Summer Cherry & Pistachio Cake

This week we are celebrating the Ramadan Bayram here in Istanbul, also known as Eid al-Fitr. The holiday marks the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan, when practicing Muslims fast from dusk to dawn. At the end of the month there are 3 days of celebration which often turn into longer as most combine it with the weekend before or after or even both. Many people spend the days visiting family and friends and sharing meals together. It is also referred to as the holiday of sweets, Seker Bayrami, as it’s tradition to offer candy and other treats to guests, especially children. The markets have been stocked with giant bins of colorfully wrapped sweets in preparation for this. My husband says this was the most exciting part of the holiday for him growing up and how the anticipation would build up as the holiday neared and he knew everyone would be handing out “seker.”

This is only our second Eid living here in Istanbul and I’m still learning some of the traditions and customs. That includes feeling comfortable enough to cook or bake something to share that my in-laws might actually eat. My “yabanci” (foreign) food can sometimes be a bit too yabanci for their tastes and a lot of of the ingredients I use aren’t so common in the traditional Turkish dishes they are used to. But I managed to make a few things this week that I think were actually a hit. The first I’ll share with you is this Summer Cherry Cake because it’s just too easy and too delicious and I’d feel bad keeping it to myself.

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Banana Zucchini Muffins with Chocolate Chips

It’s been a little while since I last posted, but the Treat Life kitchen has been plenty busy. I’ve had some cake and cookie orders and a couple baking classes I taught. You can check out some of the goodies over on my instagram page. Keeping up with new and creative recipes for my family is a bit of a challenge during busy weeks like the past few, but one thing we have made several times because my kids love them and they are such a cinch to throw together is these Banana Zucchini Muffins with Chocolate Chips.

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Lemon Curd

As we slowly inch into Spring and the temperatures rising and we are finally starting to see the beautiful blossoms in nature and baskets of strawberries at the market, I can’t help but get excited about what’s ahead in the coming weeks when it comes to recipe possibilities and outdoor adventures. But as we wait for the berries to sweeten up a bit more, I wanted to share this rich and luxurious Lemon Curd.

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Homemade Eggnog

Eggnog is one of my all-time favorite holiday treats.  I enjoy it every which way.  Simply by the glass or even straight out of the carton, it’s perfect (not that I would ever do that, of course.).  Eggnog latte? Delicious.  Over ice with some bourbon? Yes, please!  Or even as an ice cream it’s supreme.  Ever tried eggnog ice cream?  It’s soooo good.  I use to feature it during the holidays on my dessert menu at the restaurant and have tried a few other versions as well.  It’s always something special.  Try it, if you can get your hands on some, perhaps paired with good gingerbread.

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Cinnamon Apple Scones and An Apple Orchard in Istanbul

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Wow, the last few weeks have passed way too quickly.  It was Thanksgiving a minute ago and now we’re almost halfway through December.  There were many recipes I hoped I would get to before now, but it’s been a bit busy to say the least.  I was in cookie mania preparing dozens of treats for the IWI Winter Festival here in Istanbul and then my mom came to visit from LA.  The festival was a lot of work but lots of fun.  And it was nice that a visit from my mom coincided with that and she got to come check it out too.  (Having her here to help with some of the preparations and keeping the monkeys entertained was a big added bonus.) 

Before we near the end of our apple stash from our apple picking days in September and October, I want to share these Cinnamon Apple Scones and where we got the delicious apples from…

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