Thursday, March 6, 2025

Dreamy Delight Cold Cake – A Slice of Heavenly Bliss recipe by morEwish

 


Some desserts are more than just a treat—they’re a moment of pure joy! Dreamy Delight Cold Cake is exactly that. This no-bake, creamy, and refreshing dessert is the perfect balance of tropical flavors, nutty crunch, and velvety smoothness.

Traditionally known as Million-Dollar Pie, this classic icebox dessert has been around since the 1940s. Over time, taste preferences have evolved, and so has this recipe! Toasting the coconut and pecans brings out deep, rich flavors, while cream cheese and fresh lemon juice balance the sweetness. The result? A perfectly creamy, dreamy dessert that’s light yet indulgent.



Since I made this in a crescent-shaped silicone mold for Ramadan, I can confidently say—it’s a beautiful centerpiece for Eid as well! I ordered my mold from Temu, and while it was fun to use, unmolding was tricky, so be very careful! Decorate it after unmolding for the best results (I learned the hard way! 😉) 

Why You’ll Love This Cold Cake

✔ No-Bake & Effortless – A perfect make-ahead dessert for Ramadan or Eid.

✔ Creamy & Tropical – The combo of pineapple, coconut, and cream cheese is heavenly.

✔ Make It Your Own – Use all crushed pineapple or a mix with chunks for extra texture.

✔ Gorgeous Presentation – The crescent shape makes it a unique and festive treat.



Instagram Reel:



Ingredients

For the Crust

14 graham crackers, finely crushed (about 2 cups)
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
⅓ cup (66 g) granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon salt

For the Filling

1 ½ cups sweetened coconut flakes
1 cup chopped raw pecans
4 oz. cream cheese
1 (14-oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
1 (20-oz.) can crushed pineapple, drained (Make sure to squeeze out all the juice, or it will mess up the filling!) For added texture, you can mix ½ can crushed pineapple & ½ can pineapple chunks, or use just one kind—both work great!
1 (8-oz.) container Cool Whip for mixing in

For topping: Swirls of Cool Whip made with a star tip


Directions

1. Prepare the Crust

Grease a 9" deep pie dish, 9x13 baking dish, or a crescent-shaped silicone mold (like I used).

In a large bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and salt until it resembles wet sand.

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of your prepared dish.

For a crescent mold, be extra careful to press the crumbs into every nook and cranny!

Refrigerate to set while preparing the filling


2. Toast the Coconut & Pecans (Optional but Highly Recommended!)

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Spread the coconut flakes and chopped pecans evenly on a baking sheet.

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, tossing halfway through, until lightly toasted.

Let cool for about 15 minutes. (Toasting enhances the flavor so much, but you can skip this step if needed.)


3. Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with a handheld mixer until smooth.

Add the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and salt, and mix until well combined.

Stir in the drained & well-squeezed crushed pineapple and all but ½ cup of the toasted coconut and pecans.

Gently fold in one container of Cool Whip until evenly combined.


4. Assemble the Cake

Pour the creamy filling into the chilled crust and smooth the top.

If using a crescent mold, be extra careful while filling it in evenly.

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

If using a crescent mold, unmold carefully after chilling, then decorate. (Trust me—decorate AFTER unmolding!)


5. Decorate & Serve

Instead of spreading an extra layer of Cool Whip, I piped swirls using a star tip for a more elegant look.

Sprinkle the reserved toasted coconut and pecans on top.

Garnish with maraschino cherries for a festive touch!



This Dreamy Delight Cold Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration in every bite! Whether you’re making it for Eid, Ramadan, or any special occasion, this creamy, tropical delight will be the highlight of your table.

Try it, and let me know how yours turns out!



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Monday, February 24, 2025

Dubai Viral Chocolate Dates – A Must-Try for This Ramadan recipe by morEwish

 

Ramadan is a time of reflection, spirituality, and of course, delicious food shared with loved ones. Every year, I look forward to trying something new for my Iftar table, and this time, the viral chocolate-flavored dates from Dubai have caught my attention! There’s something magical about combining tradition with innovation, and these dates do just that—melding the natural sweetness of dates with a crispy, nutty filling and a luxurious chocolate coating.



At first, I wasn’t sure if I’d get hooked on this flavor, but after trying them, I knew they had to be part of my filled dates platter for Iftar. The crunch from the Kataifi, the creamy pistachio center, and the smooth chocolate shell create an irresistible combination. If you’re looking for a show-stopping treat that’s easy to make and bound to impress, this is it!



Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Dates:

Choose the Right Dates – Medjool dates work best because they’re plump, soft, and naturally sweet.

Don’t Skip Chilling – Refrigerating the stuffed dates before dipping helps keep the filling intact and prevents mess.

