It’s Saturday and for us that usually means more treats, more bread, or just anything a little more decadent. But in between those less good-for-you moments, I like to make sure we’re all getting in our vitamins and nutrients. Enter this Turmeric & Spinach C Booster. It’s delicous, refreshing and packs a nice nutricious punch. And just in case you need more proof that this is indeed yummy, the kids gave it two thumbs up and my littlest did her happy smoothie dance.

Have you ever heard of or tried Turkish Simit? If not, then I’m excited to enlighten you to something new today. And if you have and are a fan, then perhaps this post will inspire you to take a little trip abroad and try your hand at making your own at home. Simit are a popular, if not the most popular, Turkish street food. It’s a circular shaped bread that’s encrusted with lots and lots of sesame seeds. It’s often compared to a bagel, but is pretty different, only being slightly reminiscent in appearance. The simit is crisp on the outside, but much lighter on the inside than a bagel. And they have a slight sweetness that comes from a dunk in pekmez, or grape molasses, before getting coated with sesame seeds and baked. They don’t get that classic boiling water bath that a bagel gets.

This tasty Turkish specialty, said to have originated in Istanbul some time in the 1500’s (during the Ottoman Empire,) is typically enjoyed over breakfast (kavhaltı) with some cheese, olives, tomatoes and cucumbers but as it is sold on almost every street corner from these cute little red trolleys, it really makes for a perfect grab-and-go-anytime-snack for most. In fact, I have come to look forward to enjoying one almost every time I have been out and about on the streets of Istanbul. A tradition I have missed while in quarantine.

I’ve just realized I’ve been sitting on this post for over a year.  It was written but never made it past the draft category.  Well I’m sorry about that because I think I’ve been depriving you of one of my favorite recipes that is on constant repeat in our house……

Not sure about you, but I love granola.  Whether it’s by the handful as a snack or with some milk or yogurt and berries, I won’t turn it down.  Store bought granola can be great in a pinch but it usually contains way too much sugar and other stuff I often can’t pronounce.  Add the fact that, here in Istanbul, the choices for decent organic granola or any other cereal for that matter are slim pickings.  And the littles like a bowl of cereal every now and then in addition to their other morning favorites like oatmeal or pancakes.  So, I make a fresh batch almost weekly.  Homemade granola is so fast and easy to make and beats the store bought stuff any day.  And what’s better than knowing that exactly what goes into your kid’s breakfast is free from added preservatives or unnecessary sugars? Read more