So we took a little break for the holidays. We are doing a bathroom remodel, and with Christmas, and our Holiday Party we just took some time off.  This week we are back in swing with a Moroccan holiday, a perfect way to start the new year. 

..the plate..

So much tasty stuff! at 12 o’clock we got some Moroccan Harira Soup, followed by Roasted Vegetables with Couscous, Roasted Ras el Hanout Cauliflower, and hummus jazzed up withe some spices and fresh cilantro. Not photographed is the cake, Meskouta Lemon cake (pictured down here) was AMAZING. 

..Roasted Vegetable Couscous.. 

Loads of veggies roasted in olive oil then tossed in with couscous, chickpeas, raisins, and spices. I used eggplant, carrot, zuccini, red bell peppers, red onion, and cherry tomatoes. The couscous and raisins were boiled with chick’n broth and turmeric. When finished I mixed it with a sauce made from oil, garlic, lemon, cumin and coriander. Fresh mint and cilantro to serve. Came out great! Little too much oil for my preference, but I think this would be wonderful without it. 

..Ras el Hanout Cauliflower..

I roasted some cauliflower last week for a Meal Mentor recipe and it came out so good. I thought it would be a simple idea to roast one with a Moroccan spice blend I already have on hand, Ras el Hanout. It came out good. Next time I would use more seasoning, but I enjoyed it. 

..Harira Soup..

Wendy made this yummy quinoa soup. I really liked it, and had some with my Tofurky sandwich for lunch today. Everything was cooked great, and it’s perfect for the cooler weather we’ve been having here in Orlando. Served with lemon and fresh parsley. She got her recipe from One Arab Vegan, and I highly recommend you go there and make it right away. 

..hummus..

Our lovely Angela has been busy at work, and wasn’t able to make it. She was in charge of the hummus, and her husband Joe brought it with him. I decided to spruce up the Publix Original Style a bit by adding some fresh lemon, smoked paprika, a few dashes of smoked paprika and fresh chopped cilantro. Very good! 

..Meskouta Lemon Cake..

Okay, I love lemon cake.  This lemon cake was freaking UNREAL good. Julie is a master in the baking department, and we are so lucky to have her contribute to our taste buds. I can’t even with this cake. Perfection. 

So that’s it for this week. Not sure if we’ll be back next week or not, we’ve got a busy month planned, so it may be February before you hear from me again….