Use Quality Chocolate – Opt for semi-sweet or dark chocolate for a rich and balanced flavor.

Customize the Filling – Swap pistachio cream with almond or hazelnut spread for a different flavor twist.

Garnish Creatively – Sprinkle shredded Kataifi, crushed pistachios, or edible gold dust for an elegant touch.


Instagram Reel:


Ingredients:

Dates (preferably Medjool dates)
1 tbsp butter
100 gm Kataifi pastry, finely chopped
3-4 tbsp pistachio cream
1 tsp tahini
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate
1 tsp coconut oil
Chopped pistachios for garnish

Instructions:


1. Prepare the Dates – Wash and pat dry the dates. Make a slit and remove the pit.

2. Prepare the Filling – In a pan, melt the butter and add finely chopped Kataifi pastry. Cook until golden brown, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Transfer to a bowl and mix in pistachio cream and tahini. Let it cool completely.

3. Stuff the Dates – Take a spoonful of the cooled Kataifi-pistachio filling and fill the cavity of each date. Place the filled dates in the fridge to firm up. Chilling them makes them easier to handle when dipping in chocolate.

4. Melt the Chocolate – In a bowl, combine chocolate chips or chopped chocolate with coconut oil. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, and continue microwaving in 10-second intervals until smooth.

5. Coat the Dates – Remove the dates from the fridge. Using a fork or toothpick, dip each date into the melted chocolate, ensuring full coverage. Place them on a tray lined with parchment paper.

6. Garnish and Set – Sprinkle chopped pistachios on top before the chocolate hardens. Keep them in the fridge until ready to serve.




These chocolate-flavored dates are not just a viral sensation but a delightful addition to your Iftar spread. Whether you serve them as a treat for your family or gift them to loved ones, they’re bound to impress. Give them a try this Ramadan and enjoy a bite of this Middle Eastern-inspired indulgence!

Let me know if you get hooked on this flavor too! 
#Alhumdulilah #morEwish #morEwishCuisine

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Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Chicken Kabsa recipe by morEwish


There’s something incredibly comforting about a dish that fills your home with rich, aromatic spices and brings the whole family together. Chicken Kabsa is one such dish—a Middle Eastern favorite that combines spiced, tender chicken with fragrant basmati rice, all cooked in a single pot for maximum flavor.

While this may not be the most traditional or authentic Kabsa recipe, it is the version my family and I absolutely love. It’s inspired by the flavors I experienced in Saudi Arabia, and after trying multiple variations, this recipe comes very close to the taste I remember. It’s now a staple in my home, and I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as we do!


What is Chicken Kabsa?

Chicken Kabsa is a popular rice dish from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region. It features perfectly seasoned chicken, cooked with warm spices, tomatoes, and dry limes (loomi), giving it a tangy depth and smoky aroma. The chicken is often roasted for a crispy finish, while the rice absorbs all the delicious flavors from the broth, creating an incredibly rich and satisfying meal.

This dish is often served with a side of yogurt sauce, fresh salads, or pickled vegetables, making it a complete and hearty meal. It’s not only delicious but also visually impressive.


Step by Step Cooking Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Base

1. In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat the oil over medium heat.

2. Add the onion, garlic paste, ginger paste, and tomato paste. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and translucent.

Step 2: Toast the Spices

3. Add the whole spices (bay leaves, cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and dry lime) along with raisins and all the ground kabsa spice mix (reserve 2 tablespoons for later).

4. Stir and toast the spices for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

5. Add the chicken leg quarters, skin side down, and coat them well in the spice mixture.

6. Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes, until the skin is golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

7. Pour in the pureed tomatoes and stir well to combine.

8. Cover the pot and let the chicken simmer on low heat for about 30-40 minutes.

Step 5: Roast the Chicken for Extra Flavor

9. Preheat your oven to broil.

10. Remove the chicken from the pot and place it on a baking tray.

11. Sprinkle the reserved Kabsa spice mix over the chicken.

12. Broil in the oven for 5-10 minutes, until the skin is crispy and golden.

Step 6: Cook the Rice

13. While the chicken is roasting, add the rinsed basmati rice into the same pot with the tomato and spice-infused broth.

14. Pour in enough water to cook the rice and add salt to taste.

15. Stir well, then cover and let the rice cook over low heat for 20 minutes, until fluffy and tender.

Step 7: Let It All Steam Together

16. Once the rice is cooked, place the roasted chicken back on top of the rice.

17. Cover the pot and let everything steam for another 10-15 minutes.

Step 8: Assemble & Serve

18. Transfer the rice to a serving platter and arrange the roasted chicken on top.

19. Garnish with raisins, toasted slivered almonds, and chopped parsley.


Tips for the Perfect Chicken Kabsa

✅ Use long-grain basmati rice – Soaking the rice ensures fluffier results.

