This past week, we had friends from Nebraska (who we hadn’t seen in a long time) over for dinner. It was the first meal – in a long time – that wasn’t rushed. Normally, our family cruises through dinner because of what’s next: cleaning up the kitchen; homework; work. You get the idea. But, not this past Wednesday.
We enjoyed our friends – we go to know more about them, and they got to know us a little better. Heritage came up in conversation – and that’s where it got really interesting. I learned about their family’s journey to the U.S and how they grew up. And, when it was my turn to share – I told them all about ‘Jido.’ ‘Jido’ is arabic for ‘grandpa.’
‘Jido’ came to America from Lebanon when he was just a small boy, probably around 8 or 9 years old. His parents had enough money to send only 1 child to America. The hope was for this child to be able to lay down some roots – and save enough money to bring the entire over. I shared how Jido came through Ellis Island all by himself – and made a life for himself in Sioux Falls, SD.
He owned a corner grocery store, Mosey’s. It was on Duluth, in the heart of Sioux Falls. I shared stories and memories. Memories I hadn’t thought about in a LONG time. Sharing about Jido made me proud. I felt propelled to do something. I wanted to feel a part of the Lebanese culture. So. Saturday morning, I went out with a grocery list and decided I would make Lebanese cuisine. On the menu: Fatayer. SIDE NOTE: We used to call them ‘FLAT TIRES’ when we were little.
A good portion of the day was spent in the kitchen. Listening to music – and feeling connected with my roots. I can’t tell you precisely how long it has been since I’ve done Lebanese cuisine… but, it’s been a couple of years at least.
Fatayer is a meat & spinach-stuffed pie. They are small, triangular and incredibly satisfying! Fatayer starts with making AJIN – a yeasted bread dough. Here is the recipe I used. And, if you’re interested in the filling – or making fatayer, Julie Taboulie has an incredible cookbook, “Julie Taboulie’s Lebanese Kitchen. (I bought it for myself for Christmas one year!)
Below are some pictures: The finished Fatayer… Julie’s cookbook…. and my Lebanese family. Jido; his wife Tina; and a photo of Jido and his kids: Suzanne (my Mom… the ADORABLE girl in front on the left), Amy, David and Miriam.
Thank you for letting me share about the highlight of my weekend.
XO,
Ryan
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