Review by: Coretta Lemaitre

The Short: 300 pages of mainly Lebanese, Syrian, and Palestinian dishes, including main appetizers, desserts, jams, pickling, and culinary tips and tricks to make cooking that much easier!

The long: In 1976 the Arab Women’s Union of Detroit published this easy-to-use cookbook, full of all your favorite recipes and easy-to-learn dishes from across the Middle East. The book has options including lamb, chicken, and other meats, as well as many vegetarian soups, salads, stuffed vegetables, and a personal favorite – Makloubeh. Literally translated as “upside-down,” the flavorful rice dish packs in cauliflower, eggplants, and carrots, and once cooked is flipped upside-down on a tray to serve. The cookbook includes several sweeter sections, including classic desserts, cookies, candies, and beverages.

To read or not to read:  Read! Many dishes draw on a number of key ingredients, so pick out a few recipes, stock up, and get cooking!