ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresredundant question of married name vs maiden name
I would wait to change your name until the process is over..I am also married and used my maiden name threw-out the whole process. I am sure others have done the same
Mrs. LantiguaFemaleDominican Republic2011-09-07 19:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarriage and Birth certificates for interview

Let us know if they request them. And best of luck with everything! :dance:


Thanks Mamas...will do!!
Mrs. LantiguaFemaleDominican Republic2011-09-24 16:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarriage and Birth certificates for interview

From what I've read, they'll just give you a day to return to the consulate with the documents. That's why I wasn't overly concerned, because my husband could always submit them later if necessary. Also, I knew I wasn't planning to wait around for the visa to be delivered. I wouldn't be going back to get him for at least a month, so I figured that'd be plenty of time for the issue to be resolved if it happened to come up. Not having the documents IF it turns out they ask you for them will slightly delay the amount of time it takes to issue the visa.


hmmm same goes for me..I'm flying back home alone and he's not coming for another month or so...don't feel
like spending extra $ if it's not needed. I thought they can deny it or something like that but if that's the case then maybe I'll pass...
Mrs. LantiguaFemaleDominican Republic2011-09-24 14:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarriage and Birth certificates for interview

I've read plenty of times where people suggest bringing civil documents to the interview. I believe that's just in case the documents you submitted to NVC didn't make it to the consulate. I opted not to and wasn't asked for anything. The only thing I made sure to have was the current police certificate. If you're going to take documents with you, I would suggest making sure they're exactly like the ones requested by NVC, that is in extensa and legalized. The copy that you get from the junta will be certified.


Do you know what would happen if we don't bring them??
Mrs. LantiguaFemaleDominican Republic2011-09-24 13:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarriage and Birth certificates for interview
thanks bocachica and jkelly
Mrs. LantiguaFemaleDominican Republic2011-09-24 13:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarriage and Birth certificates for interview
I have all my evidence and photos ready to go....My questions are about both birth and marriage certificate:

1. Do I bring an original or is a copy ok?

2. Can it be regular or inextensa??

3.Do they need to be certified??

:lost:
Please help!!
Mrs. LantiguaFemaleDominican Republic2011-09-24 13:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPermanent Resident

No problem - his passport is always going to be with him till he becomes a US Citizen (when he becomes a US Citizen, he will have to get a US Passport). And all he needs is the Green card to travel back and forth.

Thanks soo much for the feedback :D
Mrs. LantiguaFemaleDominican Republic2011-10-12 16:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNext Step?
Hello Everyone,

I've received a letter from NVC last week stating visa petition for my wife has become eligible and want me to pay $88 (AOS) fee.. which I did online. Attached were a DS-3032 (choice of address & agent form), do i need to do anything w/ this form? However, my wife haven't received anything from anyone yet.

So I told her to email nvcinquirty@state.gov the format of ds-3032.

is this how we should handle this step?

what is the next step we should do, prepare, or anticipate?

Is there anything documents that I (petitioner) or my wife (beneficiary) should gather now to save time?

I'm asking for you help, since there's so many expert on here that had gone thru the process.

any information is appreciated..

thanks

~KJ
Tommy TranMaleVietnam2011-05-16 09:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCASE Approved - Interview Date Set
Hi Everyone..

Received email (P4) from NVC regard My wife case in HCM (vietnam) was approved and interviewed date set for end of September. I am a petitioner in Boston MA and planning to fly back few day prior to the interview and be there w/ her. Our petition was CR-1 (married less than 2 years)

I advise her to plan for Medical exam within next couple of week...

Questions?

