Author: Chef Francois Aaraj
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Homemade Pesto with Cashews – Easy & Budget Friendly
When my eldest daughter Nour was about four years old, we decided to spend the afternoon making a large batch of homemade pesto sauce together. I planned to freeze it in small portions so we would always have fresh pesto ready for pasta, sandwiches, and other meals. She loved helping in the kitchen, especially when…
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Chickpea Fatteh – Creamy, Crispy & Authentic
For many years, Monday was my only day off. While most people looked forward to the weekend, my wife and I looked forward to Monday. It became our little tradition.After dropping our daughters off at school, we would go out for breakfast together. No rush, no kitchen orders, and no restaurant service. Just the two…
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Authentic Tiramisu Recipe Like an Italian Chef
One of the first restaurants where I worked was Il Giardino, an authentic Italian restaurant managed by two Italian chefs who took great pride in preserving traditional recipes. Every dish had to respect Italian culinary traditions, and shortcuts were never accepted. I have shared more memories from my time in that kitchen in my Chef’s…
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Tomato Bulgur Pilaf – Easy Mediterranean Vegan Recipe
Tomato bulgur pilaf is one of those dishes that instantly takes me back to my childhood. It reminds me of two incredible women who shaped the way I understand food: my late maternal grandmother and my mother. Both of them prepared this humble dish beautifully, but every spoonful still brings back memories of my grandmother’s…
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How I Make Creamy Mushroom Soup in a Bread Bowl
There is something unforgettable about a bowl of creamy mushroom soup served fresh inside a crusty bread loaf. Every spoonful combines a silky texture, rich mushroom flavor, and warm artisan bread. As a result, this comforting dish feels both elegant and satisfying. Whether you serve it for lunch, dinner, or a special gathering, it always…
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Easy Pumpkin Soup Recipe Rich with Flavors
During my years working in international hotels and restaurants, there was always room on the menu for at least three different soups. While the selection changed with the seasons, pumpkin soup was one of the recipes we enjoyed serving whenever pumpkins were at their best. Soup remained one of the dishes guests looked forward to…
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Chocolate Brownies – Rich, Fudgy & Irresistible
Some recipes become favorites because they are luxurious. Others earn their place because they solve a real problem. This brownie recipe belongs to the second group. Years ago, while I was working with Food & Design Catering in Lebanon, we managed several venues for different clients. One of them included a cozy tea corner where…
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Crispy Quinoa Kale Salad with Feta and Oranges
I’ll admit it—I used to think most kale salads were more about looking healthy than actually tasting good. They often felt tough, dry, and difficult to enjoy. Everything changed when I started treating kale the same way I treat every ingredient in a professional kitchen: understand it first, then build the recipe around its strengths…
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Homemade Caramel Sauce That Never Fails
Why So Many People Are Afraid of Making Caramel There are a few recipes that seem to intimidate almost every home cook, and homemade caramel sauce is certainly one of them. Over the years, I have met countless people who told me they were afraid to make caramel because they had heard stories about burnt…
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Rigatoni Alla Siciliana: A Recipe Close to My Heart
Cooking is, above all, a real pleasure. And once you learn the basics and follow each step calmly, everything becomes much easier. In fact, with the right method, the kitchen feels relaxed and fun. As a result, even simple dishes like this rigatoni alla Siciliana turn into delicious moments to enjoy and share. A Recipe…