Book Mezze – A Labor of Love

Description

LebanonPostcard presents the Book ‘Barbara Abdeni Massaad – Mezze – A Labor of Love’. Illustration Pascale Hares – Hardcover 25 x 21 x 2.1 cm – 1kg, 200 pages.

Hummus and Tabbouleh are not considered foreign words anymore – through sheer good taste and a growing interest in a healthy Mediterranean diet, they have earned their place in the common vernacular of English speakers around the world. But the Lebanese have a secret which, thanks to Barbara Abdeni Massad, is now yours to make your own: their beloved hummus and tabbouleh are just the tip of the iceberg. A whole world of delights awaits you within these pages.

The world mezze may not translate directly, but don’t let that put you off. It’s the best part of eating Lebanese – as much a social event as it is a meal, mezze is a fabulous ambassador for a culture which prides itself on entertaining eating healthy and making every guest feel uniquely indulged and reluctant to ever leave the table, except possibly for a nap! If you are lucky enough to experience a meal served traditionally beginning with mezze, you’ll note that a ritual unfolds. The table will be set with an amazingly colorful and appetizing array of fresh vegetables on a platter, often sparkling with droplets of water, freshly washed just for you. No sooner have you cut into a softball-sized tomato than the center of the table is cleared to accommodate a series of fresh salads and cold appetizers, served in small plates meant for sharing. And just when you imagine your taste buds can’t take anymore, the hot appetizers start to appear. Now you know you have a serious problem. Should you have started with smaller portions to save room for the plates which are still coming? Do you really need to change your plate for a clean one? Is it possible to press “reset’ and start again?
This the magic of mezze, why cooking and sharing food the Lebanese way brings people together, breaking cultural barriers around a table where eating so much more than “fast” food. At that moment, we feed the body and nourish the soul. It is truly a labor of love.

This collection of mezze recipes reflects Barbara’s desire to guide us back towards simplicity Fresh, seasonal ingredients and easy techniques encourage and support even the least experienced cook to success. She has distilled her own life experiences, tested over time, to bring you the best recipes available.

Content

Introduction
Drinks and Nibbles
Bread
Mezze
Thanks
Recipe

Book ‘Barbara Abdeni Massaad – Mezze – A Labor of Love’

This new book by Barbara Massaad is vital to the culture of her country and utterly inspiring to me. She finds and explores forgotten traditional foods and techniques and then develops recipes that are irresistible and nourishing. They are not only for the Lebanese but for all of us.
Alice Waters – American Chef Restaurateur – Activist and Humanitarian

Written in her warm and inviting style, and charmingly illustrated, Barbara Massaad’s new book on mezze makes a great introduction to many Lebanese favorites. It’s crammed full of dish I want to cook!
Greg Malouf – Lebanese Australian Cookbook – Author and Chef

Lebanese cuisine is one of the unheralded glories of the Mediterranean and Barbara Massaad’s book is a shining example of why.
Nancy Harmon Jenkins – American Cookbook Author, Historian, Expert on Mediterranean Cuisine

Barbara Massaad is an ardent protagonist of Lebanese food. Her passion and enthusiasm are evident in her work. Her desire to share is paramount and this she does marvelously through her books that take you on a journey of flavors you’ll never forget.
Nouhad Dammous – Editor-in-chief Hospitality News / Taste and Flavors – Co-founder of Horeca, Lebanon’s Hospitality and Food Exhibition

LebanonPostcard will be responsible for sending the book you order, through fast courier with a tracking number, guaranteeing reception of the package. The book may take between two and five days to arrive, according to the country it is sent to.