1. Should there any information/documents should she (beneficiary) obtain at the Medical Exam for future reference needed such as: POE, lifting condition, adjustment of status, social security card, Renewal of Green Card, Naturalization, etc.. "trying to think/plan and prepare for few step ahead

2. Should there'll be any documents that I (petitioner) need to prepare prior to interview? such as: letters, emails, pictures, text, chat, etc.. if so, any thing that need to notarized? - don't want to get any delay at the interview for any missing supports information that I've could've prepare to avoid delay in receiving visas

3. After the interview, when will she (beneficiary) receive her VISAS? if so, will it be mailed to her home or do we have to come back to HCM embassy to pick it up?

4. Which POE do you recommend? Base on my route destination, it's either Chicago (ORD) or San francisco (SFO) or Newark (EWR)..

5. Any info/card to fill out on the plane prior to arrive @ POE?

6. Will she (beneficiary) need Employment Authorization Documents if she decided she want to work 3-6 after arrive in the states? If so, when/where/how she need to obtain one or would her Green Card act as this?

Thank you so much in advance for all your help, insight and any other information that I've missed, not think of...

Regards..

~Tommy..
Tommy TranMaleVietnam2011-08-14 09:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresanother helpful website to help
Hey all,


I just wanted to share..
For all of you going through this process, specifically with DR, there is another great website (not to dismiss visajourney, but to supplement, visajourney is awesome too) that you guys can use. It's called dominicanstotheusa.com and it's similar to visajourney but specific to DR. Hope it helps, have a blessed day, and best of luck!!
StephanieMFemaleDominican Republic2011-04-13 11:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurespassport

Thanks for the clarification. So, actually, you are single. See, I thought from your original post that you were already married (since you stated "my spouse"). In which case, it makes sense that you have not filed seeing that you have not even gotten married yet!
I agree with Mr.T in that this process is very expensive -the current state of my checking account can attest to that :( And also very difficult in terms of making a long distance relationship work. Also, the fact that you are very young, still living with your parents, and going to college full-time will make the process harder. Yet, if you are both in love and devoted to one another, you will eventually succeed.

I wish you both the best! (F)


Yeah I need to get the terminology right. :bonk: Thanks for the kind words. :thumbs:
StephanieMFemaleDominican Republic2011-04-17 11:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurespassport

I would strongly recommend you take your time before you file. I'm not too much order than you, but I was working full time for several years and saved up a good amount of money. This process is costly, especially for someone whose 21 and just finishing college. Make sure you research the cost of everything before you begin. Here's a link below listing the the total cost from beginning to end. Note, this doesn't include the cost of the wedding, communicating with your husband, traveling to see him, or sending him any monetary gifts. Be prepared to send up or close to $1,000. I wish you two the best.

Cost comparison guide:
http://www.visajourn...content/compare

Thread about the costs:
http://www.visajourn...ginning-to-end/


thanks, those links are helpful.

Yes, I've been doing plenty of research, and have a pretty good idea of how costly this process is, which is why we've waited a while. Luckily, I go to a university that allows us to do co-op (work in your field every other semester to gain experience) so I make pretty decent money during that period since I don't have to worry about classes. My fiancee has also been working pretty hard (although he doesn't make much) to help out with things, so I think we are gonna be okay. We are not having a ceremonial wedding, just going to a judge, and we try to keep it low key when I go visit so we don't go crazy spending money. I figured we'll get married, have him come here, both of us work very hard for a couple years, then we can have all the fun we want. Right now our priority is to be together, and making it.
StephanieMFemaleDominican Republic2011-04-17 09:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurespassport

Just curious, why haven't you filed? :unsure:



I'm 21, a full time college student, so I've been waiting for the right time to do it, so that when he comes I can support him till he finds a job, move out and pay rent blah blah blah etc. Everything gets a little complicated when your a full time student and stiil depending on your parents for a lot. But we are finally getting married in August, yippie! :dance:
StephanieMFemaleDominican Republic2011-04-17 08:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurespassport

Yeah, he will def need it, and birth certif translated for inital process


His BC to the english language? Right?
StephanieMFemaleDominican Republic2011-04-16 22:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurespassport
So I havent begun the process yet (I have no filed anything), but I was wondering when is the right time for my spouse to get a passport. He doesn't have one because he's never left his home country. Should I tell him to get one soon?
StephanieMFemaleDominican Republic2011-04-16 21:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureshow many I-30 forms?

