Hi Reader, It's Bita! How are you? Happy to be cheersing with podcast co-host Beata with Beet juice earlier this season! Wow, it's been almost a year. I've missed you! Here's a quick share of my current perspective. Familia In September our family gathered to celebrate our Maman Joon's 85th birthday! Maman Minoo's 85th birthday! We are so grateful to have our Maman in our lives and are spending as much time with her as we can. These days together are precious. white gala in Dana Point, a...
2 months ago • 2 min read
Hi friend, Have you been inspired by a recipe, an idea, or a cultural story shared through Oven Hug or the podcast, Modern Persian Food? Would you like to continue to learn about Persian culture and cuisine through a positive frame? How you can help: Please take a moment to support the work behind bringing fresh content by participating in a simple vote. VOTE HERE The Taste Awards are an annual LA award show celebrating achievements in Food and Lifestyle Media. You may remember us talking...
11 months ago • 1 min read
Hi friend, Are you feeling the back-to-school energy? Whether you have kids or not, chances are you've been a kid and probably remember the nervous energy around getting school supplies, cramming in last days of summer fun, only to hunker down into some form of a routine and a schedule. On the upcoming Modern Persian Food podcast roster we will be doing a Back to School/ Back to Basics series breaking down a Persian meal that we are hoping will be easy to add to weekly meal plans. Stay tuned...
over 1 year ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, It's been the kind of summer that has both dragged and flown by. The draggy part has been a pesty virus hubby Bob can't seem to kick - the real kicker being that he's still waiting on the return of his sense of taste. Here's to hoping he'll be joining us in experiencing all the rich flavors we're stirring up soon. Personal Updates: Our younger daughter wrapped up a summer internship near home. She had the opportunity to cook and coordinate summer kids' camps for an underprivileged...
over 1 year ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Have you heard of Tirgan? If not, you are not alone. It's an old, old holiday, pre-dating Zorastrian times in fact...we're talking about originating over 3,000 years ago! So why are we talking about Tirgan now? For one thing, it falls right on the 4th of July this year which makes for a fun holiday fusion. As an Iranian-born, American, I'm personally always looking for ways to connect with our Persian cultural roots and ultimately blend the good parts with today's modern lifestyle....
over 1 year ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, It's been cold, cold, cold everywhere and in northern California it's also been wet, wet, wet! I have a bundle of friends and families with family in the midwest so I've gotten to see (virtually) the blustering winds and snows resulting from the arctic storms of the holidays. If you traveled this season I hope you are safe, warm, and cozy. We are very fortunate to have the majority of our family living nearby us. We were able to enjoy our "normal" parties and gatherings this year....
about 2 years ago • 2 min read
Dear Reader, As the winter solstice tips the earth from the from the glorious sun, there is hope of a new, brighter, warmer day. What we're observing: Tonight is Yalda, the longest, darkest night of the year. By tradition, families stay up all night allowing light to conquer evil. The color of crimson red represents light and love. A special table setting or "sofreh" is set with fresh reddish fruits - watermelon, pomegranate, grapes, persimmons, and oranges along with big bowls of dried...
about 2 years ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, It's cozy cinnamon apple and pumpkin season! Light your candles and let's get baking. I have a fresh, Persian-inspired bread recipe coming soon! It's in the testing stage so stayed tuned. In the meanwhile, here are a few tried and true Oven Hug fall favorites to get you in the mood for the fall season: Instant Pot Cinnamon Apple Sauce Baked Cinnamon Apples Pumpkin Scones Gluten-Free Pumpkin Loaf Gluten-Free Pumpkin Waffles In podcasting news, my partner and co-host Beata joon and I...
over 2 years ago • 1 min read