Your Lebanon Chef Feature:
Fufu’s Kitchen
Heifa of Fufu’s Kitchen (Fufu in the Kitchen) is a Palestinian-American published food blogger and cake decorator who shares healthier cooking and baking recipes. The food she shares is from different cuisines, as well as Middle Eastern, tends to dietary restrictions, and often includes recipes with video tutorials!
Connect:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fufuinthekitchen/
- Website: www.fufuskitchen.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fufuinthekitchen/
Guest Recipe Features:
Q & A with Heifa
Please tell us about yourself:
Hello! My name is Heifa, but my family and friends call me Fufu hence my blog’s name! I am Palestinian with a bachelor’s degree in Biology. I was also a teacher for 2 years before moving and now I tutor part-time while blogging and recipe developing as well. My true passion is cooking and baking; it’s therapeutic for me. I have adapted a healthier lifestyle after weight struggles and my food shows that! Lots of the cuisine I portray are healthier creative alternatives that are dietary restriction friendly. Outside of cooking, I enjoy working on DIY projects and reading a good book!
Where are you from:
I am a born and raised Jersey girl with Palestinian roots. We are from a small village by Salfit named Farkha.
Where are you currently residing:
Chicago, Illinois
What is your favorite Middle Eastern dish to make:
That’s a difficult question! I love so many foods from Middle Eastern cuisine. I must say though, I enjoy making chicken shawerma with garlic sauce, Jerusalem salad, and spiced baked potatoes. It’s the perfect meal for me!
Do you prefer traditional Middle Eastern dishes or modern/fusion Middle Eastern dishes:
I am actually known to take traditional Middle Eastern dishes and put a modern healthier twist on them. I have a dairy and gluten intolerance which has challenged me in the kitchen and allows me to be creative with my food.
What do you love most about cooking Middle Eastern cuisine:
I love the sense of comfort it gives me. It’s a nostalgic feeling especially being far away from home and my family. The smell of this cuisine just brings back memories. Also, I love how Middle Eastern food is generally healthy; using lots of vegetables to make delicious meals.
What is your favorite Middle Eastern restaurant:
Wow, that’s a hard one since I’ve tried many places. I will say that I really enjoyed the food at La Shish in Dearborn, Michigan. I especially enjoyed their fresh bread with garlic spread. It’s a must.
What is your favorite food blog::
There are so many food bloggers that I enjoy; this page definitely being one of them. @hungrypaprikas [Hungry Paprikas Your Lebanon Feature Page] and I share similar taste so I love to see what she’s making.
Mai @almondandfig’s page always looks inviting and delicious. [AlmondandFig Your Lebanon Feature Page]
@Dianemorrisey always has beautiful vibrant photos and creative recipes!
These are just some to name a few but there are so many talented food bloggers.
What is a must have tool in your kitchen for making Middle Eastern food:
I use my blender and/or food processor for so many things! For dips, marinades and sauces especially. I highly recommend having one! For example, to make hummus which is a staple or that delicious creamy garlic sauce.
What advice do you have for someone just starting to find their way around the kitchen:
Have fun with it! There are no rights or wrongs in the kitchen just different forms of expression through your food. Don’t be so worried about making mistakes and have an open mind to different flavors. Maybe you will discover something amazing!
What nostalgic candy bar would you grab on walks to the local deken when you were a kid:
Memo Ice cream! I remember always going to the local convenient store looking for some memo ice cream which is basically like a creamsicle. I loved the orange and mango flavored ones!
I absolutely love to cook; sometimes I will lie in bed and think about what I want to create the next day. It brings me pure happiness especially when I share my food with others. I don’t just love the cooking aspect but also thoroughly enjoy food styling and taking appetizing photos of my creations! I love the connection that I have developed with other food bloggers and even more my followers who are truly like family to me.- Heifa
