Blogs
Read my Food blog
Elsa Schiaparelli (1890 – 1973)
Known as the “Queen of fashion,” Elsa Schiaparelli was born in Rome, Italy in 1890. Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel referred to her as “that Italian artist who makes clothes.”
Challah
We eat round challah during Rosh Hashana (the Jewish new year). This recipe is adapted from Le Cordon Bleu trained chef Rana W. Lustyan and makes 1 large challah.
Cheese and Olive Bread
This bread is adapted from Martha Stewart’s recipe. As she says “there is no need to knead this bread!” However, the dough has to rise for at least 12 hours before baking.
Ricotta Cake with Blueberries
Ricotta cake is a great addition to your dessert repertoire, especially if you are looking for a light but tasty option.
Avocado and Spinach Hummus
This easy and versatile dip is a great addition to your holiday party table.
Gondi (Persian Meatballs)
My family usually serves Gondi as an appetizer for special occasions and Friday night dinners.
Chocolate Chip Scones
These delicious scones are not too sweet and are a great treat any time of the day.
Chocolate Brownie
Adapted from Jamie Oliver’s recipe – I substituted monk fruit for castor sugar and reduced the amount of butter by half.
Cashew Cream with Herbs
Cashew cream is a great alternative to dairy dips and sauces. It can be used as a topping for pasta, fish or vegetables.
Gluten-free Chocolate Chip Cake
I recently found cassava flour and decided to use it in a gluten-free dessert. I added almond flour to the mix in order to make it more flavorful.
Focaccia
This is an easy recipe for delicious Italian bread. This recipe also can be used for pizza dough.
Gluten-free Pomegranate Cupcakes
I was inspired by Leyla of Cooking with Leyla to make Pomegranate cupcakes for Yalda (Winter Solstice) and for Hanukah (Chanukah) – (The Festival of Lights). Leyla’s recipe uses all purpose flour, wheat flour and milk.
Cuisine along the Silk Road.
Blogs
Icons of Fashion Design
Jonathan Simkhai
Established in 2010, the Jonathan Simkhai brand provides luxury ready-to-wear for the modern woman.
Vivienne Westwood
Dame Vivienne Westwood, born Vivienne Isabel Swire in 1941, is an influential and unconventional British fashion designer known for her provocative clothing.
Kate Spade
Katherine Noel Brosnahan was an American fashion designer and entrepreneur. She was the founder and former co-owner of the designer brand Kate Spade New York.
Ali Rahimi
Ali Rahimi educated in England and later at the Virginia Marti College of Art & Design.
Gianni Versace
Giovanni Maria Versace was the son of a seamstress born in Calabria, Italy’s deep south in December 1946. Gianni’s mother, Franca, became known as Reggio’s best dressmaker and was his mentor. Donatella was born in May 1955.
Maria Grazia Chiuri
Italian fashion designer, Maria Grazia Chiuri, is the first female artistic director of women’s couture at Dior – the first woman to hold the creative reins in Dior‘s 70 year history.

















