When 2 became 4

Organic Mushroom and Spinach Stroganoff with rice. I am not a big fan of creamy foods they usually taste sickening to me, however this I loved the kick from the chilli and paprika. Mushrooms are a brilliant replacement for meat, I highly recommend using all types of mushrooms you can get your hands on for this dish as the different textures make it that little bit more exciting. . . . . . . . . . . #stroganoff #mushrooms #organic #organicfood #homemade #meatlessmeals #vegetarianfriendly #paleofriendly #spinach #mealideas #mummyblogger #foodie #easymeals #lebanese

A common sight in our household walking in and finding 1 twin on one side of the sofa and the other on the other side each with a stack of their favourite books beside them "My first bilingual books" by Milet Publishing company, the two books my daughter is holding are fruit and vegetable books, we also have opposites, numbers, colours and occupations. The only issue I have with the number book is the numbers are written in English, which I believe should be written either both Arabic and English or just Arabic although the Arabic words for numbers is written, a visual of the number is equally important for the child to recognise the number. These books I bought years back to introduce the girls to Arabic common words and due to them being in a simple format, my daughters have made better use of them recently. Being Lebanese means my kids naturally pick up my dialect and I am trying my best to learn and teach them fusha'a (standard Arabic) which has been challenging especially when Lebanese is more easier on my tongue. . . . . . . . . . . . #arab #arabic #books #childrensbooks #booksforkids #bilingual #bilingualkids #children #homeschooling #homeschool #homeschoollife #education #learningisfun #twins #teaching #mummyblogger #mummyhomeschooler #lovebooks #reading #princesses #batgirlsocks #batgirls #twinlife #when2became4 #lebanese #loveeducation #homestart

Fish and potato bake in a chilli tahini sauce. To make this I sliced potatoes and arranged them in a baking try. I then topped the potatoes with sliced onions, red peppers, courgettes and tomatoes. I then added tahini/taratoor sauce made from tahini , garlic, lemon, water, fresh parsley and chilli and poured it on top. I like mine extra garlicky and lots of lemon. I put the fish bake to cook for an hour at 190° before topping with a mixture of fish and extra sauce on top and left to cook for a further 20 minutes. Before serving I topped with extra freshly parsley. . . . . . . . . . . . #fishbake #fishpie #potatoes #pescetarian #pescetarianism #fish #fishpotato #garlic #lemon #peppers #courgettes #pie #seafood #paleofriendly #healthyeating #wholesome #instafood #comfortfood #foodie #delicious #dinner #meals #recipeideas #mummyblogger #tahini #powerfood #chilli #spicyfood

Spicy mixed bean tacos. One of the best 'baby products' I bought to help with the weaning of my daughters was an electric slicing/shredding machine. It is the only thing that I still make use of and is perfect for when I need to shred carrots and/or butternut squash for cupcakes or to make a crunchy salad or a potato topped casserole especially when cooking for more then 4. I love messy foods and Tacos are wonderful especially if you have children like mine who love to eat with their hands and mix things up. Also adding a bit of everything gives them a chance to explore different colours and tastes and more visually appealing. . . . . . . . . . . . #tacos #vegetarianfriendly #veganfriendly #paleofriendly #foodie #healthyeating #spicy #beans #carrots #salad #mummyblogger #raisingtwins #parenttips #instafood #dinner #winter #comfortfood #mess #yum #spicyfood #goodfood #easymeals #kidsmeals #babyproducts #weaning #weaningideas

Growing our own sprouting mix experiment. I recently purchased the book, "First Nature Activity book" by Angela Wilkes for new ideas and experiments on growing things with the girls. Yesterday I managed to purchase a sprouting mix to grow our own at home, it contains Mung beans, Alfaalfa seeds, Aduki beans, chick peas and green lentils. I had saved some old jam jars since reading from the book on growing beans and seeds. I didn't have muslin cloths on hand, instead I used one of the girls old clean vests, 2 hairbands, warm water and a bowl. We followed the instructions on the back of the sprouting mix as each mix uses different measurements. The girls then added the warm water into the jars and I sealed them with the cloth and bands and allowed them to turn it over to drain the water. Once most of the water drained we placed the jars on a tray in a dark, cool, cupboard to begin the process. We will take photos every day when we change the water in order to document the process. Once complete I will print the photos for the girls to stick into their experiment books and hopefully in a few days eat the beans, lentils alfalfa sprouts. . . . . . . . . . #sprouting #seeds #plating #food #growingfood #experiment #teaching #homeschooling #homeeducation #lifewithtwins #twins #learning #rhingatodowithkids #eat #healthyeating #growyourown #teachthemyoung #education #whatschoolsdontteach #superfoods #healthiswealth #alfalfa #mung #beans #chickpeas #book #booksforkids #aduki #organic #natural

