Breakfast in Palestine-- by Dixiane Hallaj

 Nonfiction / Memoir

202 pages/

5 Stars

 

I love a good memoir, I love history, and I love good food and recipes, and this delightful book gives me all. 

 

Ms. Hallaj lived with her husband and (at the time) two children in Palestine. This book gives us a beautiful look into her sudden extended family from a vastly different culture. She was welcomed with open arms, and accepted into the family, where she learned a new language, a new culture, and a vastly different kitchen.

 

Neon pink pickled turnips for breakfast? But of course! Hummus? Naturally, this is the Middle East, after all. Not only does Ms. Hallaj give us stories about the foods, and recipes adapted to American kitchens, she gives us history with flavor.

 

She also provides links at the end of each chapter for more information on the recipes and histories. 

 

If you are an armchair traveler pining for a place and time to visit, if you are a moderately adventurous cook, if you just want to feel good about your fellow human beings, read this book. Totally delightful