April is Arab American Heritage Month
One of the best ways to experience a culture is through food. Food can tell a story of history, traditions, and values; it is part of a culture’s identity. It can give a deeper understanding of the culture. You do not have to travel far to be able to try these foods. We look at these amazing cookbooks and might feel intimidated to create these foods at home. For National Arab American Heritage Month, I explored cookbooks that not only offer delicious recipes but also share personal stories of their authors.
Just from the introductions of these books, I enjoyed the stories each author provided about what that food meant to them growing up and how they had to navigate the areas they grew up in the United States.
Cookbook Recommendations
Forever Beirut by Barbara Abden Massaad: Beirut is the capital city of Lebanon, and Barabara Massaad provides many easy-to-make recipes. Each section tells a story about the food, the ingredients, and its cultural meaning. Even if you have a hard time finding some of the ingredients, there are some substitutions that would work listed as well.
Next is Arabiyya: Recipes from the Life of an Arab in Diaspora by Reem Assil. What I love about this cookbook is the list of staples you will need to make any of the recipes listed, as well as the species, and the idea of creating the different species mixes with things that are found in most pantries.
Flavors of the Sun by Christine Saadi Whelan book takes a whole different approach when it comes to the recipes. What makes this different is that it is more of a Western twist using traditional ingredients from the Middle East. This makes sense since her family who immigrated to the United States from Lebanon and founded Sahadi Market in Brooklyn in 1895.
My Egypt: Cooking From My Roots by Michael Mina, explores the flavors of Egypt from his childhood, and using those flavors in his own cooking style. He provides traditional along with fusion recipes for people to try.
I encourage people to take a look and explore the different types of cookbooks and cuisine. Do not only do it this month, but any time of the year. You never know, you might find something that you never knew new about.
More about Arab American Heritage Month at OCLS
Experience culture through food at your library with a taste of the Middle East and learn to create a delicious dip – hummus! Register for Teen Cuisine: Hummus at Hiawassee Branch on Saturday, April 12. Recommended for ages 13-18. For more events, book recommendations and resources about Arab American Heritage Month, visit ocls.org/arab-american-heritage-month/.
Joanna is a branch customer service associate at OCLS
