookorders.com/mbo_index.php?isbn=9781545675113 Thank you!
We have the same in Malta called Qagħaq tal-Ġunġlien. Yummm dunked in tea. ramandalicious.blogspot.com/2013/08/qagaq-tal-gunglien-maltese-biscuit.html?m=1.
If you want an alternative, I suggest grapeseed oil, so long as it is cold pressed (and preferably organic) If you are in the states, they do sell avocado oil in most supermarkets and Costco, as well as Amazon: amzn.to/36oA7jz
My brand new COOKBOOK, “Feast in the Middle East,” is now available internationally! This book contains both classical as well as modern Middle Eastern recipes, including the dishes you see here on this channel. This over 200 page hardcover book contains meticulous cooking instructions, gorgeous photos, family stories, and historical information on each dish. For ordering information, click HERE:secure.mybookorders.com/Orderpage/2189
When I make my cookies, I do not grind the aniseeds and I also add the sesame seeds inside the dough together with the aniseed. I’m happy to have learned how to make them seamless. Thanks !!
You are welcome thanks for watching!
you guys are so sweet together! ❤️
now that i'm inspired, am gonna think of a way to veganize it... probably banana/apple puree instead of the eggs would do the trick.
Ronnieee!! Miss you dear, yes those substitutions probably work! Also you might try a flax egg, 1 tbsp ground flax with 2.5 tbsp water. Happy Holidays and sending hugs your way!
I love those Cookies. Brings back a lot of good memories. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Merry Christmas! ;)
My grandmother and mother made this cookie very often. They also gave the Yansoon to the kids as a cure for an upset stomach. I will make this to cure many upset stomachs now, just as Arak.
Yes and you can add arak to the batter too (a lot of people do this as well :)
How cute is your Mom 💕 fantastic cookies - Congratulations on your book cannot wait to get my hands on it
Oooh !
I am so COMPLETELY jealous !
They look incredible
Aww wish we could have given you some right through your computer screen lol!
@@blanchetv you and your pretty mom I like so much
I love this cookies, my grandmother (Wedie ) always made me a BIG bag for my birthday.....thanks for this recipe.We call them in spanish rosquillas de ajonjoli y anis.
I made those cookies yesterday, and they're already GONE!! The family loved them. They're light, with just the right amount of sweetness. I love your recipes, I've made a few. I also just ordered your cookbook!!
So glad you liked it and thank you for getting the cookbook! Many more recipe adventures to come 👍
Excellent presentation.thank you Blanche.i bought your book.
Thank you so much! Hope you enjoy all the recipes and stories ;)
I made these cookies and used lemon rind and lemon essence and vanilla and they were a big hit with the family and friends thanks for sharing your recipe
What a great idea Maria, love that you added your own personal touch!
Thank you for this delicious recipe. Mom never had an official one. A little this, a little that. I am sure each of you has had the same comments. I am going to make them this afternoon on a very cold, snowy day!
Oh yes that is why I created this channel and wrote my cookbook--to take the mystery out of "a little this a little that" lol. Stay warm and enjoy!
Thanks God you're here, miss you and your lovely mother
Thank you! =)
Love it! Thank you for another great video. I'm going to make these with avocado oil since I stay away from vegetable oil as well. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Merry Christmas to you too! Yes I looooove avocado oil for baking, it works great!
Blanche hi your whole family are Beautiful. 😊
Thank you Blanche
Merry Christmas Feast in the Middle East, you are a beautiful family 🎄🙏🏼🎁🎅🏻🤶🏻
Merry Christmas to you too! ;)
These are one of my favorite cookies, second only to ginger snaps. Thank you for sharing the recipe.
You are welcome and hope you give this recipe a try! =)
Yum yum. I must try making those.
Thank you for you great recipes, as a Mexican I value all the great job you do and recipes I’ve tried all awesome !! , I would like some little cookies I tried in Israel in a libanés restaurant that had an almond on the top that I haven’t such an amazing dessert like that one. Hope you can know which one is 😁
I think you might be speaking of ghraybeh: ruclips.net/video/Xq-7NrOhJgI/видео.html Glad you like the recipes!
My Siti used to make ka'ak around easter time, though she never used sesame seeds. I miss her.
Aww hope you continue her tradition!
Happy holidays!
Happy holidays to you as well Basil!
Great video!
I am familiar with the small, savory kind of kaak. Smaller than your Mom's kaak. I don't have the exact recipe, but no sugar, no eggs. Flour traditionally kneaded with olive oil and some salt. Add a few whole anise seeds, a few whole cumin seeds, and some mahlab, The occasional seeds in the kaak will produce small gustatory explosions. Egg wash for brushing and holding the sesame seeds. Probably baking soda. Bake till crunchy.
"The occasional seeds in the kaak will produce small gustatory explosions" - epic description haha!
@@blanchetv It’s always delightful to watch your videos.
I was waiting for Christmas to come to make them so our Fasting would be over, although you do mention the option of flax eggs. I made these last night and they are great! I baked off half the dough last night and will bake the rest tomorrow. I'm guessing I'll end up with 3 dozen in the end, using a 1 TB scoop to measure out the balls.