✅ Dry limes (loomi) add a signature tangy depth – Don’t skip them!

✅ Broiling the chicken enhances the flavor – It adds a delicious roasted taste.

✅ Let the rice and chicken steam together – This enhances the flavors and makes the dish extra aromatic.

✅ For extra richness, you can add ghee or butter – Just a tablespoon at the end makes a big difference!


Instagram Reel:

Ingredients:

For the Chicken & Base
¼ cup oil (vegetable or olive oil)
1 tablespoon garlic paste
1 tablespoon ginger paste
¼ cup tomato paste
1 yellow onion, diced
2 tomatoes, pureed
2 lbs (around 3 to 4) chicken leg quarters with skin
¼ cup raisins (adds a touch of sweetness)

Whole Spices (for that deep aroma!)
4 bay leaves
6 cardamom pods
6 cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
3 dry lime (loomi) (a must for authentic flavor!)

Kabsa Spice Mix
2 teaspoons coriander
½ teaspoon cardamom
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon onion powder
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons chili powder or paprika
2 teaspoons 7-spice mix (or substitute with a mix of allspice, nutmeg, and cumin)

For the Rice
3 cups basmati rice, rinsed well and soaked
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
Water (as needed for cooking rice)

Optional Garnishes
Raisins
Slivered toasted almonds
Chopped parsley


Why We Love This Version

This Chicken Kabsa recipe may not be 100% authentic, but it tastes incredibly close to what I had in Saudi Arabia. It has become a family favorite, and I love how the flavors develop every time I make it. The combination of warm spices, tender chicken, and fragrant rice makes it the ultimate comfort food.

Have you tried Chicken Kabsa before? Let me know in the comments below!

> This recipe is adapted from Moribyan’s Chicken Kabsa recipe, with tweaks to suit my family’s taste!

 

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Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Make-Ahead Garlic Herb Chicken and Greek-Style Chicken recipe by morEwish


Ramadan Meal Prep: Make-Ahead Garlic Herb Chicken and Greek-Style Chicken

Ramadan is just around the corner, and with shorter fasts this year, I’m getting a head start on meal prep to keep things simple yet delicious. These two chicken recipes – Garlic Herb Chicken and Greek-Style Chicken – are versatile, flavorful, and perfect for a variety of meals throughout the month. Whether you pair them with salad, steamed rice, daal chawal, or use them in sandwiches and wraps, these recipes will make your suhoor and iftar effortless and satisfying.


Why These Recipes Work

The beauty of these recipes lies in their simplicity and flexibility. You can prep them in advance, freeze them, and cook them straight from the freezer. For these recipes, I’m collaborating with Golden Steer Italian Herb Seasoning – Table 40. This seasoning blend is crafted from whole, garden-fresh dried herbs combined with granulated tomato powder, bringing bold flavors to your cooking.

You can even grab 10% off your purchase of the seasonin with my code! And let’s not forget, I’m using Golden Steer’s beautiful Golden Spoon to make the meal prep feel extra special.



Meal Prep Tips

Freezer-Friendly: Place the marinated chicken in a ziplock bag, flatten it, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Cooking Options: Steam, air-fry, or bake. I steamed the chicken today, which kept it tender and juicy.

Serving Suggestions: My family loves to drizzle the extra cooking juices over salad, but these recipes work beautifully in any dish you like.

Instagram Reel:



Garlic Herb Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs skinless chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 Tbsp Golden Steer Italian Herb Seasoning (or substitute with:
    • 1 Tbsp minced fresh oregano
    • 1 Tbsp minced fresh rosemary
    • 2 tsp minced fresh thyme)
  • 1 Tbsp minced garlic (extra flavor is always a win!)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)

Directions:

1. In a ziplock bag, combine the chicken, olive oil, lemon juice, seasoning, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

2. Seal the bag and mix everything well to coat the chicken evenly.

3. Lay the bag flat in the freezer, or refrigerate for at least 2 hours if cooking immediately.

4. To cook: Steam, bake, or air-fry. I steam-cooked the chicken in a heated pan, covering and simmering until tender. Increase the heat to evaporate excess water, leaving a little for added flavor.


Greek-Style Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 4 Tbsp Greek yogurt
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 Tbsp Golden Steer Italian Herb Seasoning (or substitute with:
    • 2 tsp oregano
    • 1 tsp paprika
    • 1 tsp garlic powder)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (for an extra kick!)
  • 1 tsp salt (or to taste)

Directions:

1. In a ziplock bag, combine the chicken, olive oil, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, seasoning, smoked paprika, and salt.

2. Seal and mix to coat the chicken evenly.

3. Lay the bag flat in the freezer, or marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

4. To cook: Steam, bake, or air-fry. For today’s meal, I steamed the chicken until tender and kept a bit of the broth to drizzle over my salad.



