Try a Taste of Beirut

For those of you foodies out there, you are in for a special treat. One of our new cookbooks, Taste of Beirut by Joumana Accad, besides being filled with gorgeous photographs, has some spectacular recipes as well. Here is one to get you in the mood:

Spinach Turnovers
(Fatayer Bel-Sabanegh)

Yield: 35 small turnovers

Ingredients:

     Dough - 

         1/2 cup warm water (or more as needed)

         3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

         1 tsp salt

         2 tbs oil

     Filling - 

         2 lbs fresh spinach, washed

         4 large onions, finely chopped

         1/4 cup ground sumac

         1 tbs salt plus more as needed

         1 tsp black (or white) pepper

         1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more to brush on turnovers

         1/4 cup lemon juice

         1/3 cup pine nuts (optional)

Pre-directions:

• Washed spinach must be sprinkled with salt (not taken out of the 1tbs salt mentioned above) and 1/2 of the sumac prior to recipe.
• Pine nuts should be soaked in a bowl of water for one hour prior to use in recipe.

Directions for dough:

1. Combine flour and salt in a stand mixer on low speed. With the mixer still running, slowly pour in the oil. Then add the water.
2. Keep kneading at medium speed for 10 minutes until dough is smooth, shiny, and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. If the dough is too dry, ad a bit more water; if too moist, add in more flour, 1/2 cup at a time. The amount of water and flour you use depends on the day you are making it. Eventually the dough will take on the right texture -- smooth, firm and supple.

Directions for the turnovers:

1. Cut the dough into 6 small balls. Sprinkle flour on a large tray and set each ball of dough on the floured tray, dousing it lightly with flour. Cover with a cloth and turn your attention to the stuffing.
2. Chop the spinach coarsely with the stems. Place the spinach and onions in a large colander and sprinkle with the remaining sumac, salt and pepper. Set over the sink and squeeze the moisture from the mix. Transfer the mix to a large bowl.
3. Mix the oil and lemon juice in a small bowl. Pour the dressing over the spinach mix until it is moistened but no more than that. If the mix is too wet, it causes the turnovers to open up.
4. Preheat the oven to 375F. Roll out the dough on a floured counter, one ball at a time, as thin as possible. Cut out rounds with a cookie cutter (or the rim of a glass). Place 1 tablespoon of stuffing on each turnover. Lift the turnover on two sides and pinch them first to enclose the circle. Lift the remaining side and pinch to seal to the other two sides to form a pyramid. Place the pyramids on greased cookie sheets. Brush the tops with olive oil. Bake 15 minutes or until the tops and bottoms are golden. Serve at room temperature.

This book and many others are available for checkout and purchase at the Islamic Resource Center. Remember, Ramadan is just around the corner. These books can be a great time saver in the preparation of your evening meals. To further show you the wonders of these books, I will include one recipe every week during the month of Ramadan, so stay tuned to this blog and get your book today!

Getting Ready for Ramadan 2017

Ramadan is right around the corner. We understand all that has to go into getting you and your family ready for this joyful month and are here to help. As just a token of our support, we would like to share some of the wonderful books that can help to get you into the mood.

Eid and Ramadan Songs
by Fawzia Gilani Williams
A book of lyrics of Eid songs that teach about Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha and Ramadan. These songs and poems are easy to learn and fun to sing. Perfect to get your children into the Ramadan spirit.

An Encouraging Word: A Ramadan Inspired Collection of Essays
by Abu Jamiylah Abdul-Malik
This collection of essays, written during the month of Ramadan, reflecting on the many favors of Allah is sure to put you in a reflective mood as well.

Etiquette with the Quran
by Nawawi
This enduring classic on the etiquette a Muslim must or should have toward the handling and reciting of the Qur'an explores such topics as ritual cleanliness, opportune times for recitation, student-teacher etiquette, and a variety of other issues and topics that not only should every Muslim know and talk about but also are designed to bring you closer to the word of God at such an important spiritual time.