2 x I-130s (One for wife - section 1 in the instructions, one for stepchild - section 8 in the instructions)
2 x G-325As (one with husband's information, one with wife's information, both part of petition for wife. Note: The stepchild I-130 does not need an G-325A as this form is only listed in section 1 of the instructions, for the wife, and not in section 8, for the stepchild) DON'T FORGET TO HAVE HUSBAND AND WIFE SIGN THEIR REQUISITE G-325A. This has been a source of many RFEs.


Yes, I just re-read the instructions and saw that. Thanks!! :thumbs:
StephanieMFemaleDominican Republic2011-04-19 18:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureshow many I-30 forms?

Trust me u have to file 2 separate petitions: 1 for the wife, and 1 for the child, and you pay two separate fees which will equal $840.00. I learned the hard way , and it slowed the whole process down.:)))


Thanks! He's not gonna be happy to hear that. :no:
StephanieMFemaleDominican Republic2011-04-19 18:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureshow many I-30 forms?
I'm helping out an uncle that is petitioning for his wife for a CR-1 (Good practice for me before I do the same). His wife has a child (the child is not his). He intends on bringing both of them here to the u.s.a.

He insists that he needs to fill out two separate I-30 forms (one for the child, and one for his wife) Shouldn't the child just be listed in the petition along with the mother in the section where it says relative and children of the relative? What about the G-25A? One for the wife, and one for the child. Correct? Does the BC of the child need to be sent with the application because I know that the BC of the wife is no longer required with the I-30. What about passport pictures, and evidence for the child?
StephanieMFemaleDominican Republic2011-04-19 17:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresThird Party Affidavit
Thanks everyone for your replies, I think I'm gonna have my mom write it for me, and get another one from someone in DR. :thumbs:
StephanieMFemaleDominican Republic2011-04-25 16:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresThird Party Affidavit

The form is an I-130 (not and I-30). Also, just to be clear, did you mean to ask if your mother could be a co-sponsor because you do not fulfill the minimum poverty guidelines to be your husband's sponsor? Or did you mean to ask if your mother could write an affidavit as to the bona fide nature of your relationship?


affidavit as to the bona fide nature of relationship.
StephanieMFemaleDominican Republic2011-04-25 11:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresThird Party Affidavit
Hello VJ Community!

I was wondering if my mom could write a third party affidavit for my I-30 application. I looked at the example form, and it said the person should have witnessed "first hand" evidence of a relationship. My mother has not met my fiancee in person yet. They have spoken on the phone a few times. HOwever my mother/family is very aware of our relationship that has been going on for 3 years. I am getting married in August, but will not be doing a wedding, so my mother will not be there for that either, therefore she will not be able to write that she was a witness for the marriage (like I saw on the example). Since they never met in person, does this mean she cannot write it? She won't be personally meeting him, till AFTER I file the I-30.

I want her to write it because she speaks and writes English well and would be able to write the affidavit, which is not the case for all the people in Dominican Republic, whom have actually witnessed our relationship in person.

If she cannot write it, Can I? I saw an example of a spousal affidavit too? Is this type of evidence okay?
:whistle:
StephanieMFemaleDominican Republic2011-04-25 08:37:00
Middle East and North AfricaRaising bi-cultural kids

Samir is very religious but, he aslo respects my religion. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY RELIGION. Samir isnt any less religious becuase he would allow our children to be raised christian. He has never said he would allow it but i am saying i want it. Samir and I wont hve a problem cos of respect. I want my children to know Jesus. If Islam says thats wrong then there is something wrong with that. I can raise my children with good morals and values in christianity. I wont let it become a war between us. Thats why the world is the way it is. People get cuaght up in the RELIGION thing. Samir loves God I love God and my kids love God. That is what matters. Also we have talked about this many times. He wants his kids to be muslim but he said we will talk about it when the time comes. We have a very loving relationship. As far as i am concerned, I dont owe Islam or christianity anything. I answer to GOD not religion.