These recipes are not just quick and easy, but they’re packed with flavor and ideal for Ramadan meal prep. Whether you’re feeding a crowd for iftar or just preparing a simple suhoor, these chicken dishes will make your life easier and tastier this Ramadan.

Happy prepping!








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Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Dubai Viral Chocolate-Flavored Cheesecake recipe by morEwish

 


Dubai's vibrant culinary scene is always buzzing with new trends, and recently, a chocolate bar filled with crispy kunafa and pistachio cream has taken the city by storm. Inspired by this viral treat, I created the Dubai Viral Chocolate-Flavored Cheesecake, a luxurious dessert that mirrors the rich flavors and textures of the beloved chocolate bar.

This cheesecake is a delightful fusion of creamy, nutty, and chocolatey elements, with a base that captures the essence of crispy kunafa, a pistachio cream filling, and a luscious chocolate ganache topping. Let’s dive into the details of this irresistible dessert.



A Dessert Worth Going Viral

The Dubai Viral Chocolate-Flavored Cheesecake pays homage to the sensational chocolate bar with its crispy kunafa layer and pistachio cream filling. Each bite is a perfect harmony of crunchy, creamy, and chocolatey goodness. It’s the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves the unique flavors of the Middle East and the indulgence of chocolate.


Serving Suggestions

Serve this cheesecake as the highlight of your dessert table, paired with a cup of Arabic coffee or mint tea. It’s perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or simply as a luxurious treat to savor at home.




Ingredients Breakdown

For the Base:

Kadayif/Kataifi Pastry: Resembling the crispy layer of the chocolate bar, this pastry provides a crunchy base.

Unsalted Butter: Toasts the pastry to a golden brown, adding a rich flavor.

Pistachio Cream: Mimics the pistachio filling in the chocolate bar, adding a creamy nuttiness.

Tahini: Balances the sweetness with its slightly bitter undertones.

For the Pistachio Cheesecake Filling:

Cream Cheese: Forms the creamy, tangy base of the filling.

Pistachio Cream: Infuses the filling with a rich, nutty flavor.

White Chocolate: Adds sweetness and smoothness.

Vanilla Essence: Enhances the overall flavor profile.

Whipped ream: Whipped to add lightness to the filling.

Icing Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream.

For the Ganache:

Dark Chocolate and Milk Chocolate: The combination creates a balanced chocolate topping.

Whipping Cream: When heated, it turns the chocolate into a smooth ganache.


1. Prepare the Base:

Finely chop the Kadayif pastry to ensure a uniform, crispy base.

Melt the butter in a pan and add the Kadayif. Toast the pastry until it's 80% browned, about 20 minutes, stirring constantly.

Transfer the toasted pastry to a bowl to cool. 

Mix the cooled pastry with pistachio cream and tahini. Set aside a few tablespoons for topping.

Press this mixture into a greased 9-inch springform pan and flatten it with the back of a spoon or a glass. Chill in the fridge while preparing the filling.

2. Create the Pistachio Filling:

Whisk the cream cheese, pistachio cream, melted white chocolate, and vanilla essence for 2-3 minutes until smooth.

In a separate bowl, whisk the cream with icing sugar until stiff peaks form.

Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture gently.

Pour the filling over the prepared base, smoothing it out with a spatula. Refrigerate while making the ganache.

3. Make the Ganache:

Heat the cream in the microwave or over a double boiler until it starts to bubble.

Pour the hot cream over the chopped dark and milk cchocolate or chocolate chips and let it sit for a minute.

Stir until the chocolate melts and the ganache is smooth. If necessary, use a double boiler to melt any remaining chocolate.

Pour the ganache over the cheesecake filling and spread it evenly.

4. Final Touches and Chilling:

Decorate with the reserved Kadayif mixture, additional pistachio cream, and chopped pistachios.

Chill the cheesecake in the fridge overnight or for at least 6 hours to set.

Remove from the fridge 10 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly.





Instagram Reel:


Ingredients:

For the base: 
300g Kadayif/Kataifi Pastry 
120g Unsalted Butter 
200g Pistachio Cream 
1 tbsp Tahini 

For the Pistachio filling: 
400g Cream Cheese 
200g Pistachio Cream 
200g White Chocolate 
1 tsp Vanilla Essence 
300ml Whipping Cream 
2 tbsp Icing Sugar 

For the Ganache: 
200g Dark Chocolate 
200g Milk Chocolate 
250ml Whipping Cream 

Inspired by Dubai’s viral chocolate bar, this cheesecake captures the essence of that delightful treat in every layer. Bring a slice of Dubai into your kitchen with this show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Get ready to create your own viral sensation with this Dubai Viral Chocolate-Flavored Cheesecake!




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