Fasting and Dates: a Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr Story
by Jonny Zucker
This book is part of a series that explores different cultures and their major holidays in a way that all children can understand. The colorful illustrations are enticing to young children while providing necessary information and the back of the book provides a two-page spread of information for adults including methods of conveying the importance and meaning of the holidays to the children in a meaningful and enjoyable way.

Fasting From Alif to Yaa: a Day By Day Guide To Making the Most of Ramadhaan
by Umm Mujaahid Khadijah Bint Lacina al-Amreekeeyyah as-Salafiyyah
This guide contains additional daily points of benefit to help readers make the most of the Ramadan season. Containing stories of the Prophets and Messengers including activities for the whole family to enjoy and benefit from for each day of Ramadan, global Muslim recipes and additional support, this is a go-to book for getting the most out of Ramadan this year.

Mecca the Blessed, Medina the Radiant: the Holiest Cities of Islam
written by Seyyed Hossein Nasr, photographed by Ali Kazuyoshi Nomachi

Mecca and Medina are by far the two holiest cities in the Islamic world. This book, photographed by the distinguished Japanese photographer Ali Kazuyoshi Namachi, a convert to the Muslim faith who was given unprecedented access to both cities, including Medina's Mosque of the Prophet and Mecca's sacred center, the Ka'bah, is sure to inspire. Accompanying the photographs and numerous archival illustrations, Dr. Seyyed Hossein Nasr's text forms a valuable guide to the spiritual and historical foundations of the Muslim faith.

Lailah's Lunchbox: a Ramadan Story
by Reem Faruqi
Now that she is ten, Lailah is delighted that she can fast during the month of Ramadan like her family and friends in Abu Dhabi, but finding a way to explain to her teacher and classmates in Atlanta is a challenge until she gets some good advice from the librarian, Mrs. Scrabble. Beautifully written and illustrated, this book is a wonderful way to bring both Muslim children and their non-Muslim friends together. Read it for classroom story time or as an evening treat. It is sure to open up the season of Ramadan for everyone.

Welcome Ramadan!
by Lila Assiff-Tarabain
"The Spirit of fasting in Ramadan builds human character by encouraging the person to do good and refrain from doing anything that would harm others. The fasting person learns patience, perseverance, self-discipline, sacrifice, and compassion and sympathy for those that are less fortunate." This book helps teach young children the importance of fasting in Ramadan with brilliant illustrations and wonderful wording. Brought to you by the good people of Goodword Kids.

It's Ramadan, Curious George
written by Hena Khan, illustrated by Mary O'Keefe Young
One of the breakout hits of last year, It's Ramadan, Curious George is sure to please. George is so excited. He is going to celebrate Ramadan with his friend Kareem! Together they sample special treats, make baskets to donate to the needy, and look for the crescent moon. The man in the yellow hat even gets in on the fun with a yellow fez! Come along to celebrate this special time of year with everyone's favorite monkey in the playful book of rhymes.


The Ramadan of Shaikh al-Hadith Muhammad Zakariyya
by Mohammed Ismail Memon Madani, a.k.a. Ismail Memon
The blessed month of Ramadan is a special gift from Allah. It is an opportunity for any Muslim who makes the most of their time in this blessed month to become a beloved close servant of Allah. Join Shaikh al-Hadith Zakariyya for a wonderful Ramadan journey.


Who Hid the Eid Lamb = Man khaba kharuf al-id
by Taghrid Arif Najjar
Grandmother Fatoum tells her grandchildren how as a child she got attached to the Eid lamb. The story is retold in flashback and set in a Palestinian village. This is a wonderful look at Muslim holiday traditions told through the eyes of a family.

In the Shade of the Qur'an 
written by Sayyid Qutb, translated and edited by Adil Salahi

This eighteen volume series is considered one of the most preeminent Qur'anic commentaries of the 20th century. It is an earnest and sincere look at man's contemporary achievements and difficulties in the light of the message of the Qur'an. This commentary spans the entirety of the text of the Qur'an. This work has been universally recognized as an outstanding contribution to Islamic thought and scholarship. As a part of your pre-Ramadan study, you can't go much better than this text taking you to the heart of the Qur'an.

