In the last month or so, my cooking has been very minimal to the bare core, making only simple dishes, so that I don’t starve my dear husband.  I had lost my ohh or uhhh I can blog about this feeling, I don’t know why, I just did not have the enthusiasm as I always do.  I guess it pretty normal right?  What I did remember to do was at family get together, I made sure I had the camera with me to take snap away at some pictures.

The dinner table setting above was taken at my aunts house, about a month or so ago.  We had a special family night gathering centered around the main dish called “CIG KOFTE” also as “RAW KIBBE” made from RAW CHOPPED MEAT with a mixture of spices, vegetables and bulgur (cracked wheat).  I would not know how to write or explain the making process off this delicious delicacy, the process is long and gruelling and my uncle makes it the BEST!  No one can top his recipe, he knows how to incorporate the right amount meat and all the other key ingredients.

If you have ever tried Cig Kofte, please share your stories. The cig kofte is a meal of its own, but my aunt went all out and cooked a large variety of delicious Turkish food.

Grated red cabbage & yogurt & garlic salad. 

Broiled potatoes & green olive salad w?
light olive oil & lemon dressing with fresh dill & parsley. 

Ziti style pasta with simple tomato sauce.

Sauteed vegetables (mushrooms, Italian frying peppers)
topped with freshly made tomato sauce & some fresh parsley.

Home made meat pie

I never wanted this night to end most of all I did not want our conversation to be over.  We laughed and cried, either way we had tears streaming down our eyes. Enjoy being with your loved ones, each moment is truelly precious.