The print recipe says 3 Cups of AP flour, the video says 3 1/2 Cups . I like to go by weight so I started with 420 grams (3 1/2 C). I'm guessing I ended up with closer to 3 3/4 Cup for what felt to the touch like what you seemed to have (King Arthur unbleached AP).
BTW: I was so disappointed I had a prior commitment the day you were here in Berkeley. I'm such a fan and would have loved to meet you in person! Happy Christmas, and may you have a healthy and peaceful new year!
Love you and your mom. You guys always make me laugh! 😆 Is it 2.5 cups or 3 cups of flour? I used 2.5 and they are good but came out kind of flat (even after refrigerating dough). Is that why? Either way, I will try again. They are delicious. Shukran!
Tiny Y Me too is it two and half flour or three and half . Thanks for sharing .
Mary-Anne Psaila 3 and a half cups flour she said
Both sweet or savory is good. Thanks for sharing
beautiful!
Thank you:)
Hey blanche. The screen said 2 1/2 flour and you then later said 3 1/2 . Which is the correct amount of flour please
3 1/2 sorry for the typo!
I'd like the desserts to continue.
What are you brushing them with. Thanks
You can brush them with milk or egg white, whatever you prefer.
Why does it not surprise me that youtube would take the money for saying the name of a people..
Cause you know what's up Johnny! ;)
Hi Blanche! Do you have a recipe for manakish? I want to make all kinds, the meat ones and spinach ones and cheese ones. I’ve never made them before, so I was wondering if you have the recipes for them!
HI Nadia, I do not have recipes for them on my channel yet, but I do have them in my cookbook at the moment: secure.mybookorders.com/Orderpage/2189 Thank you for your interest!
Hey. If mama says it's a whipper, it's a whipper!
LOL you know it! =)
Great recipe as usual ! Can I substitue white flour with almond flour ? Thank you 😊
Never tried it with almond flour but worth a shot! Might have to use fewer eggs as almond flour doesn’t hold as well as white flour.
Any chance these can be made with olive oil or Avocado oil or butter or a mix ? Have you tried ?
I personally do not like to use olive oil with cookies. If you use olive oil the cookies have a higher chance of burning. I use avocado oil for baking because it has a higher smoke point, meaning it cooks nice and evenly without burning.
So delicious! Mashallah!!!
ZAKEE WHOLE!
LOL zhakee ikteer whole!
To make these dairy free, can you substitute the eggs for flax eggs?
Good question! You probably can, but I have never tried it.
Please show us stuffed cabbage and also your spaghetti. Thankyou
Stuffed cabbage: ruclips.net/video/v_YQoMURXBw/видео.html
These biscuits are Maltese, not Middle East but middle of the Mediterranean ;)
They have been making these cookies in the middle east for 100s of years. Recipes like these travel all over the world.
I subscribed because you are Palestinian like me!
Shukran! 👍 🇵🇸
Could you substitute anise oil for the ground anise seed?
Very good question! I have never used anise oil before but I would imagine it is quite strong. Probably only a few drops will do for that fragrance and flavor.
I would personally add a teaspoon, the way you would add a vanilla or almond extract.
@@blanchetv A teaspoon is what I was thinking, as well. Thank you!
Is it supposed to be crunchy?
Yes it is crunchy and sort of tender at the same time. =)
How old does an infant have to be to give them anise? You mentioned that it soothes tummy, what age is appropriate? Thank you!
Here is a great article on that, hope it helps! holisticzine.com/anise-seed-for-babies
Can you add chopped nuts?
You can add whatever you wish ;)
Would it be possible to use olive oil instead of avocado oil?
Yes you can, but it will alter the flavor a little, which is no problem if you like the flavor. Also cooking time will be less, so it would be good to watch the cookies to prevent them from overbaking or burning.
بنحبكم كثير من شيكاغو انشالله سنه حلوه على الجميع يا قمرات انت وامك
WHIPPER I LIKE THIS NAME CUTE I DO SOME THINGS LIKE THAT OH BLANCH DOES YOUR COOKK BOOK HAVE ARABIC RECEPIES THAT ARE IMPROVED I WANT MY HUSBAND TO GET FOR A ORESENT ARE THOSE COOKIES OR DATE CANDY IN THERE I AGREE WITH YOU PREVENTION OF SICKNESS IS SO MUCH CHEAPER THAN GOING TO DOCTORS
Yes the book is classical Arabic recipes that are very easy to follow for today's busy cook. If interested, you can order here: secure.mybookorders.com/mbo_index.php?isbn=9781545675113 Thank you!
We have the same in Malta called Qagħaq tal-Ġunġlien. Yummm dunked in tea. ramandalicious.blogspot.com/2013/08/qagaq-tal-gunglien-maltese-biscuit.html?m=1.
Wow so cool to know you share this same tradition in Malta! ;)
Reality with the oil not everyone can get it! Alternative pls
If you want an alternative, I suggest grapeseed oil, so long as it is cold pressed (and preferably organic) If you are in the states, they do sell avocado oil in most supermarkets and Costco, as well as Amazon: amzn.to/36oA7jz