The Islamic Year: Surahs, Stories and Celebrations
written by Noorah Al-Gailani and Chris Smith, illustrated by Helen Williams
Filled with illustrations, calendars, maps, pictures from the Muslim world, the Names of God and information on Islamic holidays, festivals and celebrations throughout the year, this book will feed your need for knowledge of the important events in the Muslim year.



Now that you have the opportunity to find some stellar and outstanding resources to get you in the Ramadan and Eid spirit, it is time to visit our center and check out (or purchase) some books and movies.

Get ready!
                 Get set!
                             Go!

Ramadan Meal Ideas #3

Welcome back to Breaking Fasts With Style. I am your host, the friendly neighborhood librarian at the Islamic Resource Center. Are you ready to try out some tasty side dishes today?

First up is the Soft Cheese Salad with Tomato and Basil Topped with Asparagus from the World Vegetarian cookbook by Madhur Jaffrey. We will follow this up with a potato s from The Iraqi Cookbook by Lamees Ibrahim.

Soft Cheese Salad with Tomato and Basil Topped with Asparagus
Serves 4
Prep time: 30 min. Cook time

Ingredients:
1 scallion
18 fresh asparagus spears
9 oz fresh paneer or mozzarella (the fresher the better)
1 tomato, peeled, seeded, and diced about 1/3-inch big
1/3 large green bell pepper, diced about 1/3-inch big
1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon crushed garlic
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon peanut or canola oil
2 teaspoons oriental sesame oil
1/2 cup fresh basil, cut into fine strips (chiffonade)

Directions: Cut the scallion into 2" segments, stack, and slice into very fine rounds. Put them into a small bowl of ice water, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Drain, spread in a dish towel and wring out.

Cut off (or snap off) the tough ends of the asparagus spears and discard. Peel the lower half of the spears, then cut into 1/3-inch segments, leaving the heads whole.

In a bowl, crumple the cheese into small pieces. Add the scallion, tomato, bell pepper, parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and 3/4 teaspoon salt. Mix well and set aside.

Put the vegetable oil in a nonstick medium frying pan or saute pan and set over medium-high heat. When it is hot, add the asparagus and stir once or twice. Add the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 cup water to the pan and mix. Cover and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the asparagus is just tender. Uncover and add the sesame oil; stir to mix. turn the heat up to high and cook until all the liquid evaporates. Remove from the heat.

Toss the basil with the cheese mixture. Mix well. The asparagus can either be arranged on top of the cheese mixture or mixed into the cheese. Serve warm, at room temperature or chilled.

Note: This recipe looks like it has a lot going on, but really it comes down to preparing the scallion, cooking the asparagus, and mixing everything together. It is quite simple to make and is a nice cheery dish to go alongside your main creation or to be served as the main course.

Potato Salad (Zalatat Potaita)
Serves 2-3

Ingredients
4-5 medium or 8-10 small new potatoes
2-3 medium tomatoes
1 large cucumber
1 green pepper
1 red pepper
1 handful fresh parsley, chopped
lemon juice
olive oil
                                               salt and black pepper to taste

Directions:
Boil the potatoes until soft and allow them to cool. Peel and cut the cooled potatoes into cubes and set aside.

Chop the tomatoes, peppers and cucumber into cubes.

Mix all cut ingredients together. Season with salt and black pepper. Add in the chopped parsley, lemon juice and olive oil.

Stay tuned for more recipes as the month continues. This cookbook and others like it are available from our bookstore at the IRC. We return you now to your regularly scheduled library blog.