I have to say that I am not a very religious person. The more I learn about Islam, the more intrigued I am by it and the more I think that someday I will be ready to convert. For the moment, I do not feel that I would be able to fully commit to Islam because I would first like to truly understand the religion instead of say "hey that's sounds good, let's try it." What is important to me (since I am not religious.. my family is christian) is the traditions. And I don't mean Christmas because everyone gets presents and Easter because everyone gets candy... I mean the hanging of ornaments because each one has a memory or dying Easter eggs because it is something that I did with my mom or baking Christmas cookies because I remember learning to do it. These are things I will not be able to let go of and things I can't wait to pass on to my children. Incorporating traditions from both of our cultures is very important to me. Raising my children muslim is something that I have no problem with because I can see the beauty in Islam, but I won't be able to cut out the traditions from my life with my husband and children.


My husband and I have had many conversations regarding how we will raise our children. It is important to both of us that they be raised with an openmind and a willingness to explore different religions and cultures (american, algerian, etc etc). I think it is such a great thing that my husband and I found each other, despite religious and cultural barriers, that I would never be able to say to my children "you're muslim, that's your religion" or "you're christian, whether you like it or not." It's important to discuss what you want for your children. People from the same religious or cultural backrounds may differ on how they want their children raised. I know many christians that would prefer not to have their children baptized, but might marry other christians whose religious beliefs and practices are very important. Coming from two different backrounds, it's especially important to discuss these kinds of issues BEFORE you're confronted with them head on.

My husband was raised in a muslim home (in Algeria). I don't like to say he is "not very religious" because I know that his faith runs very deep and close to his heart. But what I mean by this is that he does not pray five times a day (or even once a day), occaisionally he drinks alcohol (he used to more than he does now), he eats meat that is not halal (although he prefers to eat halal, but sometimes youre at the grocery store and you get what you can get), etc etc. And even though we agree on many things and most of the time I know where he is coming from, sometimes I have moments of "wow... I didn't know you believed that" and it's a total shock... and those are only the small things!! One issue that comes to mind is homosexuality... we had a biiiiiiiiiig fight over the phone one day about how we would feel if our children turned about to be homosexual. Let's just say we feel very differently :wacko: ... It's just always important to cover all your bases, especially with something as important as your children. You don't want to find out one day that you both aren't on the same track.

(i'm sorry if i rambled on and on and made no sense, it's late and i'm so tired, but i can't sleep!)
hollywFemaleAlgeria2006-07-22 02:57:00
Middle East and North AfricaBaby names

I think it's interesting that there aren't any western names picked by anyone who responded so far, even when one half of the couple is American. Why not? I know in some cases, if you both share the culture already that would be why...but why for those who did not originally share the culture?

I like many Indian names for babies, but I have some Western names in mind as well. I'd like, if we had 2 children in the future, that one has an Indian name and one has a Western name, and with the opposite as a middle name. I'm leaning more towards a baby girl having a name like Maria, or Rosa...(yes I'm part Italian hehe). But we'll see! There are many pretty Indian names for girls too, though we don't want anything that has a strictly Hindu meaning. But I definitely want them to have both cultures represented somehow.


I also think it would be nice to incorporate both cultures in naming my children. Ideally, I would like to choose an arabic first name and a "western" middle name.. maybe a family name or just a name I happen to like.

I like Leila/Layla/Leala (haven't decided which spelling yet... :D ) and a middle name like Elizabeth for a girl. It's my real name and I never got a chance to use it. I also like Leah, Ryma, and Hannah.

