Capture the flavors of summer and the great old American BBQ with this simple Burger Recipe.
I’ve made many of these over the years and can assure you happy faces are guaranteed after enjoying one of these babies. Click here for the somewhat infamous Naz Burger Recipe.
Happy Summer, Friends!
Hanukkah, Christmas, Festiuvs, Yaldaa or surviving 2017: No matter what we just celebrated, we sent off last year with a bang and welcomed 2018.
New beginnings are a good time to press the wellness reset button, but healthy living can be a year-long lifestyle and need not be limited to new year resolutions. As we begin the year, I remind myself to set achievable goals, eat nutritious but delicious food, learn as much as possible, be kind to myself and others, let old wounds heal, practice gratitude, and make life as colorful as possible.
Last year was certainly colorful. 2017 tested me. But as I reflect on the last twelve months, I realize the positives outweighed the challenges and there was much to be grateful for. Mostly, the incredible people I have in my life and the extraordinary experiences we shared. Not surprisingly, many of those occurred around the table as we broke bread together, told our stories, laughed at our fortunes, waxed poetic about the future and perhaps even learned a bit about ourselves along the way. “Without the sense of fellowship with men of like mind,” Einstein wrote, “life would have seemed to me empty.” Indeed.
I have written about gathering around the fire. Today, on a cold snowy day in NYC, I sip hot chai and reflect on the warm memories of last year. I smile remembering the gorgeous tables we gathered around, the delightful food we ate, and the marvelous people who’s company I had the pleasure to keep. Michael Polan says “the shared meal is no small thing. It is a foundation of family life, the place where our children learn the art of conversation and acquire the habits of civilization: sharing, listening, taking turns, navigating differences, arguing without offending.” It is also a place where our fondest memories live. Where we receive the gift of love by those who prepared those meals for us. It is where we are reminded of the power of coming together.
My memories of this gift begin in Naz year zero. My parents have always been extraordinary and generous hosts. Bringing people together and creating countless memories is an art form they have mastered a thousand times over. The loving energy created around their tables, is my eternal source of inspiration. I wrote more about that here.
In the meantime, I want to point out the only difference between the first two photos in this post are 37 years and geography. Otherwise, in both photos you see my beautiful Mother at the head of the table of her loving home, and me really excited about what we’re about to eat! Just a bit of role reversal in who’s serving whom.
Happy new year from Basil and Roses! Below are a few of our favorite “gatherings” of 2017 and the recipes they inspired.
Wishing you a colorful and meaningful year!
Naz
“Not what we have But what we enjoy, constitutes our abundance.” Epicurus
Roasted Cauliflower with The Evergreen Chimichurri Sauce
Mama’s Mexican Fiesta (Fish Taco, Guacamole, Mango Salsa, Cabbage Slaw, Pico, Fresh Margaritas)
Tuscan Inspired Lemon-Rosemary Chicken with Cannelini Beans
Shirazi Salad (or Israeli Salad or Mediterranean chopped salad)
Cindy’s Fabulous Holiday Rib Roast (Recipe coming soon)
Green Goddess Basmati Rice with Basil, Mint, Chive and an Unexpected Trip Home
Smoked Salmon & Creme Fraiche Canapes with Fresh Dill
Chickpea & Cauliflower Coconut Curry
Nani’s Healthy But Decadent Butternut Squash Soup
Citrusy Chicken Skewers with Mint-Basil Sauce
Mint & Cannelini Bean Tuna Salad
They say “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” 365 days ago, I took my first step and became a food blogger. It is hard to believe I am writing about the one year anniversary of Basil & Roses! And — what an incredible year it has been. First and foremost, thank you to all the beautiful people whom have supported me. Without your love and enthusiasm, this journey would not have been the same.
As I reflect on the last year, I’m inspired by the meals I’ve shared with loved ones and humbled by the lessons I learned along the way. To be honest, I dragged my feet launching this site. I had experience cooking, but had never built a website, nor fully understood what a web hosting service was. Despite working endlessly on content, the perfectionist within me kept hesitating. I couldn’t fathom a launch unless the website was the best you had ever seen– an unreasonable expectation. And, a mistake.
