2023 siti highlights!
warning: there are A LOT of photos!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
For context: everything you’re about to read was written about a week ago. Although, at this point, all the days amalgamated together, I just know today is the first day of the year.
Cheers to human reflection and not knowing what to do out of routine!
I wanted to reflect on some of my favorite dinners, takeout meals, and top bakes from the past year.
We cooked a lot in 2023!
ALSO, I SORT OF FULFILLED THE ONE RESOLUTION I MADE THIS YEAR?!!
Shocker! I know!
The one resolution I made was to make more Middle Eastern food, and we did it!
We made lots of bread, lots of hummus and baba ghanoush, and SO. MUCH. MA’AMOUL.
We also made newer dishes like kafta and maghmour (Lebanese moussaka); new to me, not new in creation but I think you knew that.
Anywho! It’s been a good year of food. Shall we go for it?!
2023 - Year of the Almond Croissant
My most recent favorite luxury is a cup of drip coffee (or a cappuccino if I’m feeling extra fancy) and an almond croissant.
There’s something about it that feels so riveting, elegant, passe.
I FEEL LIKE AUDREY HEPBURN. That’s it! That’s the feeling.
Whataburger’s Jalapeno Cheddar Egg Sausage Sandwich
It’s amazing at 11 am or 11 pm. Perfect size, very satisfying. Just a tiny kick of spice. Gooey, savory, fluffy, what more could you ask for from a fast food breakfast?
Most Surprising Dish: Fish!
If you knew me anytime before the last two years, you’d know I HATED fish. I would lie as a kid and tell people I was allergic so I wasn’t expected to eat it. True story.
But now? IT’S PRETTY GOOD!
I’m still not on board with super fishy fish (contradicting I know) and shellfish. Give me a piece of fried fish or grilled like the one in this photo, and I’m a happy clam.
Did you see what I did there? Yes? No? Okay, continuing on.
Maghmour (aka Lebanese moussaka)
THIS DISH RIGHT HERE is for sure top five favorite meals I made this year!
For context, Moussaka is an eggplant-tomato-based stew. You can serve it with meat or chickpeas as seen in the photo.
This dish was so simple, but was full of beautiful depth, richness, and comfort but no heaviness! She was the It-Girl of the year and will be returning in 2024.
Salads for Brunch?
THIS SALAD RIGHT HERE. Last summer, my cousin and I took a little trip to San Antonio to visit my Aunt and Uncle (hey Aunt Debra!). They took us to the cutest brunch spot in Pearl called Full Goods Diner. I kid you not, I think about it on a weekly basis.
This kale salad was topped with salty, crispy sweet potatoes, chickpeas, a rich soft-boiled egg, loads of parm, and a super bright lemon vinaigrette. It was fresh, filling, crispy, soggy, sharp, and every other adjective I could throw in.
BONUS: THEY’RE DRINK MENU. WOW.
I ordered something called a “Lil’ Chap” which was a chilled mocha cappuccino, and a salted-spiced-cinnamon-cayenne rim. Think sophisticated, edgy chocolate milk punched in the face by San Antonio’s rich Tex-Mex culture. Exactly.
Favorite Dinner Party: Makeshift Shawarma + sides
This meal was sometime during the summer. I made tabbouleh and roasted cauliflower with taratu (tahini, garlic, lemon sauce). Hummus was at the party and Shawarma assembly. I say makeshift because I don’t own a spit (lame, I know), but man was it good!
This dinner specifically the company was the highlight. My now boyfriend (just a “friend” at the time), two of my old roomates, and a dear friend and her partner. It was a sweet night to say the least.
Trend that will continue in 2024: Bigger Savory Breakfasts
This is not a new concept, but it’s newish to me in my daily life!
I went through a streak of eating eggs with veg and rice or noodle soup for breakfast and MAN was it good! I also love a mini shmorgesboard idea of veggies, protein, fruit, and a carb.
It’s more so about being fuller longer, and also not having a boring breakfast!
Top Bake: Tahini Banana Bread
This was a spoof off of Claire Saffitz’s Almond Banana Bread and another banana bread recipe I can’t remember. This specific loaf was stunning, tender, slightly crunchy on the outside and perfectly moist. This specific loaf also did not last more than 24 hours in my house.
No notes.
Top Comfort Food: Banana Pancakes
You know the Jack Johnson song? It’s my favorite for a reason.
Banana pancakes remind me of my Dad. Him making them once in a blue moon and finding them in the freezer because he made enough to feed a village.
Pancakes as a whole remind me of growing up. My go to comfort order on a roadtrip, my comfort breakfast all through college, late night Ihop trips, the typical breakfast served at Siti and Gido’s after spending the night.
Banana pancakes have gotten me through a lot.
With this batch, I either used John Kanell’s, or Yumna Jawad’s recipe. Both are delicious! I always like mine with almond butter, hemp seeds if I have them, and maple syrup (hello?!).
Those are the highlights! Thanks for reading. In all honesty, I have no idea what In My Siti Era will look like in 2024, and I’m here for it.
Happy 2024!
With Love,
Cara