
We’re excited to announce that as of January 3, 2024 the Tasting Jerusalem Cooking Community is now Sumac & Sunshine!
You’ll still find ingredient-driven conversation about Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines PLUS even more emphasis on how to use these elements in your own style of everyday cooking.
Beth Lee and Sarene Wallace, editor of Edible San Fernando Valley, founded the group originally to explore Jerusalem: A Cookbook by Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi.
Since then the group has grown to over 4000 members from all over the world sharing their food creations, asking and answering questions about ingredients and inspiring each other to explore flavors and recipes from cookbooks and kitchens throughout the Eastern Mediterranean.
You can find many posts right here on the blog with deep dives about specific ingredients as well as lots of delicious recipes. And be sure to join our Facebook cooking group, where you can ask questions, brag about your creations, and join the conversation with other like-minded cooks throughout the world.

Love Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors? Join our Facebook group Sumac & Sunshine or subscribe to our newsletter!
All levels of cooks are welcome from novice to chefs - the only requirement is an interest in ingredients, cooking, and the cuisines of the Middle East and Mediterranean!
You can also find Beth on Instagram as omgyummy and Sarene as fringe.food.
Middle Eastern/Mediterranean posts right here on the blog!
- Everything Bagel Seasoning Recipe
- Butter Pecan Ice Cream - No Churn!
- Carrot Top Pesto with Preserved Lemon
- Stuffed Romano Peppers Recipe
- Baharat Seasoning Blend
- Roasted Harissa Potatoes with Preserved Lemon Gremolata
- Pumpkin Granola Sweetened with Maple or Date Syrup
- Harissa Chicken with Preserved Lemons
- Cucumber Tomato Salad: Celebrating Summer Produce
- Preserved Lemon Hummus
- Preserved Lemon Vinaigrette
- Instant Pot Barberry Rice (Zereshk Polo)
- Date Thumbprint Cookies with Walnuts (Koloocheh): for Tu B’shevat or Purim
- Barberries: Edible Persian Jewels also known as Zereshk
- Pistachio Snowball Cookies with Rose and Cardamom: A Simple but Exotic Holiday Cookie
- Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Pomegranate Molasses and Dukkah
- Pressure Cooker Brisket with Pomegranate Molasses
- Pomegranate Molasses Cocktail: Minty Pomegranate Mule
- Lemony Flank Steak with Pomegranate Molasses
- Pomegranate Molasses Dressing Recipe
- Arugula and Fig Salad -- The Perfect Match for Pomegranate Molasses Dressing
- Rose Harissa - a Smoky, Spicy Kitchen Condiment with Magical Floral Notes
- Shakshuka Recipe: An Easy Egg Dish for any Meal of the Day!
- Preserved Lemons, Ottolenghi-style
- Roasted Delicata Squash with Pomegranate Molasses and Date Syrup
- Roasted Asparagus Salad with Preserved Lemon
- How to Make Pomegranate Molasses – As Easy as Boiling Water!
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranate Molasses
- Multicultural Yogurt: Labneh with Tomatoes, Pesto, and Tapenade
- Merry Mint: Tasting Jerusalem March 2015
- Enticing Turmeric: Tasting Jerusalem February 2015
- Comforting Cumin: Tasting Jerusalem January 2015
- All About Dukkah
- All About Saffron and a Recipe for Ottolenghi's Chicken with Jerusalem Artichoke and Lemon
- Date Syrup: A Sweet Addition to your Pantry
- Za'atar – a Spice Rich in Stories and Flavor for Tasting Jerusalem July 2014
- Tasting Jerusalem June 2014: Tahini Opens a World of Sesame Flavor
- Tasting Jerusalem March 2014 – Cardamom
- Tasting Jerusalem February 2014 – Zhoug!
- Tasting Jerusalem January 2014: A Top Shelf Spice
- Tasting Jerusalem: Ancient Pistachios Perfect for Modern Cooking
- Tasting Jerusalem: Tantalizing Tamarind
- Roasted Fruit with Date Syrup and Pomegranate Molasses
- Tasting Jerusalem: Tart, Tangy, Tantalizing Pomegranate Molasses
- Tasting Jerusalem: The NY Times!
- Tasting Jerusalem: Celebrating Summer with Salad
- Roasted Cauliflower: The Whole Truth
- Tasting Jerusalem: April Showers Bring May Flours
- Tasting Jerusalem: Couscous and Creativity!
Analida says
I love your blog! your recipes are right up my alley.
Beth Lee says
Thanks Analida - I would in total honesty say the same to you! I hope we get a chance to meet in person and cook together sometime soon!
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