For boys I like Amine...................... hmm, I guess I haven't really though of boy names!!
hollywFemaleAlgeria2006-10-25 17:46:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA nicknames
My husband calls me

hollydays ..... that's the big one... i'm almost never called just holly anymore, even by his friends and family, i don't even know where it came from
mahboula (crazy)
tafaha (apple)
minouch (cat)
diba (wolf)
namssa (fox)
hanouna
carota (carrot)

I usually call him Medy... or Sid Ahmed if I'm trying to be serious. Patata (potato) if he calls me carota. Mahanez (dirty) if he won't listen to me.
hollywFemaleAlgeria2007-02-15 13:58:00
Middle East and North AfricaSultan's Kitchen
QUOTE (Henia @ Jul 8 2008, 11:43 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Does anyone have recipe for somethin called Damascus Rose, it's a dessert made from eishta and puff pastry! Thanks!



This was all I could find!


hollywFemaleAlgeria2008-07-09 08:05:00
Middle East and North AfricaSultan's Kitchen
QUOTE (bridget @ Dec 7 2007, 11:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Lemon Bars Recipe courtesy Paula Deen





Crust:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup confectioners' sugar, plus more for dusting
Pinch salt
2 sticks butter, at room temperature, plus more for greasing
Filling:
4 eggs
2 cups granulated sugar
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
6 tablespoons fresh lemon juice


Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9 by 13 by 2-inch pan.
Make the crust by combining the flour, confectioners' sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Cut in the butter to make a crumbly mixture. Press the mixture into the prepared pan. You may need to dip your fingers into a little flour or confectioners' sugar to keep the dough from sticking to your fingers. Bake for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, to make the filling, mix the eggs, granulated sugar, flour, and lemon juice. Pour this over the baked crust and bake for 25 minutes longer. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar, if desired, when the bars are done.


hint: take enough for one to two servings..........eat.....................lock the rest in a safe and give someone you trust the key and make them promise not to unlock it until you use your treadmill for at LEAST ten hours. Then repeat.


biggrin.gif

I love watching Paula Deen's show just so I can stare in absolute awe at how much butter she uses... it's incredible!!! Everytime I think she's used the most butter possible... she goes and uses even more!
hollywFemaleAlgeria2007-12-10 13:05:00
Middle East and North AfricaSultan's Kitchen
I've been told it's waaaaaaaay too early to start thinking about this but... does anyone have any idea what they're doing for Christmas cookies/goodies??



hollywFemaleAlgeria2007-12-04 14:00:00
Middle East and North AfricaSultan's Kitchen
QUOTE (melly @ Nov 29 2007, 09:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Silly question, but how do you broil on low? Isn't broiling putting something on the top rack of the oven, directly under the heating element, with the setting on broil?

Also, does anyone have a bagel recipe that they've used? I was really missing bagels in Egypt and when I got home I looked around for a recipe.
This is one I found on Food Network but it seems complicated and I can't imagine that's how bagels are really made??? huh.gif
bagel recipe


My broiler has a low/high setting... my old electric stove did and now my new gas one does too. But I think with the stove in my first apartment I just adjusted the temperature like Sarah... actually, come to think of it, the broiler was under the oven and it wouldn't open because part of the wall was blocking it. I must not have ever needed to broil anything..
hollywFemaleAlgeria2007-11-30 00:23:00
Middle East and North AfricaSultan's Kitchen
Broiled Cauliflower


Cut up some cauliflower and put in a shallow oven safe dish. Spray generously with cooking spray (Pam or something) and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese. Broil on low for 45 minutes - 1 hour until nice and crispy brown/black in some places. Spritz with a bit more cooking spray about halfway through and toss a bit of it looks like it needs it.

This is one of my all time favorite no-big-deal things to make for dinner and I usually eat it with some plain baked chicken, maybe on bbq chicken, and brown rice. My old roomate used to make it all the time and I thought she was crazy til I tried it. YUM.

