ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Middle East and North AfricaHappy Birthday Monica!
The pedicure was awesome, then it was movie (courtsey of Regal Cinema) and free Margarita and dessert from the restaurant next door...all these are free calories, too right :whistle:

The movie Precious was hard to watch, but up for 6 Oscar nominations !! Monique's performance was astounding :thumbs:
Henna RoseFemaleMorocco2010-02-07 02:16:00
Middle East and North AfricaHappy Birthday Monica!
Had a yummy, filling free breakfast @ Denny's where I was asked if I wanted to try their new "pancake puppies" that are like donut holes then dipped in various sauces. I replied, "oh that's a new dessert?" The waitress told me it's a breakfast appetizer...huh? Do we really need breakfast appetizers contributing the ever expanding American girth ? :blink: Next stop was Starbucks for a free full octane drink of my choice. I spent a few hours there relaxing and working on my application packet for a very competitive screenwriting program in Hollywood...deadline looming !

Now I am off for the free Pedi ! So far so good on the free birthday highway :dance:

Thanks (F) everyone for the wishes
Henna RoseFemaleMorocco2010-02-06 17:25:00
Middle East and North AfricaHappy Birthday Monica!
Thanks Jackie ! That cake looks awesome ! I am starting a new tradition of the "totally free" birthday ! This morning Denny's offers free birthday breakfasts, then I am going for a free pedi from a gift card my boss gave me for Christmas. This afternoon I am mapping out my plan for the other coupons I have for free birthday goodies. It's a free birthday roadtrip :dance:
Henna RoseFemaleMorocco2010-02-06 11:31:00
Middle East and North AfricaSurgery for my baby neice
(F)
Henna RoseFemaleMorocco2010-02-12 20:24:00
Middle East and North AfricaIf you had known then what you know now??
QUOTE (TamaraLovesAdam @ Feb 23 2009, 06:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have seen children spit and kick their parents in my store. As nuts and ridiculous as it is, I have seen adults act worse in the store. No wonder children these days dont have discipline- bcz their parents dont either. I have seen adults curse the cashiers, adults fist fight over who was first in the checkout lines, adults stealing galore, adults yelling in the service desk line bcz one person was in front of them and they didnt like to wait. Im honestly not too surprised at how children turn out these days considering how their parents act.


This is so true, Tamara ! If it takes a village to raise a child, does that mean I am supposed to be teaching your kids basic manners and social skills ? This is one of my pet peeves, esp. when the children are older ! It's appalling to see how spoiled some children are and what they are allowed to get away with these days wacko.gif

I can see how this would cause major tensions in the household for the immigrating spouse who has never met his step children, only to find out they are spoiled brats...talk about culture shock !!
Henna RoseFemaleMorocco2009-02-23 21:28:00
Middle East and North AfricaIf you had known then what you know now??
Congrats for the happy endings !! For those that are struggling, I hope things work for the best. That does not necessarily mean the outcome we anticipate, as I have learned rose.gif I would never go thru this again with anyone else. I would not invest the love, time or $$$ for such an uncertainty. That does not mean I regret my decision, especially since our future together was not meant to be realized.

I know how much love I felt (and still do) for my husband, what we endured and the sacrifices that were made. I was prepared to do anything necessary to be with him. I am a different person from this experience, from knowing my husband and loving him rose.gif If a couple can survive one visa journey in a lifetime, endure marriage and be happy together, they are blessed for sure heart.gif
Henna RoseFemaleMorocco2009-02-12 22:11:00
Middle East and North AfricaRamadan 2008
I spent last Ramadan in Morocco with my husband and it was truly an incredible, beautiful experience! Breaking the fast with Harira and eggs, cooking with the family. We visited different homes and it almost seemed like the Christmas month (minus all the ridiculous commercial aspects) with relatives visiting and sleeping over, preparing sweets together, buying new clothes at the end of Ramadan and gifts.

I am blessed to have shared these memories with my husband rose.gif
Henna RoseFemaleMorocco2008-08-13 23:48:00
Middle East and North AfricaToday we lost a MENA jewel
rose.gif
Henna RoseFemaleMorocco2008-06-18 12:58:00
Middle East and North AfricaSultan's Kitchen
QUOTE (Henia @ Jul 5 2009, 09:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
LOL Thanks!

