Fit For A Pasha

Yesterday's New York Times Dining section had a few interesting articles.Another one about the Bulgarian-British chef, Silvena Rowe caught my eye. She has just come out with a new cookbook entitled "Purple Citrus & Sweet Perfume." It is also unusual because it deals with the cuisine of the Ottoman Empire. This is a delectable feast of different Mediterranean influenced dishes suitable for any pasha.

The foods are sumptuous, with rich ingredients that make the mouth water. The article, written by Olivia Snaije tells of Chef Rowe's travels and fond memories. her father, a Turk was also somewhat of cook and instilled in her a love of Eastern cooking. She talks lovingly of his eggplant borek, that is stuffed with feta and coated in melted butter. She has also traveled throughout the Middle East gathering up recipes as she goes.

Chef Rowe also is the top chef at London's famed Mayfair Hotel. There she incorporates these Middle Eastern treats into her menus. She is a big fan of pomegranate molasses which is a long time staple in Middle Eastern cuisine. Chickpeas are well used in her kitchen in almost everything. She is also big on using nuts which are another staple in that cuisine.

If you want to eat like a pasha then buy Chef Silvena Rowe's latest cookbook. You'll dine on fine Middle eastern cooking with relatively easy to navigate recipes. It's a good way to eat on these sultry summer days