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Health & Fitness

Try baking with this unique Middle Eastern Spice!

It’s a curious thing..that spice from the Middle East called Mahlab in Arabic.  The glossary in my cookbook, “Sitto’s Kitchen” explains it as “pale hard kernels derived from the pit of the small wild black cherry tree”. I had always wondered what gave my grandmother’s pastries that marvelous slightly almond flavor with a faint cherry and floral note that was so addictive.  This spice, in its whole form, is smaller than a pea and light tan in color.

Funny story:  When I was young and learning how to make my Sitto’s best pastry, a buttery soft turnover, I’d call her many times over for advice. Well, one day, after kneading the dough and having added the Mahlab, I was horrified to find that those little hard pea-like things didn’t dissolve! I called her in a panic as I was staring at about five pounds of dough.  She laughingly explained that I’d needed to grind the Mahlab into a fine powder before adding it to the liquids in her recipe.  And that got me thinking about how many young cooks and bakers, like me, would make a similar mistake.  I filed it away in the back of my brain and years later, when I decided to write my cookbook, I remembered that important lesson:  Be precise with your instructions! What you know as an experienced cook, you learned through trial and error! 

Now, years later, this wonderful spice, unique to the Arab world is the one spice I would be lost without. If I had to quickly pack up my kitchen, it’s what I would surely bring with me.  It’s available at Middle Eastern on-line stores or, if you’re lucky enough to live in an area with these ethnic grocers, you’ll surely find it.  It’s available whole or ground, but always choose whole if you can.  Then grind it in your spice grinder or blender.  Try it in your breads and pastries.  You’ll be surprised how distinctive in aroma and taste this delicious spice is and how it can elevate your baked goods above the ordinary!

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And those turnovers? The recipe is on page 29.  Hope your family likes them!

www.sittoskitchen.com

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