This was the first Bayram – Eid that I was able to take a full day off from work.  Usually I am unable to and when I am able to, I often take half days and help out my mom at the store early in the mornings.  This bayram came and went quicker then I could say “Hayirli Bayramlar!”  A week before the Eid, we were busy at the store in preparation for the Eid, I was still recovering from a bad cold and was not much help to anyone.  My mom and aunts wanted to make home made baklava and they did!!! Unfortunately I was unable to photograph any because I was busy doing other things.  The day of the Eid was the coldest day in New York, something like 17 degrees. I literally froze while I was preparing breakfast at the store. 

I did not prepare anything to fancy and was not looking to either.  Just a good traditional Turkish breakfast. 

• thinly sliced Pastirma
• tomatoes (seasoned with salt & olive oil)
• Turkish lightly salted kasar
• kirbies – cucumber (seasoned with salt & olive oil)
• Turkish olives
• French feta cheese & Sahadi brand string cheese
• fava beans (seasoned with lots of: hot pepper flakes, oregano, salt & olive oil)
• petmez (sesame tahini & molasses)
• Turkish Kafkas brand sour cherry preserve
• Nutella
• my mom’s Kavurma (Lamb Stew) – recipe will follow
• my dad’s style scrambled eggs  – recipe will follow

I’ve grown accustomed to celebrating our Eid here in the United States.  Even though our celebrations here can not be compared with the celebrations that go on in Turkey or in Muslim countries.   We all get into the spirit of it, especially at the store it becomes a joyful celebration.  We exchange holiday greetings and sweets with our customer, we joke and laugh with the kids who stop by because they want to say ”Happy Eid.”  It makes me proud to know that our beliefs and traditions do and will continue on. 

I hope you all had a wonderful Eid.