Arabian Delights: Recipes & Princely Entertaining Ideas from the Arabian Peninsula

After spending decades researching Egyptian cuisine, working in Egypt, and traveling extensively in the region, culinary expert Amy Riolo has been discovering the cuisine of Arabia at lavish parties and palaces, in simpler homes, stylish restaurants, and marketplaces. Now she brings this rich and exotic cuisine to American cooks of all levels, giving time-honored techniques, step-by-step recipes, and lively menus for many occasions and the everyday.

Sample breakfast delights like Wild Thyme Glazed Croissants. Savor Gulf-Style Calamari Soup and Chicken Kabsah, a delicious rice and chicken casserole that exudes the aroma of dried limes and the traditional Saudi spice mix. Dip into delicious dessert recipes like Melon K’nafeh, and Chocolate Covered-Almond Filled Dates. Sip mouthwatering drinks like Rose Water Cooler, and a variety of Arabian “cocktails” like Golden Dream, made with mandarin juice, peach, honey, saffron and milk.

Though Amy Riolo entertains like an Arabian princess, and has created lavish menus for world leaders, she is a practical American, as she reveals how to create an Arabian tea party worthy of royalty, and a Laylat ul Henna, the ultimate girls’ night in, when brides-to-be gather with female friends and family members for a night full of beauty, pampering, henna-tattooing, music, dancing, and of course, an array of tempting culinary treats. Most ingredients are available at your local supermarket, though the “Where to Buy Guide” gives mail-order sources for any that may be hard to find.