Moghrabieh

is aka as Lebanese couscous. It is a nutritious grain-based pasta made from semolina flour rolled into pearl shaped pellets. Couscous is ideal for soups, stews, salads and side-dishes, like my Couscous and Tomato Salad.

Zürsun, well known for their heirloom beans now produces their own moghrabieh. Their wheat is the highest quality and sustainably grown on Lebanese farms, creating a creamy and authentic tasty couscous. Thumbs up.

Zürsun products, available at specialty food markets.

Watermelon Berry Fiz

Here's one way to beat the summer heat. Mix-up my Watermelon Berry Fiz - it's sure to be summer’s cooler, the new mojito. It's very refreshing and fun to make. Serve at your next outdoor party or simply poolside avec or sans the vodka. The kids can enjoy it too, the non-alcohol version of course. Enjoy!

Tipfor poolside serving: use only unbreakable drinkware!

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Watermelon Berry Fiz

Recipe by George Hirsch | Makes 3-4 servings

1/3 cup fresh lime juice

2 cups cold seedless watermelon

1 cup fresh sliced strawberries (in a pinch-use frozen)

2 Tablespoons sugar, variable depending on how sweet the berries are & how tart/ sweet you like it

1/2 cup ice, crushed or cubes 

1/4 cup seltzer per glass 

In a blender, blend the lime juice, watermelon, strawberries, sugar, and ice until slushy. Serve in a tall pre-chilled glass filled with ice; fill glasses 3/4  full with blended watermelon & berry juice. Top off each glass with seltzer.

*To Spike: You can add 1/2 ounce of vodka, or rum, or tequila to each glass over the ice before adding watermelon-berry juice.