Nope sorry no boil noodles. Even hard to get the regular ones - plus they are expensive. I just made my own -easier for me then searching and searching.


You make your own noodles wow.gif I think you must be part Italian !!

Henna RoseFemaleMorocco2009-07-06 16:48:00
Middle East and North AfricaSultan's Kitchen
QUOTE (Henia @ Jul 4 2009, 06:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm going to try it Henna Rose!


I love your blog, great pics ! That peach pastry looks awesome good.gif Just curious, do you have the no bake Lasagna noodles there?

Henna RoseFemaleMorocco2009-07-04 09:41:00
Middle East and North AfricaSultan's Kitchen
QUOTE (Henia @ Jun 26 2009, 06:56 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
That looks good Henna Rose ... what was in it?


I will share my secret with you secret7vf.gif As a self-respecting Italian girl, I used to literally slave all day making my Lasagna, even my sauce from scratch. Now...who has time? I use the Barilla no cook noodles and the basic recipe, but I have made a few modifications over the years. It's no fail, easy and my guests love it good.gif

I sauté my onion and a few garlic cloves in olive oil, then add 1 lb of very lean ground beef. Then I add this mixture (don't strain) to a crockpot along with my sauce and simmer for up to 5 hours. This really helps meld the flavors well. I use small curd cottage cheese instead of Ricotta (just like the texture better and it does not clump) you can still add the egg, herbs and Parmesan to the cottage cheese. I use lots of Mozzarella and Parmesan in my layers. Use a bit of extra sauce bc the noodles will expand and soak up some liquid as they bake. I have also added shredded zucchini, mushrooms, olives. Enjoy ~ This recipe is a keeper and great for a weekend dinner, and the leftovers are soooo yummy !!
Henna RoseFemaleMorocco2009-07-03 19:50:00
Middle East and North AfricaSultan's Kitchen
My Easy Lasagna


Henna RoseFemaleMorocco2009-06-22 11:49:00
Middle East and North AfricaSultan's Kitchen
Pic of this wonderful dish !
Henna RoseFemaleMorocco2009-06-20 14:23:00
Middle East and North AfricaSultan's Kitchen
QUOTE (MrsAmera @ Jun 20 2009, 06:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I think you're thinking of Rfisa. I don't do it with lentils but you could add cooked ones on top - I also don't always use fenugreek. ALso this is almost only made after women give birth. smile.gif


Thanks good.gif Sounds as if this dish may vary slightly from region to region. I don't think the one we had was made with tomatoes, but sounds yummy just the same !
Henna RoseFemaleMorocco2009-06-20 14:03:00
Middle East and North AfricaSultan's Kitchen
Anyone know the Moroccan dish Madrosa (sp?) It's shredded Melwei with some type of sauce resembling brown gravey with lentils and chicken served on top. It's made mostly for special occasions, and my SIL from the Sahara made it when we welcomed a new baby into the family. It was absolutely fabulous ! I have not been able to find a recipe helpsmilie.gif
Henna RoseFemaleMorocco2009-06-20 01:12:00
Middle East and North AfricaSultan's Kitchen
QUOTE (MrsAmera @ Apr 28 2009, 08:10 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
That sounds excellent! I have to add it to my "to make" pile.

I made some crab cakes (yay almost crab season here!) Sunday night and crab stuffed chicken breast last night here is my recipe:


This sounds absolutely delicious good.gif VJ MENA ladies are some of the best cooks around kicking.gif

Henna RoseFemaleMorocco2009-05-02 10:32:00
Middle East and North AfricaSultan's Kitchen
QUOTE (chemaatah @ Apr 22 2009, 08:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
i heart.gif my le creuset tagine. it's cast iron on the bottom with a ceramic lid. it's great on the stove top or the oven. and le creuset has such great colors. mine's bright red smile.gif


How much are those? I was checking them out online, but no $$$ were listed...thanks !
Henna RoseFemaleMorocco2009-04-27 19:03:00
Middle East and North AfricaSultan's Kitchen
QUOTE (Nawal @ Mar 22 2009, 03:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Egyptian Hawawshi

Ingredients:


12 Pita loaves Bread,baladi (I buy the smaller pita loaves from our local ME store and split them open to fill w/ meat)
2 lbs Ground Beef
4 Large Onions,chopped (sweet onions rock!)
6 Cloves of Garlic, minced
2 Large Red Peppers, minced
2 Large Yellow Peppers, minced
2 Green Chili Pepper,cut into very small pieces (I do not add this...hubby hates anything to hot)
4 Small Tomatoes, minced
4-6 TBSP All Spices (we have an Egyptian 6 spice mixture you can try to find this in the markets)
2 tsp Nutmeg
2 tsp Cinnamon
Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions:

In a large bowl mix minced ground beef, onions, chili pepper/peppers, tomatoes, all spices, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt and pepper.

Open half of bread loaves on the side.

Divide meat mixture inside bread and spread with your hands to make an even layer about 1/4inch thick.

Spread meat till the edges.

Brush bread loaves from both sides with oil (optional, we do not do this its to greasy for me).

Put each loaf on a piece of aluminum foil and fold the sides over the loaf (seal it closed).

Heat oven to 450c.

Put hawawshi folded in aluminum foil in oven on the middle rack for about 40-60 minutes until meat is cooked and bread becomes crispy.

Serve immediately. kicking.gif

We typically make cucumber salad on the side. Sooooo tasty...I dip it! tongue.gif


I am seriously drooling ova here wow.gif this sounds soooooooo yummy, Annie !!

Henna RoseFemaleMorocco2009-03-30 23:09:00
Middle East and North AfricaSultan's Kitchen
QUOTE (Meriem_setif @ Mar 11 2009, 12:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
For the Shawarma lovers. I tried this shawarma recipe a few days ago and it was delicious. I did not however use the expensive meat that she suggested. I just happened to have Chuck eye steaks and I sliced it really thin and it worked out great.
Enjoy!
Meriem rose.gif






Thanks for posting this, it looks very easy broken down this way. I miss Shawarma so much. I had some recently at a MENA restaurant and sadly it was nothing like I had in Morocco. mad.gif I have some sirloin tip in the freezer, I bet that would work fine also...starting to drool now. Does anyone know about Diffas? I don't know if I am saying it correctly. i think just a feast that would include particular dishes. I wanted to do one in my husband's memory and make Moroccan foods. I thought of doing it on his birthday and celebrate the life he lived and the time he was here on earth. Or maybe it would mean more when I can return to Morocco and do it there...just thinking rose.gif
Henna RoseFemaleMorocco2009-03-22 00:29:00
Middle East and North AfricaSultan's Kitchen
Cilantro Mayonnaise (South Beach Diet)


3/4 C low-fat mayo
3/4 C loosely packed cilantro leaves
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon light soy sauce
1 small clove garlic


Place the mayo, cilantro, lime juice, soy sauce, and garlic in food processor or blender. Blend until smooth.


**** I just made this and topped some fresh shrimp with it...it's so flavorful. Tonight I am going to try it on top of the tritip steaks from Costco ******
Henna RoseFemaleMorocco2009-02-11 17:38:00
Middle East and North AfricaSultan's Kitchen
Any suggestions for tritip steak ? I have only had it grilled...looking to jazz it up a bit with a marinade or something. Thanks rose.gif
Henna RoseFemaleMorocco2009-02-09 13:21:00
Middle East and North AfricaSultan's Kitchen
Noura ~ You inspire me ! I have yet to attempt this... just keep staring at the pictures ! (which will come in handy when I do make it !!! ) I like your idea of making a few and freezing one for later good.gif I hope u r feeling better !
Henna RoseFemaleMorocco2009-02-06 20:14:00
Middle East and North AfricaSultan's Kitchen



Noura's Chicken B'stilla (She taught us how to make this fabulous dish in Seattle!) Recipe is also in the cookbook good.gif
Henna RoseFemaleMorocco2009-02-06 16:06:00
Middle East and North AfricaNetflix suggestion for MENA peeps
QUOTE (Staashi @ Feb 25 2009, 02:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (chemaatah @ Feb 19 2009, 06:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Henna Rose @ Feb 19 2009, 05:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (sara535 @ Feb 19 2009, 01:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
did anyone see Hideous Kinky?