Ramadan Meal Ideas #2

We're back for another installment of "What To Make For Dinner." Last episode we treated you to the taste of India with some succulent lamb chops. This episode we will be making a classic Iraqi treat called "Jouz al-hind," also known as Coconut discs or how I've always known them, coconut macaroons (my caucasian heritage is showing). This recipe has been adapted from The IRAQI Cookbook by Lamees Ibrahim to fit our needs:

Coconut Discs (Jouz al-Hind)
                           Makes 25-35 treats
Prep time: 15 minutes - Baking Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
8 oz / 3 cups shredded coconut
3 eggs
6 oz / ¾ cup sugar
a few drops of vanilla extract
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Confectioner's sugar (optional)

Directions:
Mix the eggs and sugar and beat with a fork. Add the vanilla extract. Stir in the lemon juice. Add the shredded coconut and mix well.

Add the baking powder and kneed the mixture until mixture becomes smooth and doughlike.

Form the dough into small balls (the size of walnuts) and place them on a greased baking tray. Make sure to leave about ½ - 1 inch between each.

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F / 180°C for about 10 minutes or until slightly browned on top.

Decorate with a little confectioner's sugar.

Note: You can cool the dough in the fridge for half an hour before making the little balls. This will help to keep their shape during baking.


Variation: As I mentioned earlier, I've more often seen them called macaroons and were a staple of winter holidays in my home. Besides the traditional way described above, I've also done these with a little chocolate on the bottom or drizzled on top after baking. To do this, either slowly melt some semi-sweet chocolate in a double boiler or, if you don't have one, put about 1 inch of water in a pot and bring it to a gentle boil, placing a bowl on top so that the sides rest on the edges and the bottom does not touch the water. Place the chocolate in the bowl and stir constantly until melted. Dip the baked (and cooled) cookies in the chocolate and place on a cookie sheet covered in parchment paper and let dry/cool.


Stay tuned for more recipes as the month continues. This cookbook and others like it are available from our bookstore at the IRC. We return you now to your regularly scheduled library blog.

Ramadan Meal Ideas #1

Okay, we started the tradition last year with the occasional IRC Facebook post during Ramadan in which I shared a couple of the delicious recipes found in the cookbooks in our bookstore. After all, we all know how stressful cooking can be around the holidays. So during the month of Ramadan we will be sharing a few easy recipes you can try at home from some of our fantastic cookbooks along with tips, tricks, and our own experiences with some of the dishes. Check back weekly to find new posts with recipes, crafts, and more. Ramadan Mubarak everyone!

We will start the series off with this wonderful recipe for grilled lamb chops adapted from the book
5 spices, 50 dishes:

Lamb Chops with a Spicy Rub

Serves 4

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger (roughly 2-inch piece)
1 teaspoon finely grated garlic (roughly 2 large cloves)
¾ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cayenne
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon ground coriander
¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
8 lamb rib chops (about 1 pound 4 ounces)
3 tablespoons canola oil

In a bowl large enough to hold the chops, mix together all of the spices to form a thick, slightly dry paste. Rub the chops well with this mixture and set aside to marinate for at least 2 hours and up to 8 hours in the refrigerator.

Heat a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil. Sear the chops to the desired level of doneness, 4 to 5 minutes on each side for rare. You may also grill these chops  on an outdoor grill over high heat. Let rest briefly before serving.

Side suggestions:

Lamb chops tend to pair well with potatoes, rice (pilafs are nice), or green vegetables. I have even seen a wonderful couscous salad with cucumbers, red onions and various herbs that worked wonders as a side dish to this flavorful lamb.

Stay tuned for more recipes as the month continues. This cookbook and others like it are available from our bookstore at the IRC. We return you now to your regularly scheduled library blog.

Curious George Does Ramadan At the IRC

With Ramadan about a month away, we thought now would be the perfect time to announce the arrival of a familiar simian friend to our center. Just released a few days ago, It's Ramadan, Curious George makes its debut appearance here at the IRC. Not only is it available to borrow from our library, we also have a stock of them for immediate sale through our bookstore. In this beautiful board book, Curious George has a new Muslim friend who is about to start his first fast. Join George as he learns all about the Muslim holiday.

