Falafel !

One food I really miss from California is middle eastern.  I'm sure there are plenty of places in Charlotte, but in our small town of Salisbury, no go.  We do have a local greek place that makes terrific Chicken Salvaki and Tzatziki,  they even make falafel ( though you won't typically find falafel in Greece anywhere) but it's definitely not middle eastern.  So I researched falafel recipes and set out to become a falafel queen.  I found a great site, Shiksa in the Kitchen.  I have made a few of her recipes now and they turn out perfectly.  She's also quick to answer any questions you may have; this gal is passionate about her food!  Check her out:  http://theshiksa.com/2011/01/05/falafel/

I'm not bragging here, Shiksa gets all the credit, I just followed her recipe, but I can tell you that both hubby and I think these are the best falafels we've EVER had!  I'm not going to post the recipe, you can click on the link above for that, but I do have some photos for you.

Here is the falafel as it enters the hot oil.  Sizzling.  You don't heat the oil on high, but on medium heat so it does take longer to heat up but worth the wait.  You don't want a burnt outside and raw inside, trust me.

I cook only about 6 at a time and turn them over at 2.5-3 minutes.  They should be a deep golden brown on each side and the center will be perfectly cooked.  

I place them on a cookie sheet lined with paper towels to absorb any oil  See that golden crispy goodness?  MMMmmmm!  I dream about these.

Of course no falafel meal is complete without a nice serving of Tabbouleh.  I found a recipe that makes Tabbouleh with  Quinoa instead of wheat and I actually prefer it this way.  Plus it packs more protein than traditional Tabbouleh AND cuts down on gluten in my life.  Isn't it so colorful and pretty?  And it's SO fresh tasting.

Now, I should add that to make Falafel, Tabbouleh, Tahini dressing, hummus, and Tzatziki (even though it's technically greek, we love this addition) it does take me close to 3 hours but it's SO worth it. It will have to be reserved for weekends only, who has this much time on a weeknight?  You can also buy pita bread or flatbread and make a falafel sandwich which is what we did last night.  I could've been eating a meal in Lebanon or Israel, no kidding, it's that good AND it's all plant-based, and whole food, so it's good for your family's health.  Kids love it too.  

Let me know if you try it.  

Bubbles and Fairy Wings {Children's Photographer, Rowan County, NC}

What do you get when you give a 6 year old girl a tutu, fairy wings, bubbles and a large greenway to play on?  FUN and vibrant photos!  I found two spots tonight that are gorgeous during sunset lighting, Sloan Park, and the The Greenway on Innes and Grove.  Enjoy these.

Caroline {Children's Photographer, Rowan County, NC}

Meet Caroline, big sister to Baby Kate (see yesterday's post).  She is 20 months old and on the move.  My photo shoot was really supposed to be primarily of Kate but Caroline is so adorable I was drawn to her again and again throughout the shoot.  Doesn't the camera love this little girl?  I mean, those eyes!

Posing for me as she showed me Kate's new crib.

Showing me her Mickey Mouse ears, SO serious.

Showing some love to baby Kate.  I hope they remember this tenderness when they are teenagers sharing the same bathroom.

I love these shots of Caroline reading.  One of my favorite shots of my Gracie was while she was reading a book so intently at only 8 months old.  Aren't books the best?

I love interaction shots with parents.  

Before I left Caroline wanted to show me some of her mad dance skills.  I think this was Ballet Arms.  Isn't the lighting gorgeous on her creamy skin?  And those eyes!  And how cute is her smocked dress?  

You can tell that I was quite smitten with this little girl.  I have even more shots of her but these were my favorite.  Thanks for checking in.