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Everything good, mostly food.
Welcome to The Balanced Foods Blog! I started this blog as a new mom navigating big life and body changes I didn’t expect. What began as a personal outlet has grown into a food and nutrition blog focused on balance, realistic wellness, and feeling good from the inside out. Here you’ll find simple recipes, practical nutrition tips, and honest conversations about nourishing your body through every season. Follow along and let’s keep food balanced, supportive, and real.
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Basbousa (Semolina Cake)
Basbousa is one of those desserts that instantly feels like home. Soft, sweet, buttery, and soaked in fragrant syrup, this classic North African and Southwest Asian semolina cake has been loved for generations across Egypt, Lebanon, and beyond. The beauty of Basbousa lies in its simplicity; humble pantry ingredients come together to create a rich, melt-in-your-mouth dessert that pairs perfectly with coffee or tea. What makes this recipe especially special is its balance of te
marinashaker
May 282 min read
Ful Medames: A Simple, Flavor-Packed Breakfast You’ll Want on Repeat
If you’re looking for a comforting, protein-rich dish that comes together with pantry staples, Ful Medames deserves a spot in your kitchen rotation. This traditional North African and Southwest Asian fava bean dish is hearty, fresh, and surprisingly easy to make at home. What makes Ful Medames so special is the balance of warm, savory beans with crisp fresh vegetables and herbs layered on top. It’s filling without feeling heavy, and every bite is packed with texture and flavo
marinashaker
May 202 min read
Homemade Falafel with Creamy Tahini Sauce (A Fresh, Herby Classic)
Falafel is one of those foods that feels like it belongs everywhere, street carts, family kitchens, late-night snacks, and carefully plated meals. Crispy on the outside, soft and fragrant inside, and packed with herbs and warm spices, it’s comfort food that still feels fresh and light. This version leans into tradition with a blend of fava beans and garbanzo beans, plenty of cilantro and parsley, and a simple but rich tahini sauce that ties everything together. Once you make
marinashaker
May 133 min read
Beid Bel Basterma: The Egyptian Breakfast That Feels Like a Warm Hug
There’s something magical about an Egyptian breakfast, simple ingredients, bold flavor, and the kind of comfort that lingers long after the last bite. One dish that perfectly captures that feeling is Beid Bel Basterma: soft scrambled eggs cooked with rich, spiced basterma and finished with melty Roumy cheese. It’s salty, buttery, savory, and deeply satisfying. Whether you grew up eating it at home or you’re discovering it for the first time, this dish delivers pure comfort in
marinashaker
May 72 min read
Homemade Baklava Recipe | Crispy, Buttery & Perfectly Sweet
If you’ve ever wanted to make authentic baklava at home, this simple and delicious recipe is the perfect place to start. With layers of flaky phyllo dough, crunchy nuts, warm cinnamon, and a fragrant rose-infused syrup, this dessert delivers bakery-quality results right from your kitchen. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday, special gathering, or just craving something indulgent, this homemade baklava recipe is easy, affordable, and absolutely irresistible. Why You’ll Love
marinashaker
Apr 292 min read
Egyptian Golash (Phyllo Meat Pie)
April is Arab American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the richness, diversity, and deep-rooted traditions woven through Arab cultures and few things tell that story more deliciously than food. Across North Africa and Southwest Asia, cooking is an art of layering: spices, textures, aromas, and histories all folded together. One ingredient captures this idea perfectly: phyllo dough. Paper-thin, delicate, and endlessly versatile, phyllo is a staple that moves effortlessly b
marinashaker
Apr 233 min read
Fattoush Salad: A Fresh Take on Tradition
Long before “zero-waste cooking” became a trend, farmers in Lebanon were already living it. Faced with stale pita bread and an abundance of fresh garden vegetables, they created what we now know as Fattoush—a crisp, tangy salad that celebrates both resourcefulness and bold flavor. The magic lies in contrast: crunchy golden pita chips, juicy vegetables, and a zesty dressing that ties everything together. This is not your average salad. It’s bright, herbaceous, slightly tangy,
marinashaker
Apr 162 min read
Chinese Collagen Tonic: Snow Fungus Soup for Beauty & Wellness
If you’ve ever wanted a natural, delicious way to nourish your skin and body from the inside out, look no further than the traditional Chinese Collagen Tonic, also known as Snow Fungus Soup or Chinese Beauty Tea . This sweet, soothing dessert soup is more than just a treat, it’s a centuries-old wellness ritual packed with skin-loving and body-boosting ingredients. This soup combines some of nature’s most potent superfoods: Tremella mushroom (white fungus) – Often called nat
marinashaker
Apr 82 min read
Mango Sticky Rice: A Sweet Taste of Thailand You Can Make at Home
Thai food has a special place in my heart, and this classic dessert is one I come back to again and again. Mango sticky rice is rich, creamy, lightly sweet, and incredibly satisfying, the perfect balance of comfort and freshness. And the best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make! Why You’ll Love This Recipe This dish combines soft, coconut-infused sticky rice with juicy ripe mangoes and a silky coconut drizzle. It’s naturally gluten-free, easy to prepare, and feels like a t
marinashaker
Apr 12 min read
Karkade: Egypt’s Refreshing Hibiscus Tea
Growing up in Egypt, there are certain flavors that instantly transport you home and for me, one of the most iconic is Karkade , our beloved hibiscus tea. With its deep ruby-red color, refreshingly tart taste, and subtle sweetness, this drink is more than just a beverage; it’s a cultural staple and a natural remedy passed down through generations. Karkade is especially cherished for its potential benefits, particularly for those managing high blood pressure. Many people turn
marinashaker
Mar 252 min read
Egyptian Red Lentil Soup (Shorbat Ads) – A Cozy, Nourishing Winter Staple
There’s something deeply comforting about a warm bowl of Egyptian red lentil soup on a cold day. Growing up in an Egyptian household, this dish was a winter essential; simple, hearty, and always satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a nourishing meal, a budget-friendly recipe, or a way to use up leftover vegetables in your fridge, this soup delivers every time. What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility. You can enjoy it thick and creamy or light and brothy, dep
marinashaker
Mar 182 min read
Soft & Fluffy Sourdough Sandwich Bread (No Scale Required!)
