My Godsend

Food is an emotional crutch for many of us.  Some without knowing it gain weight indulging in what we now call comfort food.  My comfort food is the aroma and the memory of coming into my parents house and finding my father….yes my father whipping up a Middle Eastern dish comparable to that of the expertise of any chef on the Food Network.  
I never took the time to learn how to make Arabic food as both parents were superb cooks and if I wanted a Lebanese dish, home was just a few miles away.  Besides, it was just too much work.  Cooking is an art and Arab Americans are renowned for their elaborate dishes and stews.    
With the recent passing of both of my parents I find myself constantly trying to find something that can keep me tied to them and to keep their memory alive.  Its hard to believe that they are gone and how much I took for granted.  It was comforting during trying times to go to my parents house and lie on the couch while my mom bugged me about what was bothering me while at the same time feeding me. 
My friends are cut from the same cloth as I.  Our parents in the past have often cooked together long before catered halls.  The old  Hashemie Hall in the South End of Dearborn was the center of our festive functions and so all of the women would come together whether it be a wedding, shower or even a Bingo game and cook to the hilt. You could never tell who cooked what as they all followed the same recipes.  
Today, the product of those women, (my friends) follow the same pattern in their cooked meals and I am lucky enough that they take pity on me every now and then and send me some of my favorite dishes.  Eventually though, you want it more often than not and so I decided to take action.  
On night while surfing the net I decided that I wanted to learn how to cook Middle Eastern food.  I was aware that everyone cooks differently but I would just tweak if necessary.  I have sat and taste tested most of the foods my parents made so improvising would not be that difficult.
The web site I came across was called DEDE MED.  The woman, Denise Hazime who coincidentally happened to be from Dearborn and living in California had a familiar last name.  Yes!  She was the product of the same village as my parents and so I knew this was a God send.  
DEDE MED has her own YouTube, Twitter and Facebook following and often enough demonstrated how to make my favorite things like Lentil soup, Hummus, Chicken Shawarma.  I watched her over and over until one day I pulled the pot out of the cabinet and began to make Lentil Soup.
Needless to say, it was amazing and to prove to myself that it was, I made everyone who came to the door try it and they said it was.  I was truly proud.   Pretty soon I was shopping like a fiend and eating my favorite foods and stews.    But more importantly, I was content because every time I stand in my kitchen and chop and sear and cook,  it always took me back home.
Regarding Ms. Hazime, my instincts were correct.   Between her open interaction with her fans and easy to learn online recipes she is on her way to great things.   Just recently, her Chicken Shawarma sandwich won the Hidden Valley Superstar award.  Instead of using the famous garlic sauce and simple pickles in the sandwich, she brilliantly turned the Chicken Shawarma sandwich into a Chicken Shawarma salad sandwich using Hidden Valley’s Country Herb Ranch dressing to spice it up and to of course win the contest.
I had hoped to meet Ms. Hazime as she will be at the Dearborn Arab American Museum for her book signing on April 26 between 4pm and 6pm.  Its called  “Idiots Guide: The Diet Mediterranean Cookbook.
Unfortunately,  I will be out of town. I will however order the book and one day be able to thank her in person.  On that note, go the Museum and pick up a copy of her new book and never wonder again how to make your favorite Lebanese dish.