Your Donations Hard at Work

Meet the newest members of the Islamic Resource Center. Whether you are two or one hundred and two, we have some wonderful new books for you to discover. These fantastic books wouldn't be possible without the generous financial contributions from patrons like you:

In the Shade of the Qur'an (18 vol.)
by Sayyid Qutb
"In the Shade of the Qur'an has been universally recognised as an outstanding contribution to Islamic thought and scholarship, to which students and scholars, as well as contemporary Islamic revivalist movements all over the world, owe a great deal. Now that it is available in English, it will continue to enlighten and inspire millions more. It will take its rightful place as an indispensable work of reference for a proper understanding of contemporary Islamic
                                                                                    thinking." -- Back cover.

Stories from the Sahaba (5 vol.)

by Noura Durkee
"IQRA's series, Stories of the Sahaba, is a unique set of books adapted by Noura Durkee. This series presents the lives of the Sahaba, or the companions of the Prophet Mohammad (s), for younger generations of Muslims through rich and engaging stories." -- Noorart website.

Ilyas and Duck and the Fantastic Festival of Eid-al-Fitr
by Omar S Khawaja, illustrated by Leo Antolini
"Eid-al-Fitr is here. Ilyas & Duck are ready to enjoy the day but Duck is confused about how Eid is celebrated. Duck's confusion turns to curiosity and culminates with a fantastic discovery about this exciting festival of breaking the fast.
Join Ilyas & Duck in this action packed story as they explore the fun and excitement of Eid and learn about the charitable nature of it all." -- Inside cover.

Lailah's Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story
by Reem Faruqi, illustrated by Lea Lyon
     "Lailah is growing up, and this Ramadan will be the first one when she will fast. But Lailah's family moved from Abu Dhabi to America last year, and things are different now. Her mother gives her a note for her teacher, explaining why Lailah is not bringing her lunch. But reading the note fills Lailah with worry. Will her teacher understand? Will her classmates?
     At lunchtime, her concerns drive her to the library, where she finds a way to overcome her fears and explain the meaning of Ramadan to her new school
family." -- Back cover.

Come in to the Islamic Resource Center today for these and many others.

Holiday Hours for May-July 2015

In observance of Memorial Day, we will be closed this Sunday and Monday. The Sunday morning class on Muhammad (pbuh) will not be meeting this weekend. We hope your weekend is sunny and warm and we look forward to seeing you throughout the rest of the week.

In other news, Ramadan is fast approaching and with it our holiday hours. While we encourage you to visit, during the month of Ramadan our hours will be Sundays from 10AM through 3PM and Monday through Friday from 10AM through 6PM. We will also be closed July 17th in observance of Eid.

Great Ramadan Gifts for the Entire Community

It's May and that means Ramadan is almost here. Time to get your loved ones gifts to share on Eid and what better way to do that then to come over to the Islamic Resource Center? You can pick out an enlightening book, entertaining Islamic game or enchanting hijab.

Not seeing the right book or other giftable item for the special people in your lives? Let us know and maybe we can special order the item you are looking for. And now, with our newly extended hours, you can stop by at your convenience.

If you are looking for a worthy cause for donation, all donations given to the IRC are waqf. They help to stock the library shelves with new materials, maintain current materials, and keep our programs running. Without your support, we wouldn't be able to serve you.

That certainly sounds like one-stop shopping for the whole community.

IRC To Expand Hours This May

It is amazing how many changes we have been undergoing lately. Between adding new sections, creating new programs and hosting our first-ever film festival, it seems like there is always something going on. Well, now we are changing again to give you more.

Earlier this year we gave you Sunday mornings due to popular demand. Now we are going to expand our regular hours for you even further. Get ready to have your socks knocked off because we are going to be open Monday through Friday from 10AM through 7:30PM! That's 9, count them NINE extra hours we are available to serve you every week!

These extra hours start May 4th. Come in and visit us. Check out a book, buy a Ramadan gift or just say hello. We are waiting for you.