If you've ever been to a Middle-Eastern, or Mediterranean Restaurant, you might have seen this dish as part of a wide variety of mezze, or appetizer platters on the table. Cig Kofte or, Chikufta, is a raw meatball dish in Armenian, and Middle-Eastern cuisine, very similar to Kibbeh Nayeh, and to a lesser extent to Steak Tartare. It is traditionally made with either beef or lamb, a vegetarian variety may also be served. Ciğ Köfte may be served as an appetizer, or mezze. In the beef variant, ground beef is used. Tendons and fat are removed before grinding the beef. Relatively expensive high-quality beef has to be used so that the meat can be safely served raw. London Broil, or Top Round, are are recommended choices for the ground beef. Since lamb is considered a "clean meat", it is often used for Ciğ Köfte instead of beef. Armenians  use Ciğ Köfte as a mezze, served almost cold. The raw meat ball, or Kofte, is not kept overnight and is reserved for special occ

  If you're having a busy week, here's something that will make those weeknight meals a lot easier for you! The best part about this recipe, is that it's fast, fresh, and relatively easy on a budget! In this recipe, I'm going to teach you how to make fresh pasta from scratch, using simple ingredients. Let's get into it! Here's what you'll need:                      3 & 1/3 Cups Semolina Flour                      4 Large Eggs                      2 Tbsp Water                      1 Tbsp Olive Oil                      1 Tsp Salt Although, you may choose to make this by hand, I used my trusty mixer to speed things along, just a bit. First, add the eggs and, flour to the mixer bowl, then, pour in the water, add the salt, and the oil. Next, you'll want to start kneading this, if by hand. If using a mixer, you'll want to choose speed setting number one, to start with. As the mixture starts forming a homogeneous dough ball, it is at this t

   If you're searching for the perfect recipe for your next potluck or, PTA Luncheon, you've come to the right place! I have just the thing for you! Allow me to suggest my recipe for Tuscan Pasta Salad, also known as, Mediterranean Style Pasta Salad. If you love Feta Cheese, Pasta, and Mediterranean food, especially farfalle pasta? This is it! Let's get started! For this recipe, you'll need:                                                                      16 oz Farfalle or, any short Pasta                                                                      2 Tsp Dried Oregano                                                                      1/2 lb Crumbled Valbreso Feta Cheese                                                                      1/4 Cup Sun Dried Tomatoes (more to taste)                                                                      1/8 Tsp Freshly Cracked Black Pepper                                                             

  If you're searching for some comfort food recipes, or are having one of those days where, it's cloudy, and gloomy, or it's been raining, and cold outside, look no further! I've got the perfect weeknight meal for you! Here's one of my favorites, and a longtime family recipe for I call The Ultimate Tuna Casserole! An easy recipe for your weeknight meals, that features canned tuna! This is the perfect go to recipe, especially if you're in a pinch! Here's what you'll need:                                                                   For The Biscuits: 2 Cups All-Purpose Flour 1 Tbsp Baking Powder 1 Tsp Salt 1 Tsp Sugar 1 Stick Cold Unsalted Butter 3/4 Cup Half & Half or Whole Milk 1 Egg Mixed With 1 Tbsp Water for Egg Wash For The Tuna Casserole 1 Can Albacore Tuna (drained) 2 Stalks Celery (diced) 1/2 Yellow Onion (diced) 2 Sprigs fresh Thyme (plucked) 1/2 Tsp Salt 1/2 Tsp Pepper (freshly cracked) 1/8 Tsp Old Bay Seasoning *

  Here's an easy Pesto Sauce Recipe for all you Italian food lovers! Pesto Sauce is so versatile, you can spread it on your favorite type of bread, and serve it as an appetizer, (with, or without Parmesan cheese)or make it ahead of time, and add it as a finishing touch to any pasta dish! It also pairs well with chicken. It serves as a great vegan option too(just omit the Parmesan cheese). Pesto Sauce is one of my favorite all-time recipes, and I'm going to share it with you! Now, let's get started! For this recipe, you'll need:                                                   1 Bunch Fresh Basil(I used a Purple Basil variety)                           1/2 of 1 Bunch Italian Flat Leaf Parsley                           1/2 Cup Pine Nuts (lightly toasted)                           1/4 Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)                           1/8 Tsp Chili Flakes                           1 pinch Coarse Sea Salt                           1/4 Cup Extra Virgin Oliv

   If you like seafood, especially Crab meat, you will absolutely love making the perfect crab cakes! Here's one of my go to recipes for a light snack, or great appetizers. You, and your guests will enjoy this especially if you love sea fare. An All-American classic that originated in Baltimore, during the 1930's, Crab Cakes have been a staple in American Cuisine, ever since! Today, I'll teach you just how easy it is to make Crab Cakes, with this somple recipe! Let's get started! For this recipe, you'll need:                       Lump Crab Meat(you can also use fresh)              Crackers              Breadcrumbs              Old Bay Seasoning              Tarragon              Lemon Juice             Capers(optional)             Parsley             Mayonaise             Dijon Mustard             Shallots (finely diced)             Celery (diced)             Soy Sauce             Worchestorshire Sauce             Egg Yolks             Dried Thy

  If you love French Cooking, here's an easy recipe for you! Chef Nicko's take on a classic French dish, Chicken Cordon Bleu! Sometimes, referred to as simply, Cordon Bleu, the name alludes to a dish prepared with the highest standards of excellence, and comes from Henry III, Knights of the Order. Blue cordons, were also worn by respective cooks, and chefs in the kitchen brigade during the 1500's. Making this chicken dish, is simple, easy, and most of all, very delicious! The perfect recipe for your weeknight meals! Let's get started! For this recipe, you'll need:                              Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts                Ham (good quality) I use French Jambon                Gruyere, or Comte Cheese (Sliced or, Shredded)                Flour                Eggs                Bread Crumbs (Panko works well here)                Peanut Oil                Thyme (to taste)(fresh or, dried)                Salt (to taste)                Pep

Are you a lover of all things Italian? Have you been wondering what happens when you combine two worlds? Especially in cooking? Well, have I got the recipe for you! In this recipe, I'll be marrying Baby Back Ribs with Italian Sausage! That's right! With this method, you'll be able to turn any cut of meat into Italian Sausage without a meat grinder or, sausage maker! It'll taste just like Italian Sausage, but without the sausage. This recipe never compromises flavor, and won't disappoint! For this recipe, you'll need:                      Baby Back Ribs Slab(Pork)                      2 Cloves Garlic (minced)                      Worcestershire Sauce                      Rosemary (2 sprigs)                      1 Tsp Dried Oregano                      4 Tbsp Light Soy Sauce                      1 Tbsp Dark Soy Sauce                      1 Tsp Ground Fennel                      1 Tsp Paprika                      1 Tsp Salt                      1 T

   Are you in search of a tasty side dish that is healthy too? Today, I'm coming to you with one of my all time favorite recipes, that has been in my family for ages. A lot of my viewers have asked me how to cook Bulgur Wheat, so today, we're talking about this very tasty grain. Armenians are famous for making Bulgur using the best ingredients, so I'm going to walk you through this recipe real quick, because, it's that easy to make. For this recipe, you'll need:                                            1 1/2 Cup Coarse Bulgur #4                                            2 Cups Liquid(Equal parts Chicken Broth & Water)                                            1 Tbsp Butter                                            1/2 Yellow Onion (diced)                                            1 Tsp Salt                                            Pepper (optional)                                            4 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil If you're not quit