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Happy YASSSletter Thursday Gingis!

This weekend is Father’s Day and it is my first ever one yet! I say this often, but truly I sometimes I just want to scream it from the rooftops: I love being a dad and it was literally my life’s dream. I am so grateful for this opportunity to play a role in a tiny human’s life, especially a tiny human that is half Zikki. So for all of you dad’s in your feels this week - Happy early Father’s Day! You rock. And for anyone looking on how to give dad love this weekend, Zikki had a brilliant idea!

Zikki suggested we do an edition all about Father’s Day Brunch. What better way to spoil Dad than with a feast made by his truly. The recipes we’ve combined here, are simple enough to be made early in the morning or the night before (challah), just in time to surprise your favorite guy.

So this week, we’ve built you the ultimate menu for Father’s Day:

1. 🍽️ Let’s talk about how to “Open a Table”!

2. 🍅 Classic Shakshuka Recipe

3. 🥒 Fattoush Salad Recipe

4. 🍞 Challah Recipe

5. 🍆 Babaganoush Recipe

Let’s talk about how to “Open a Table'“!

Ahhhh, “opening a table.” The concept was first introduced to me when Ben and I met in Italy. When we moved in together, we used to host people over at our home a few times a week. And as everyone was arriving, we would “open the table.” What does this meal?

It refers to a hosting technique very commonly seen in the Middle East, where small plates of little teasers come out to welcome the guests before the feast begins. These plates are loaded with olives, sliced veggies, fresh salads, little fermented goodies (like pickles), spreads, and whatever else you may have tucked up your sleeve to serve to guests.

This serving style insures that no one stay hungry while you wait for the main courses to come out. Actually most of the time, Ben and I load up so much on the goodies served as the table is being open, that we have no appetite left for the meal.

So this weekend, (or any weekend into the future), we recommend you give this style a shot.

🍅 Shakshuka Recipe

Why is Shakshuka the star of our Dad’s Day brunch? Because it is simply crazy stupid delicious. The 5 ingredient recipe, if made well, has everyone satisfied and fascinated. How is something so simple, healthy, and fresh so finger licking good. Not to mention that Shakshuka is just one of my favorite Israeli breakfast and as a Dad, I can vouch that this is what I want to eat Sunday morning. There really are so many versions of shakshuka, but basically it is eggs cooked in a sauce. The classic one is with tomato sauce seasoned with garlic and chili for a kick. So fun to serve to a family - everyone can enjoy eating from the same pan along side a big salad and lots of tahini!

🥒 Fattoush Salad

The second player on our Father’s Day brunch menu has to be the Fattoush Salad. This gorgeous girl bring SO much color to the table. She is a mix of your freshest available veggies: cucumbers, tomatoes, and radishes. Topped with tangy feta and sumac. And finished with bright herbs and extra virgin evoo. In this recipe I use left over pita to make za’atar crumbs for sort of a Middle Eastern Panzenella, but if you find yourself without Pita - feel free to substitute with any leftover crusty bread. Just make sure to toast it and toss it in za’atar.

🍞 Challah Recipe

Challah is an absolute magic magic bread! Why did we choose it for your Father’s Day brunch? Because it can easily be made the night or day before and put into a sealed container to contain it’s freshness. If there is any doubt in the fluffiness of your challah, it is all impeccable sliced and toasted to be served on your table for brunch. It is the perfect match for an simple Sunday morning Shakshuka.

🍆 Babaganoush

This dip is quick and easy, which makes it perfect to make for Father’s Day brunch. Nothing to it. Just place a big eggplant on the burner and let it go until it has collapsed. Flip and wait until charred completely. Follow our recipe for a special babaganoush OR simply peel the flesh from the skin and add just a little raw tahini & sea salt for more of smokey eggplant taste!

Hope you have a weekend full of YASSS! Until next Thursday Gingis.

Love, Ben & Zikki xx

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#WeAreAllBREAD