Fish pie with kale, spring onions, spinach and mushrooms. Early sunsets, 0°c, indoors equals a need of food as comforting as a soft robe to wrap you up and a hot water bottle to warm your belly that is what pies mean to me. . . . . . . . . . . #organic #ethicallysourced #fish #pie #seafood #fishpie #britishcuisine #britishfood #lebanese #pies #instafood #paleofriendly #food #comfortfood #mummyblogger #halal #halaleating #healthyeating #kale #spinach #mushrooms #goodfood #kidsmeals

Talbina (wholegrain barley flour). I have read quite a bit on Talbina and finally ordered it, I am so excited to receive it and cannot wait to try it. From the Prophetic medicine this is highly recommended for those who are unwell and what better time to try then in the cold season. Copied from the website "Talbina is made by adding 1-2 tablespoons of barley flour (must be 100% wholegrain barley flour) to one and a half cups of water. Place on low heat for 10-15 minutes (optional: add coconut/milk or yoghurt and sweeten with honey). This may also be used as a food thickener for gravy, soups, dishes etc. Alternatively you may add 1-2 tablespoons of barley flour (must be 100% wholegrain barley flour) to one and a half cups of coconut/milk. Place on low heat for 10-15 minutes (optional: add water or yoghurt and sweeten with honey).The Talbina mixture may then be put in the blender with fresh or frozen fruits and/or ground flax seeds. etc It may be blended together to make a tasty talbina 'smoothie'." For those who are interested in natural, Islamic remedies and from trusted organic sources I highly recommend this website. . . . . . . . . . #talbina #barley #sunnah #propheticmedicine #islam #naturalhealing #naturalremedies #healthmeanswealth #healthyeating #health #islamicmedicine #muslimah #muslimblogger #mummyblogger #vegeterianfriendly #veganfriendly

Apple, pineapple, sultanas and pine nut crumble with homemade custard. When you feel sick for food but always say yes to dessert=story of my life. I love crumble whatever the filling, it is the epitome of comfort food for me. For a healthier crumble version use honey instead of sugar, for Vegan use coconut oil instead of butter and oats or for a Paleo version ground flour for the crumbs. This was my first attempt at making my own custard and was pretty impressed with the results. . . . . . . . . . . . #crumble #applecrumble #pineapple #sultanas #pinenuts #oats #dessert #comfortfood #comfort #winter #custard #homemade #organic #veganfriendly #vegetarianfriendly #paleofriendly #home #instafood

Chana dal fry. I mentioned in an earlier post the availability of lentils here in KSA and my experiments to come.This dish is vegan, vegetarian and paleo, it is perfectly hot, fiery, spicy and hits the right notes. I love the combination of spices used that takes the taste of lentils to a new level as well as adding sliced ginger perfects it for me. The health benefits this dish has to offer are many. This is a keeper. . . . . . . . . . . . #dal #lentils #chana #chanadalfry #vegeterianfriendly #veganfriendly #paleofriendly #paleo #vegeterian #pescatarian #naan #bread #ksa #asianfood #southeastasia #pakistanifood #indianfood #simplemeals #healthyeating

For the last few days we have been on a road trip driving through different cities, towns and villages of KSA. We are currently in Jeddah enjoying the best coffee I have had since arriving here hence the necessary post LOL. I have loved this experience so far, making memories with my twincesses, learning a new culture, visiting historical sites and reliving the past, retracing areas where my parents lived over 30 years ago when they began the first years of their marriage. It has been a spiritually uplifting and emotional journey one to remember for many reasons. . . . . . . . . . . #coffee #paul #paleofriendly #lebanese #saudiarabia #mummyblogger #adventures #roadtrip #dammam #jeddah #riyadh #taif #ksa #food #arab #twins #islam (at Paul)