Yes ! I am a big Kate Winslet fan, but from what I remember that one was kinda strange. I vaguely remember a steamy laundry room scene unsure.gif

i think that was in quills. an even stranger movie than hideous kinky! quills was just...wow.


I remember the steamy laundry room scene she had in the movie - Little Children. That was something. blush.gif
Yes ! It was Little Children, thanks Staashi ! She has done so many movies I was getting them confused. Glad to see her finally win an Oscar the other night !! I am watching Control Room now unsure.gif
Henna RoseFemaleMorocco2009-02-25 18:20:00
Middle East and North AfricaNetflix suggestion for MENA peeps
Yes...Quills was strange ! What about Eternal Sunshine of the spotless mind? She sure has played a wide range of characters !! I love Jim Carey, also good.gif

I'm so excited for the Oscars, I can barely stand it eb0dfafc.gif
Henna RoseFemaleMorocco2009-02-19 18:39:00
Middle East and North AfricaNetflix suggestion for MENA peeps
Allousa rose.gif

You mentioned before your love of movies, and people seek out your advise for films. If you have a particular interest/passion for MENA films, have you considered writing a blog? I have a movie review website/blog in the works that I will be launching soon. Blogs are becoming huge and some get purchased for big $$$ or made into books !!

Something to consider if you love MENA films, and what we have been doing already in this thread is blogging about our love of film and sharing that with others kicking.gif
Henna RoseFemaleMorocco2009-02-19 18:08:00
Middle East and North AfricaNetflix suggestion for MENA peeps
QUOTE (sara535 @ Feb 19 2009, 01:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
did anyone see Hideous Kinky?


Yes ! I am a big Kate Winslet fan, but from what I remember that one was kinda strange. I vaguely remember a steamy laundry room scene unsure.gif
Henna RoseFemaleMorocco2009-02-19 17:00:00
Middle East and North AfricaNetflix suggestion for MENA peeps
QUOTE (allousa @ Feb 19 2009, 10:07 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Henna, the subject matter IS the reason I haven't seen it yet. My biggest fear is that my son will be taken...it really is. I am not sure that I can emotionally handle the film, if that makes sense.



I totally understand that !! When my son was young I had 2 major scares that he was abducted. The first was when his school called (at 11:00 am) to say he had not arrived on the bus...my heart stopped heart.gif the secretary had just recorded it wrong and he was there all along!!! The other time he had actually managed to sleepwalk out of the house at 2am out on a busy street where he so easily could have been hit or taken. Now he's almost 21 and still gives me scares now and then of a different nature whistling.gif I do believe we have both had Angels watching over us in life innocent.gif
Henna RoseFemaleMorocco2009-02-19 14:01:00
Middle East and North AfricaNetflix suggestion for MENA peeps
It's hard to believe the snub for Gran Torino esp. if it's true that this is Eastwood's last film as an actor. If it is, what a great final performance !! I am so impressed with his mellow directing style. He says he directs how he would want to be directed as an actor. I think some of the best directors have been actors and they understand the craft from both sides of the camera.

Changeling was powerful, but disturbing bc it was a true story and the way Angelina Jolie revealed this character to us under Eastwood's direction, well... crying.gif
Henna RoseFemaleMorocco2009-02-19 12:26:00
Middle East and North AfricaNetflix suggestion for MENA peeps
Control Room is in the mail good.gif Oscar Sunday is fast approaching kicking.gif I watched Changeling last night, I know not MENA, but WOW ! I love Clint Eastwood as a director !!
Henna RoseFemaleMorocco2009-02-19 01:45:00
Middle East and North AfricaNetflix suggestion for MENA peeps
Forgot about that one, added to Blockbuster online good.gif Thanks !
Henna RoseFemaleMorocco2009-02-11 23:00:00
Middle East and North AfricaNetflix suggestion for MENA peeps
Just came from Slum Dog Millionaire ~ Wow ! Powerful, moving film good.gif I am still amazed at how brothers and friends (I guess it happens in all cultures, as I witnessed it firsthand) don't want to see their countrymen advance, enjoy success & happiness even if they themselves have achieved a better way of life. It makes me sad that some are consumed by such jealousy and pettiness ! Great movie, tho. I hope it cleans up at the Oscars kicking.gif
Henna RoseFemaleMorocco2009-02-08 21:50:00
Middle East and North AfricaNetflix suggestion for MENA peeps
QUOTE (allousa @ Feb 7 2009, 05:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Alot of my friends and family will ask me opinions before they go to movies or rent them because they know I've usually seen it. I have a friend that tells me I need to be a movie critic in the local paper!