Luckily I’m surrounded with wise friends and a life Sherpa who provide endless encouragement. So, I set a final deadline and just did it. I launched, with imperfections and all. It was better to roll the dice and move forward, instead of procrastinating and finding excuses to not take a risk. That was one of my biggest lessons. Don’t wait for the conditions to be perfect to begin anything. It is the act of beginning that actually makes it all perfect.
George Bernard Shaw says “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” Basil and Roses is my platform of creation. It is through sharing my culinary journey with you that I have been able to grow, evolve and learn.
“Although this is only the beginning, and self-growth is a continuous, arduous process, for the first time in a long time I can say that I feel happy. Throughout my journey, I’ve learned that happiness is a kind of courage. Rumi says, “Let yourself be drawn by the stronger pull of that which you truly love.” Basil and Roses is my homage to cultivating that love.”
That is how I introduced myself to you one year ago. Those words mean as much today as they did then.
So join me and take a risk! Take many risks. Follow your passions, do everything you love. Throw fear out the door. Fall in love with basil. Dance without a care. Embrace what makes you smile and welcome new beginnings.
Or as Rumi tells us:
“Run from what’s comfortable. Forget safety. Live where you fear to live. Destroy your reputation. Be notorious. I have tried prudent planning long enough. From now on I’ll be mad.”
With love,
~ Notorious Naz
And by the way,
In honor of a year of delicious meals, celebrations, and gatherings – I’ll be sharing with you my favorite entertaining recipes. Whether hosting an intimate gathering or a large soiree, these dishes are excellent for any celebration in the true Basil & Roses spirit of Breaking Bread Together In Style!
We’ll start with my Spicy Thai Basil Beef. A simple stir fry served with fluffy rice. Make if for a cozy dinner for 4, or double/triple the recipe for a bigger dinner party with friends!
My favorite time of year has arrived! The first day of Spring marks the Persian New year, celebrated for over 3,000 years. It translates to “new day” and represents a fresh new beginning. Scientifically called the vernal equinox, it occurs the exact moment the sun crosses the celestial equator and spring begins in the Northern hemisphere. The duration of the day and night are equal, on so begins a new cycle of life.
As a child growing up in Iran and for the last 27 years in my Iranian-American diaspora community, Nowruz not only evokes fresh beginnings, but it also connects me to my family’s traditions and an ancient heritage left in the distant places where my ancestors once used to live out their hopes and aspirations.
The notion of hope and a fresh chapter in the story of life, is universal. Nowruz is celebrated by an estimated 190-250 million people around the world and has been kept alive through a series of beautiful and meaningful symbolic traditions. Growing up the scents of memories of Nowruz were distinct: smelling the hyacinth (sombol) wafting through the house, shopping at the market for greens and goldfish, spring cleaning, leaping over bonfires, buying new clothes, reading the poetry of the eternal Hafez of Shiraz and sharing festive meals with loved ones. These traditions are what make this holiday so special. We set a haftseen, a table filled with symbolic items to represent some of these traditions. We visit loved ones, exchange gifts and eat lots of beautiful foods and sweets. There is symbolism in the food as well. For example Persians traditionally eat “Sabzi Polo Mahi”- Basmati rice with fresh dill accompanied by fish. The fresh herbs represent rebirth and fish represents life. Some of the symbolism of the haftseen is mentined below. These are just to name a few. In the coming days I’ll be posting the various recipes of the delicious food we enjoy over this festive holiday.
For the moment here is the Basil and Roses menu and a sneak peek of the dishes we enjoy over this 13 day holiday.
Wishing you all a beautiful New Day and all the best new beginnings your hearts desire! Nowruz Mobarak!
نوروزتان پیروز ، هر روزتان نوروز !
Sabzeh/Sprouts- grass grown from wheat or lentils, representing rebirth
Seeb/Apple– representing health and beauty
Samanu– A sweet creamy pudding, representing humility
Senjed– sweet and dry fruit of the lotus tree, representing love
Serkeh/Vinager- representing age and patience
Seer/Garlic– representing medicine and good health
Somaq/Sumac– A spice representing sunrise and light overcoming darkness
Musical Inspiration
Leila Forouhar- Nowrooz