I've also tried with broccoli, red and green peppers, carrots, etc but cauliflower is the best.
hollywFemaleAlgeria2007-11-08 19:24:00
Middle East and North AfricaSultan's Kitchen
These are my ALL TIME FAVORITE ginger cookies. This recipe is for 8 dozen, but I make my cookies a bit bigger and never get 8 dozen out of this recipe. If you have a mixer that can handle the dough, make the full recipe and give them to your friends. Pull them from the oven even if you think they need more time - if you cook them too long, they'll get hard.

Black Dog Fresh-Ginger Cookies

1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh ginger

1-1/2 cups canola oil, divided use

3 cups granulated sugar, plus 1 cup for rolling dough balls

3/4 cup molasses

3 eggs

1-1/2 teaspoons salt

1 tablespoon cinnamon

5-1/4 teaspoons baking soda

3/4 teaspoon cloves

7 cups pastry flour

Yield: About 8 dozen


Heat oven to 350 degrees. Mix the chopped fresh ginger with 1/2 cup of the canola oil in a food processor fitted with steel blade (don't need to peel the ginger, it's gonna get thrown out anyways). Cover and process until well minced.


In a large mixing bowl, blend 3 cups sugar, molasses and eggs. Strain the minced ginger/oil mixture, reserving the liquid only. Add this liquid, plus the remaining cup of oil to the egg mixture and blend until smooth. Discard ginger pulp.

In a smaller mixing bowl, mix together the salt, cinnamon, baking soda, cloves and flour. Add the dry mixture to the wet mix and blend well.

Line large cookie sheets with parchment paper, grease with shortening or spray with a nonstick product. Scoop cookie dough by spoonfuls and roll in the reserved cup of granulated sugar for a crackled appearance after baking. Place on a prepared cookie sheet and bake for 8 to 12 minutes, just until the tops crack and the cookies are flat.

Meanwhile, prepare another cookie sheet and switch as you bake a sheet at a time. Cool cookies completely on wire racks; store in airtight containers.

Edited by hollyw, 15 October 2007 - 08:28 AM.

hollywFemaleAlgeria2007-10-15 08:27:00
Middle East and North AfricaSultan's Kitchen
QUOTE (sarah and hicham @ Sep 29 2007, 05:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I was asked to cater a dessert event for someone and one of the things I made was fresh fruit tarts. They are so good and easy.

For the crust:

1.5 sticks of butter
1.5 cups flour
.5 cups powdered sugar

I blended everything in the food processor until it formed a ball then pressed it into tart shells and baked at 350 until goldn brown.

Pastry Cream:

I tried to make a more complicated pastry cream but it didn't come out how I wanted it so I admit that I used a small amount of instant jello powder and beat it with milk, then beat it with whipping cream until it got thick and shmeared it into the cooled tart shells. I also added cognac and vanilla to mine and I loved the flavor.

Fruit: I went to Farmer's market and got yellow, white, and red rasberries, small strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries and arranged them on the tarts and glazed them with warm apricot jam.

It's an easy dessert that looks beautiful and complicated.

Enjoy!



GORGEOUS!!
hollywFemaleAlgeria2007-09-29 18:19:00
Middle East and North AfricaSultan's Kitchen

1/2 tsp b7arat (home made spice mix)



This sounds sooo yummy.... what kinds of spices are in the spice mix?
hollywFemaleAlgeria2007-07-30 09:20:00
Middle East and North AfricaSultan's Kitchen
Flipping through my recipe box and found these cool little tips on each of the dividers. I don't know if I'd ever do all/any of them, but there are some good ideas... (I won't list them all, hehe):


- Freezing lemonade with cherries in a plastic gelatin mold makes an excellent ice ring for party punch.

- Freeze coffee in ice cube trays; then add when making ice coffee. The coffee cubes will not water down the drink.

- For a crisp bread crust, place a small pan of water alongside the baking bread.