Sookhi Urad Dal and Kachumber salad. Here in KSA you are spoilt for choice on terms of grains and lentils, items I have never come across before I have come to find out about. I have being purchasing some to give a try. I recently purchased Black gram split (urad dal dhuli) from one of the local supermarkets. I didn't have a clue how to cook it so I searched recipes online and came across the above. This recipe is paleo and vegan friendly and for those who are gluten intolerant these lentils taste like rice and a healthy alternative. I liked the taste however next time I would like to cook these lentils in a risotto with mushrooms. The salad tasted delicious and definitely one I will make again. . . . . . . . . . . . . . #urad #dal #dhuli #lentils #salad #veganfriendly #vegetarianfriendly #paleofriendly #paleo #glutenfree #grainfree #onion #ginger #tumeric #vegetables #kachumber #mummyblogger #healthyeating #eatwell #healthychoices #instafood #f4f (at Dammam City, KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA)

Eid mubarak! I hope you are all having/had a brilliant day. The twins have spent this week counting down, waking up every morning asking if it is Eid yet? We have made so many activities through out the week and have had a lot of fun preparing and learning about zam zam water, types of dates, hajj amongst other things. Today for our party we enjoyed drinking zam zam water, eating ajwa dates, cake and delicious wholewheat arabic date sweets. I am upset we couldn't be with family but my daughters happy faces brightened my day and filled my heart with joy and happiness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #eid #ksa #cake #family #zamzam #dates #coffee #celeberation #happiness #twins #learning #homeschooling #homeschoollife #homeschooler #mummyblogger #lebanese #arab #dammam #food (at الدمام السعودية)

Garlic seafood. Stirfried seafood with lots of crushed garlic, fresh lemon juice, harrisa spices and parsley. Simple and delicious. . . . . . . . . . . . . . #seafood #prawns #squid #mussels #food #cook #seafish #easymeals #garlic #lemon #harissa #pesceterian #spicyfood #mummyblogger #healthyeating #paleo #nourshingfood #instafood #paleofriendly #arabfood #yum #ksa #saudiarabia

Hamoor fish. In the evening and weekends when taking a walk on the corniche you will notice many men dotted around by the sea usually alone or in small groups fishing. I have been exploring local fishes since arriving here especially since Salmon is very expensive and finding one that my daughters will like as a replacement. Here in Dammam you can find many restaurants/fishmongers/fish markets that sell fresh fish. This fish we had recently from a local restaurant (will have to find the name), you choose your fish (which are all caught on the day and local) and it is barbecued in front of you, it is pretty pricey but can feed several heads and delicious. This was cooked in a chilli marinade with onions and tomatoes to keep it moist, it is very similar in taste to Sea bream but more meatier. . . . . . . . . . . . #fish #hamoor #local #localfood #dammam #mummyblogger #healthyeating #eatwell #healthychoices #lebanese #paleo #british #ksa #pesceterian #seafish #sealife #saudiarabia #instafood #f4f (at Dammam Corniche)

Prawn, mushroom and carrot stew cooked in a homemade Saudi fish spice. The other day I fancied something simple, a tad spicy, and saucy. This was a slightly experiential dish which I can gladly say went well and tasted delightful. I cooked onion, garlic and ginger before adding in the sliced carrots, button mushrooms, Saudi fish spice, freshly chopped tomatoes and cooked on a low heat. To finish of I added the Prawns and parsley and served. The saudi spice I bought from a friend who makes them herself and sells. A variety of spices are used to combine this mixed spice, however the cumin, the variety of chillis, a hint of lemon and crushed cardamom, are the key notes when cooked. These specific spices I personally add into all fish and seafood dishes as I believe they work so well together and bring out the taste of the fish/seafood. For a vegetarian meal you could substitute the orawns with broccoli, cauliflower and butternut squash. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #stew #prawns #mushrooms #seafood #carrots #paleo #nourshingfood #instafood #mummyblogger #paleofriendly #lebanese #saudiarabia #pesceterian #spicyfood #easymeals #spices #mummyblogger (at Dammam, Saudi Arabia)

Homemade Coconut Milk. I have been making my own coconut milk for a few months now for several reasons. The majority of coconut milk sold contain preservatives, homemade coconut milk is just dessicated coconut and water. Buying Organic canned coconut milk (to avoid preservatives) works well if cooking for 2-4 people. However it is more cost efficient to make your own due to the cost, especially for those on vegan diets, when cooking for a large group of people or if you use coconut milk in abundance. What is left of the coconut flesh can be used as coconut flour for baking especially for those who follow Paleo or are gluten free diets. It doesn't require much time or effort to make coconut milk and worth it. #coconutmilk #homemade #vegetables #vegetarianfriendly #veganfriendly #paleofriendly #paleo #glutenintolerant #glutenfree #coconut #organic #healthychoices