HARBOR SPRINGS — A new cookbook called Lebanese Baking has been released my Maureen Abood, showcasing a variety of traditional recipes and flavors.
The cookbook, published by Countryman Press, took two years to complete and includes recipes for cookies, cakes, and savory baked goods inspired by Lebanese cuisine.
“I hope that anyone who approaches the book will realize that they can do anything,” said Maureen Abood, who aims to preserve Lebanese culinary traditions through her work.
The cookbook features a range of recipes, including sesame cookies, butter cookies, and molded cookies with fillings such as dates, nuts, and chocolate cherry.
Maureen, who is from Michigan, emphasizes the use of cherries in her recipes, reflecting her regional influences. Among the savory options are flatbreads topped with ground lamb and seasonings, as well as purse breads that can be filled with various ingredients.
She also visited a bakery in Dearborn to observe techniques for making a lot of her Lebanese pastries. The cookbook also includes a chapter on ‘fatayer,’ which are little pies filled with meat, spinach, or cheese, showcasing different shapes and flavors.
Maureen transitioned from a previous career to pursue culinary arts, attending culinary school and writing her first cookbook ten years ago. She hopes to inspire others to carry on Lebanese traditions and establish their own culinary legacies.
The cookbook serves as a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Lebanese baking, offering readers the chance to explore and preserve these traditions.