- To remove lumps from brown sugar, place a slice of bread in the container and close tightly (I've also heard you can put a piece of terra cotta in there and it will take out the lumps and keep it moist).

- Tough meat tenderizes easily by simply rubbing both sides with vinegar and olive oil. Refrigerate at least 2 hours prior to cooking.

- Before adding meat to a frying pan, sprinkle a small amount of salt in the pan to prevent splattering.

- Lemons, limes and oranges will produce more juice when you microwave on high for 30 seconds before squeezing.

- Freshen stale potato chips, crackers, etc., by placing them in the microwave for 30-45 seconds.

- Scrambled eggs will go farther if a pinch of baking powder and 2 teaspoons of water are added per egg.

- A paper towel placed in a bag of lettuce will keep it fresher.

- Thicken stews with instant mashed potatoes.

- Absorb grease from the top of soup by dropping in a leaf of chilled lettuce.

- If soup is too salty, add several slices of raw potato and cook for ten minutes.

- Cauliflower will stay white by adding a small amount of milk or lemon juice to the cooking water.

- Add variety to vegetables by cooking them in a chicken or beef stock.
hollywFemaleAlgeria2007-06-20 21:30:00
Middle East and North AfricaSultan's Kitchen

Has anyone tried this cookbook??

http://www.interlink...s_Veg_Cook.html . . . .


I finally bought this book! I just got it yesterday from Amazon and wow wow wow!!! The recipes look so amazing! I can't wait to start trying them.
When I run into some good recipes I'll post them.
At least recipes shouldn't be too controversial.
:rolleyes: :P



I should make a MENA cookbook... or we restart that MENA recipe forum...or start another one? come on everyone!


We should go back and use it! I check it from time to time but there are never any new recipes.. :cry:
hollywFemaleAlgeria2007-06-20 10:45:00
Middle East and North AfricaSultan's Kitchen
Mango Chutney Chicken and Mediterranean Pilaf

For the chicken:

Ingredients:

6 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons curry powder
1/4 cup dry white wine (or substitution)
6 chicken breasts
1 1/2 cups mango chutney

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add curry powder and cook 2-3 minutes. Add wine and stir until blended. Remove from heat. Place chicken pieces in baking pan and baste with butter mixture. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and spread chicken with chutney. Bake for 30 more minutes, basting frequently. Remove chicken to serving platter. Pour the juices into a small saucepan and boil for 3-4 minutes to reduce sauce. Pour the sauce over chicken.

For the rice:

Ingredients:

3 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 cups white rice
4 tablespoons of veg. oil (I usually cut this back a bit)
3/4 cup golden raisins
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1 1/2 tablespoon lite soy sauce

Directions:

In a medium saucepan bring chicken broth to a boil. In a bowl mix the rice, oil, raisins, turmeric, curry powder, and soy sauce. Pour into chicken broth. Cover and cook over low heat for 20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
hollywFemaleAlgeria2007-06-19 19:11:00
Middle East and North AfricaSultan's Kitchen
Karantika


Ingredients:

1 egg
1/2 cup veg. oil
1/2 13x9 casserole dish of water (fill up the dish halfway and pour it into the bowl)
1 teaspoon salt
200 grams of chickpea powder
some shredded swiss cheese if desired

Directions:

Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl and whisk for two minutes. Place a 13x9 in a 350 degree oven for 5 minutes. Take out the pan and rub a small bit of oil on the bottom and sides of the pan. Put back in the oven for three minutes. Take the pan out again and pour the mixture of ingredients into the pan. Place back in the oven and keep an eye on the karantika. Leave it until it looks like it is becoming a little brown and a little solid. When this happens, turn the oven to broil and leave until the karantika is dark brown/black on top. Take out, let cool a little, and serve with bread.
hollywFemaleAlgeria2007-06-19 19:00:00
Middle East and North AfricaSultan's Kitchen
Magic Cookie Bars

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 14 oz. can of sweetened condensed milk
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup butterscotch chips (I've also used Reese's peanut butter chips and they're soooo good)
1 1/3 cup shredded coconut
1 cup chopped walnuts

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees (325 for glass dish).

