My love for cooking started when I was 14 years old and decided to take Home Economics at Central High School in Collinsville, OK. I took 2 Years, one under Mrs. Mary Layton, and one year under Mrs. Thelma Bryson. In their classes, we took turns with cooking and sewing projects. I learned so much from them. I learned how to cut out and sew from a pattern, how to cook from recipes and how to set the table properly.

I would rush home after school to tell Mom about the new recipe I learned that day and how we set the table with place cards and a centerpiece. It was my favorite class and so much fun. I wish Home Economics were back in our school system today. Time changes everything.

At a young age, I started collecting recipes. I have an extensive collection. I would clip newspaper and magazine recipes and put them in albums, recipe boxes and many shoeboxes. I still collect to this day and have a HUGE collection of cookbooks, many that I brought back from countries on our international trips that I made with my husband George during his Reda Pump Company years.

I would never give out a Lebanese recipe for fear the right cut of meat would not be used and trimmed of all the gristle and fat before having it run through a meat grinder and sometimes twice at the butcher shop. Also, for fear they would not have all the ingredients such as rendered butter and special spices. In the early years, Mom received spices from Lebanon from her family. Today they are available and can be purchased at Middle Eastern specialty shops.

I always found it difficult to submit a Lebanese recipe because we do not use them. We take great pride in preparing these recipes using only the best of meats, vegetables and ingredients. So with all of this in mind and as time goes by, I realize how important our food is and for this reason and my love for cooking, I am sharing some of our favorite recipes with you. Each has been measured and kitchen tested. You may adjust the seasoning to suit your own taste.

The beauty of Lebanese-style of cooking is that a large amount can be prepared ahead of time and stored for future meals. This is also useful in planning a big dinner party or any special event. It freezes well.

My love for cooking continues as I devote most of my time cooking for my family and having them over for dinner. I cook in large quantities and send the leftovers home with them.

These recipes have become a tremendous part of my life. I cannot imagine a better way to touch friends and family than through the pleasure of food. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I have enjoyed putting it together for you. In this book are the answers to many, many requests. Enjoy!