Same here ! I actually have a movie reviews website in the works. I have written a few scripts and taken film classes, so my reviews will slant more towards the written mechanics of a film. Loved Gran Torino and Eastwood was unbelievable ! His character arc was evident as he made peace with ghosts of his past and helped give a young man a future. I am seeing Slumdog Millionaire tomorrow good.gif Here are the pics from the filming location of Body of Lies. My husband and I hung out most of the day waiting to see DiCaprio, but he eluded us unsure.gif It was surreal watching that one in the theater having been on those same streets in Rabat and listening to Leo speak Arabic


Edited by Henna Rose, 07 February 2009 - 10:49 AM.

Henna RoseFemaleMorocco2009-02-07 10:47:00
Middle East and North AfricaNetflix suggestion for MENA peeps
QUOTE (allousa @ Feb 6 2009, 11:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Another film I had forgotten....Turtles Can Fly. It's rather tragic, but it really give a glimpse of war through children's eyes.


me - Promises is actually in my queue!!! Haven't seen it yet. Might have to bump it up.

Have you seen Paradise Now?

That was a real trip ! ABout the suicide bombers blink.gif
Henna RoseFemaleMorocco2009-02-06 15:00:00
Middle East and North AfricaNetflix suggestion for MENA peeps
QUOTE (allousa @ Feb 6 2009, 11:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My all time favorite movie...of all time that I've seen a thousand times....Gladiator. I do believe some of that was filmed in Morocco. wub.gif

It was at Atlas Studios near the Sahara desert ! I was in Rabat last Ramadan when Dicaprio was filming Body of Lies. We did not see Leo, but saw the cameras and equipment set up. There is an annual film festival there and Marrakesh also!

This is a great thread ! I love foreign films, too good.gif Anyone see Tsotsi ? (2005)
Henna RoseFemaleMorocco2009-02-06 14:46:00
Middle East and North AfricaNetflix suggestion for MENA peeps
QUOTE (UmmSqueakster @ Feb 5 2009, 05:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
What's controversial about slumdog millionaire? I heard it was suppose to be fabulous.


People from India were offended by the title and the way the slums were portrayed. If they are slums and it defines a person's character and environment, how should they be painted? The beauty of films is there's always someone to offend whistling.gif What a brilliant director and trailblazer Chahine kicking.gif

Henna RoseFemaleMorocco2009-02-05 20:56:00
Middle East and North AfricaNetflix suggestion for MENA peeps
Did anyone see Slum Dog Millionaire ? another controversial one unsure.gif
Henna RoseFemaleMorocco2009-02-05 20:06:00
Middle East and North AfricaNetflix suggestion for MENA peeps
QUOTE (Ahmed N Cheryl @ Feb 5 2009, 12:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hmmmmmmm I will look into American East. Thanks for sharing. biggrin.gif


Added to my Blockbuster Queue good.gif Looks good ! I liked Kite Runner also. It's good to see more more movies being made with diverse flavors and premises !

Edited by Henna Rose, 05 February 2009 - 04:01 PM.

Henna RoseFemaleMorocco2009-02-05 16:00:00
Middle East and North AfricaNetflix suggestion for MENA peeps
I liked Towel Head. I thought the poor girl's parents were jerks mad.gif
Henna RoseFemaleMorocco2009-02-05 15:33:00
Middle East and North AfricaAlready MONDAY!!
QUOTE (Ash * Habibati @ May 4 2009, 05:56 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Good morning Mena! I hope that you all had a good weekend and cheers to a great week ahead. luv.gif



Good Morning MENA blink.gif I have a serious case of the Mondays ! rose.gif rose.gif rose.gif Ash rose.gif rose.gif rose.gif
Henna RoseFemaleMorocco2009-05-04 10:15:00