Zaitoun: Recipes from the Palestinian Kitchen 

If one is looking for a cookbook with many delicious and exotic recipes, one will not be disappointed in buying this book, but it is so much more than that. This is also something of a travel book, a history book, and a social commentary wrapped around an exceptionally interesting cookbook. Author Yasmin Khan traveled to many Palestinian communities and visited the kitchens of several Palestinian people. Through a series of essays, Khan tells the stories of these people and how they, like most families everywhere, enjoy family time around meals. She discusses nine Palestinian regions (there is no country of Palestine) and what is unique to each. Each section opens with an essay filled with lively writing and wonderful, specific details of the place and people who welcomed her with a few photographs of her visit. The essay is followed by recipes that include an introductory paragraph, ingredients list, cooking instructions and gorgeous close-up photos of the completed dish. Palestinian cooking is influenced by Jewish, Arabic, Bedouin, Persian, Turkish, and Armenian cultures and this makes for some delicious food. Don’t miss the Mussakhan (Roast Chicken with Sumac and Red Onions) or the Ma’amoul (Little Date Cookies). Yum!