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Knafeh Recipe A Cheese Butter Pastry Delight

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Knafeh

Knafeh Is A Cheese Pastry Delight

Knafeh is the richest and creamiest; it is a sweet and cheesy delicacy. Just when it seems it could not be better, it is topped with a crunchy topping and soaked in sweet syrup. It is totally seductive! It is delicious! There is no other dessert that seduces the Middle East like Kanafeh. You will find it in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Israel, Palestinian Authority, Turkey, Greece, and Egypt. So many countries can’t be wrong. Kanafeh is the best dairy desert in the Middle East.

So many spellings, but the same luxurious dessert. In one place it may be spelled Kanafeh or Kunefe. Yet in another, it is Kadayif or Konafeh. And just when you are sure there can be no more, you will see Konafah, Knafah, Kunafeh, Kanafeh, and Knafe. So many spellings for the same special dessert. It is an amazing and scrumptious dessert called Kanafeh!

You can not visit any part of this region without falling in love with this dessert. This is a recipe easily made at home and we hope this inspires you to create this delicious dessert.

Knafeh Recipe

By Pali’s Favorites on August 18, 2011
 (Found on WWW.FOOD.com)
  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr
  • Yield: 1 tray

About This Recipe

“You can’t go to Palestine and not eat knafeh every night! A very delicious dessert that is easy to make :) A Syrian sweet cheese is normally used with this, some people use ricotta cheese but it changes the taste and consistency of this dish, but it can be used. I make my own cheese and do not add salt to it so I can use it with this recipe, but store-bought sweet cheese works just fine :)”

Ingredients

  • 1 lb shredded phyllo dough ( knafeh dough) [**Can be found in the Kosher section of most large markets and in Kosher Jewish stores and delicatessens. ]
  • 2 lbs sweet cheese
  • 1 -1 1/2 cup rendered butter  [** Also called Ghee and can be bought in most major markets and International Markets. ]
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon orange blossom water [** I make this and can when the Orange tree. blossoms. ]
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • 1 teaspoon kanafeh food coloring [** I usually use regular food color.]
  • 1/4 cup pistachios, chopped
  • 2 cups thin syrup ( attar) [**  I make a standard thin syrup with equal parts water and sugar. ]

Directions

  1. Mix cheese, sugar, and orange blossom water together.
  2. Chop knafeh dough with a sharp knife. Mix with 1 3/4 cups hot butter over low fire for 15 minutes, or until dough absorbs all the butter.
  3. Mix 1/4 cup butter, kanafeh coloring, and spread in a 17×12 inch pan. Sprinkle pine nuts evenly.
  4. Spread 2/3 of the dough in the pan over the nuts and press well. Spread the cheese mixture over dough evenly. Cover with the rest of the dough and press well.
  5. Bake at 400 degrees in a preheated oven for 30 minutes. (Place on the lower rack).
  6. Add thin attar. Flip the tray over in another tray of the same size. Return to the oven and bake for 10 more minutes.
  7. Garnish with pistachios and serve hot!

**  My notes

Pictures of different types and styles of Kanafeh:  https://www.pinterest.com/recipes/knafeh-pastry/

Furthermore this is a rather standard recipe and can be made with little effort and once you have tasted this awesome dessert, you will just have to have it. Make it in the kitchen or take a trip to the Middle East for the “real thing.” You can literally eat your way through the Middle East. Traveling throughout the Middle East is a food adventure in the making. Make this the year you taste the real Middle Eastern Kanafeh.

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https://exploretraveler.com/travel-world-recipes-australian-damper-bread/

United Nations Peacekeepers Keep Watch

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United Nations

United Nations Peacekeepers Keep Watch

United Nations Peacekeepers keep watch over the Golan Heights. They allow us to travel safely throughout the region without fear. Their keen eyes, and quick defenses keep the Golan Heights free of danger and violence. The United Nations Peacekeepers are quick to defend the Syrian border at the first sign of trouble. Yes, the enemy may be near, but the danger is kept at the border. No one comes in or out without being inspected. With the presence of the United Nations Peacekeepers in the Golan Heights, we are able to travel throughout Palestine and Israel safely. Come join us, as we safely embark on many adventures throughout the area.

There are currently more than 1,000 United Nations Peacekeepers in the Golan Heights. This allows us to the opportunity to safely visit the areas around the Sea of Galilee and Mount Herman. These areas are astonishing! The Golan Heights is a beautiful plateau, with many amazing areas to explore. The area is fertile! The people are friendly! The adventures are endless! Join us, as we explore the Golan Heights.

This area is well protected by the United Nations Peacekeepers. Many of the people living in this fertile plateau are known as the Druze. About 10% of the Druze hold Israeli citizenship. In recent years many of the younger Druze have applied for and received citizenship. The Druze are a friendly people. They are becoming well educated. They hold a high economic status. They enjoy all the perks of Israels open society!  Most of the young Druze are University educated. Life among the people of the Golan Heights is good. Enjoy their hospitality! Visit their gift shops. Explore their cuisine. The food is absolutely marvelous!

The United Nations Peacekeepers keep the peace. The United Nations Peacekeepers ensure that all who live and travel in the region can come and go safely. The Golan Heights is one of immense beauty. Three of the world’s religions have Holy Sites within its borders. Many pilgrims come here yearly. This is a very developed and unique area.

The Golan Heights features numerous archaeological sites. There are beautiful mountains, clear-clear streams and magnificent waterfalls. Throughout the region, you will discover more than sixty ancient synagogues. Many of these synagogues date back to the time of Roman and Byzantine periods of history. Join us, as we explore these beautiful synagogues of ancient times. Walk the ancient Paths! Explore these ruins! Immerse yourself in history. Grab hold of adventure, it is everywhere!

