Kibbee 'n' Spice and Everything Nice

Book excerpt: In recent years, Lebanese cuisine has become extremely familiar in Western countries. The traditional dishes of the Middle East are internationally renowned. The most popular foods, such as yoghurt (laban), Kibbee balls, tabouleh, baklawa, grape leaf rools, pita bread (kimaj), chick-pea dip (hummus), and many more, are available as take-outs from restaurants, deli counters in supermarkets, and Middle Eastern or Greek speciality food stores. Progress has allowed us to purchase ingredients in jars, cans, or boxes for immediate use. This eliminates many of the tedious tasks of preparation our mothers and grandmothers had before. Cooking is Janet's passion. With a heartfelt 'Ahlan Wa Sahlan', she welcomes her guests and makes them feel comfortable and relaxed. She especially loves to share her Lebanese heritage through her cooking. It's a toss-up who has the most enjoyment, the cook or the guests.