
SUN Dec 17th, 2:15-4:45 PM | Canoe Landing CRC, Kitchen A (3rd fl) | 45 Fort York Blvd
Just in time for the holidays – learn how to make beautiful, delicious and healthy traditional Syrian sweets.
Granola bars and energy balls may seem like modern, health-conscious inventions, but for thousands of years, delicious sweets made from honey, dates, nuts and seeds have been a healthy part of the cuisine of the Middle East. Past meets present in this fun, hands-on class by Rahaf Al Akbani as she shows you how to make a selection of quick and easy traditional Syrian treats based on old family recipes, perfect for sharing over the holidays. She will share stories and songs as you prepare sweets to share in class with a small cup of traditional Turkish coffee or mint tea. You’ll leave with detailed recipes and a few extra treats to take home.
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Simsmiyas bel Mokasrat (aka “Granola Bars”): A traditional Syrian sweet, Simsmiyas bel Mokasrat features an attractive mix of nuts, seeds, and honey and a hint of fragrant orange blossom water. The recipe can be customized with everything from flax and chia seeds to cranberries and chocolate. They are easy to make, long lasting and gluten-free, a perfect choice for a quick, wholesome snack, holiday grazing platter or a nutrition-dense breakfast on the go.
Kurat al Takah bil Tamer w Mokasrat (aka “Date Energy Balls”): Kurat al Takah is a classic Levantine treat made with dates and walnuts spiced with cinnamon and cardamom, and then rolled in pistachio, sesame or coconut for an elegant presentation. These energy-packed, raw-food, gluten-free balls are both delicious and very healthy. Quick and simple to make, they stay fresh for weeks. Enjoy them in the morning, as a mid-afternoon boost, or a lovely post-meal treat that pairs beautifully with Turkish coffee
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$79 +HST
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Rahaf Al Akabani hails from Sweida in southwestern Syria. She arrived in Canada in 2016 with her husband Esmaeel Aboufakher, and together they were instrumental in helping co-found Newcomer Kitchen, Nai Syrian Children’s Choir and Haneen Women’s Choir as part of their ongoing work to support their community. Rahaf continues to nurture her twin loves of Syrian cooking and culture in workshops, choirs and concerts across the GTA, sharing songs and recipes passed down from her mother and grandmother. Rahaf and Esmaeel have recently completed their Masters in Arts and Humanities at York while raising their two young children.