Gamla  Nature Reserve is a beautiful  park with many archaeological discoveries from the ancient Jewish City of Gamla. There is a tall ancient tower in the old city! Discover a well-preserved synagogue. It is fabulous! The detail is marvelous. There is a magnificent waterfall in the area of the reserve. It is the perfect place for a picnic! Explore an ancient Byzantine Church that has been well cared for and preserved. It is peaceful! It is astonishing in detail!

There is a place where you can observe the vultures that dwell in the cliffs of the rock. They are fun! These astonishing birds are very interesting to watch. Observe them as they nest in the clefts of the rocks.

There are also  six other major archaeological sites within the reserve. Immerse yourself in the daily life of the Jews and Arabs of this period. You will find magnificent synagogues and churches, natural springs, and fabulous arches. Spend the day exploring this ancient area. Before leaving, be sure to enjoy the Druze hospitality. The Druze are awesome hosts! The food is delicious and unique. The fresh baked pita bread is delicious! The Hummus is outstanding!  A good Druze meal is the perfect climax to a day of adventure in the Golan Heights.

You will find many high quality hotels in the area of the Sea of Galilee. Most serve a bountiful  buffet breakfast with lots of fresh fruit, fresh-baked bread, and unique dishes from the area. This is a perfect time to explore with us, the awesome Golan Heights.

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Danger Zone In The Land Of Promise

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Danger Zone

Danger Zone In The Land Of Promise

Danger Zone is in The Land. How would you feel if your enemies were less than an hour a way?  Syria, with all that is going on there is only 37 miles from this sign. This is a small country and everyone wants a piece of the pie. Damascus, the heart of Syria, is 37 miles. It is no secret that ISIS does not want Jews to live. Russia and the US have both been bombing strongholds. Is not the real question………Will they bomb them all? It only takes a small cell for the carnage to continue. What is in store next for Israel? Danger is looming and it is only 37 miles away.

Another name on the sign is Bagdad. This is the heart of Iraq. Iraq is the neighbor of Iran! Danger is looming from another source.  They are less than 500 miles away from this sign. That is only a 4-5 hour drive. Bagdad is another center of trouble. Here people are running for their own lives from the crimes of ISIS. Each day seems to bring them even closer to Bagdad. They are killing all whom they deem to be their enemy. First it was Jews and Christians. Now it is people who have served in the police or military. Are these the people you want for your neighbors? Another danger zone on the horizon. There is danger in The Land.

There are so many places where ISIS is working and they are a danger for all. They may not be in Israel, but if they are only 37 miles away, then there is danger in the land. As for the tourist that is traveling, you really do not see anything at all. The Army is so on top of things that you have no reason to fear. Yes, 37 miles is way too close, but there is still adventure in The Land.

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Travel back in time And Discover Petra

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Journey back in time to Petra

Travel back in time And Discover Petra

Travel back in time! Discover the Ancient City of Petra. Immerse yourself in the journey! Become part of an ancient time. Petra was a hidden city. It was hidden among the cliffs and the rocks. By the fourth century BC, it was the capital of the Nabataean people. These ancient people controlled the main trade routes to and from Arabia.  These trade routes took them from oasis to oasis in the desert. Their skills are astonishing! Their  architecture is impressive. Their art is phenomenal Their journey astounding!

Latter in history they allied themselves with the Romans. Then in a mysterious minute, they became a lost civilization. Petra would stay hidden for many centuries. Then this mysterious city re-appeared. The year was 1812! The lost city of Petra had been found. Travel with us, as we discover this ancient civilization.

Petra was re-discovered by a Swiss explorer,Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. After studying Arabic, Islamic law, and the Koran, he passed himself off as a Muslim and set out on a journey. He traveled through the desert to find the lost city. What he found was unbelievable! Petra is magnificent! It is not something built by untrained nomads! It is the work of skilled laborers. Travel the ancient paths! Cross the deserts! Climb the cliffs! Travel back in time. Discover the mysteries of Petra.

Johann Burckhardt had heard stories from local people about this magnificent ruins. He set out to sacrifice a goat to the Prophet Aaron, the brother of Moses. It was in a narrow mountain valley that he first saw signs of ancient life. It was well off the road. He traveled through a colorful and amazing desert. When he neared the tomb of Aaron, the brother of Moses he made a goat sacrifice. It was nearby the tomb of Aaron,  that he got his first glimpse of the ancient city.

Travel among the caves and you will discover some of the beautiful  Hellenistic paintings created by the Nabataean artists. They are the only paintings of this time period that have survived. They are intricate and exciting! They feature the plants and animals of this time. The quality of these magnificent paintings are unbelievable. These were painted by skilled artists during the First Century,  and possibly even before. These paintings show exceptional sophistication. Their use of color is fantastic. Travel to Little Petra, and you will find them on display in the dinning hall.

Petra, which is Greek for “rock,” was carved out of the beautiful red sandstone rock cliffs. This Hellenistic architecture is mind-blowing. The many rooms are incredible!  They sparkle in the sun! There are beautiful ledges for their gods. As the capital of the Nabataeans, it was a cultural and religious center. This advanced civilization was a leader in the world for over 400 years. Travel back in time and discover what it meant to be Nabataean. Who were the people who inhabited this city?

From many ancient discoveries, we can assume that the people who lived here were affluent and prosperous. The surrounding areas speak of the time that vineyards flourished. Ancient grape presses have been found in the surrounding valley. This magnificent city is nestled in the Shera Mountains. This was an important crossroads for traders from Arabia, Syria, Egypt, and Phoenicia. This is an amazing journey! It is an adventure into an ancient time. Back your bags and make this the year that you make the journey. Travel with us to Jordan, for the journey of a life-time.

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