In a 13x9 baking pan melt butter in the oven. When butter is completely melted, pull out and sprinkle crumbs into the pan. Mix until crumbs are moist and pat down so the crumb are covering the entire pan. Pour condensed milk over crumbs and let sit for a couple minutes while it spreads over the crust. Top with chocolate chips, butterscotch/peanut butter chips, nuts, and coconut. Press down firmly (or they fall apart). Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool. Cut into bars.
hollywFemaleAlgeria2007-06-19 18:34:00
Middle East and North AfricaSultan's Kitchen
Baked Brie with Pecans

Ingredients:

1 wedge of brie
20-25 chopped pecans
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/3-1/2 cup maple syrup
1 box of plain table water crackers (or any kind of plain cracker)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

Place brie in an ovenproof dish. Sprinkle chopped pecans and crumble brown sugar over brie. Pour maple syrup over the brie and on the bottom of the dish. Bake 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling (adjust your oven temp if the cheese is not melting). Serve hot.
hollywFemaleAlgeria2007-06-19 18:27:00
Middle East and North AfricaSultan's Kitchen
This is not a ME/NA recipe, but it's a dish that I made for my husband when he first got here that he LOVES. It's a very simple family recipe from my mom's Scottish relatives.


Shepherd's Pie

Ingredients:

olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 carrot, chopped in small pieces
1 medium sized turnip, chopped into small pieces
1 packet brown gravy mix plus one cup cold water (or mix as directions say, mine says one cup cold water)
salt and pepper to taste

3 russet potatoes
butter
milk
salt
pepper
shredded cheese (I use a sharp, white cheddar)

Directions:

For the mashed potatoes, set a large pot of water on high heat and add the potatoes once the water starts to boil. Cut potatoes in half and let boil while you start the meat mixture.

In a large pan heat the oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion until it starts to get soft and then add the ground beef. Break up the meat really fine while it's cooking. Add the carrots and turnip and stir in the gravy mix (after you mixed it with the water). Add salt and pepper to taste. Let cook about 25 minutes on low heat, stirring frequently. Use a bit of cornflour or flour if sauce is not thick enough.

When the potatoes are tender, drain them and mash with a lump of butter and some milk. Add some salt and pepper and a handfull or two of shredded cheese. Mix well.

Put the meat mixture in the bottom of a casserole dish (or a square pan) and spread mashed potatoes on top making sure there are NO GAPS. Score the surface with a fork and add a few pats of butter on top. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.
hollywFemaleAlgeria2007-06-19 18:21:00
Middle East and North AfricaSultan's Kitchen
Loubia bel Ham

Ingredients:

olive oil
1 onion, chopped
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon tomato concentrate, I always add a little more if I think it needs it
1 pound beef, cubed
water
potatoes, cut into large chunks
carrots, cut into large chunks
1 can white beans
cumin, cinnamon, and salt to taste
sprinkle of red pepper

Directions:

In a medium/large pot heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and sauté until onions are transparent. Add the meat and when the meat is brown add a few cups of water (enough to cover the meat and veggies, but not too much or there will be a huge amount of broth). Next add the potatoes, carrots, tomato concentrate, and spices (adding a little at first and tasting as you go along - just a quick sprinkle of the red pepper). Let cook over low medium/medium heat until potatoes and carrots are tender (20-40 minutes). Add beans and cook for ten more minutes. Serve with bread.


You can pretty much throw whatever you want into this soup. For just two people I usually cut the recipe down to half a pound of beef and one potato and one carrot. I always throw in a whole can of beans cause they're so good. It really depends on your taste... enjoy!
hollywFemaleAlgeria2007-06-19 18:06:00