If you’ve ever felt intimidated by sourdough because every recipe demands a kitchen scale and precise gram measurements, this recipe is for you. This easy sourdough sandwich bread is made entirely with measuring cups and spoons — no scale required. Yes, it’s an unpopular opinion in the sourdough world… but it works beautifully. You still get: A soft, fluffy crumb Light sourdough flavor Perfect sandwich slices Reliable results And you don’t need a single gram measurement. Why
marinashaker
Feb 182 min read
Classic Tiramisu Recipe (Easier Than You Think)
Tiramisu has a reputation for being one of those “fancy” desserts — the kind you order at restaurants but never attempt at home. But the truth? Tiramisu is surprisingly simple to make. There’s no baking, no complicated techniques, and no special equipment required. The hardest part of making tiramisu isn’t the mixing or layering, it’s waiting for it to chill in the fridge. This classic tiramisu recipe is rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced with coffee and cocoa. Once you rea
marinashaker
Jan 292 min read
Easy French Dip Sandwich Recipe (Classic, Hearty & Flavor-Packed)
There’s something deeply comforting about a classic French dip sandwich. From the tender, slow-simmered beef to the crusty baguette and melty cheese, every bite feels warm, satisfying, and nostalgic. And of course, no French dip is complete without a rich, savory au jus on the side for dunking. This homemade French dip sandwich recipe is made with simple, wholesome ingredients and delivers bold, restaurant-quality flavor without being complicated. It’s the perfect choice for
marinashaker
Jan 253 min read
Black Sesame Seed Paste (Clack Sesame) – A Nutty Superfood for Wellness & Flavor
Black sesame seed paste, sometimes referred to as clack sesame , is a deeply nutty, slightly sweet spread with a rich, earthy flavor. Think peanut butter — but darker, more complex, and rooted in centuries of traditional wellness practices. Made from toasted black sesame seeds, this simple paste is both nourishing and versatile. It can be enjoyed on its own, mixed into drinks, or used as a flavorful spread in both sweet and savory dishes. With just two ingredients, it’s an ea
marinashaker
Jan 212 min read
Pastina Soup (Italian “Penicillin Soup”) – A Comforting Classic
Pastina soup, often lovingly referred to as Italian penicillin soup , is a warm, nourishing dish that has been enjoyed for generations. While it’s traditionally made in Italian households, you don’t have to be Italian to fall in love with it. I certainly did. The first time I tried this simple yet comforting soup, I knew I had to recreate it at home. Ever since then, it’s been a staple in my kitchen — especially on chilly days, slow evenings, or anytime I’m craving something
marinashaker
Jan 182 min read
Egyptian Butter Cookies (Betefour)
These cookies remind me of my childhood and my maternal grandmother. We normally had them on special occasions and holidays like Eid. My happiest memories were dipping these cookies in chocolate and sprinkles as a kid. Ingredients: 1 cup room temp butter (16 tbsp) 1 cup powdered sugar 2 eggs 1 tsp vanilla 2 1/2 cup flour 2 tsp baking powder Toppings: Apricot Jam Chocolate Chips Sprinkles Pistachios Directions: In a mixer, mis butter and sugar until creamy and thick. Add eggs
marinashaker
Jan 81 min read
Spooky Smoothies 👻
Beware… this smoothie is frighteningly delicious ! Perfect for Halloween or anytime you want a sweet scare. Ingredients: 16 oz package Strawberries 2 Bananas 3 tbsp Chia seeds 1/4 cup agave syrup Marshmallow puff Clear cup Toss your strawberries, bananas, chia seeds, and agave syrup into your blender. Blend until smooth. Add marshmallow puff inside the clear cup using the back of a spoon. Add eyes and mouth using a black sharpie on top of the white figure created by the marsh
marinashaker
Oct 23, 20251 min read
French Onion Mac & Cheese
Two comfort foods together is better than one. This creamy goodness brings together French onion soup flavor to the creamy comfort of Mac...
marinashaker
Jan 29, 20241 min read
The Perfect Valentines Day Gift
If you are like me and always find it challenging to get your partner the perfect valentines days gift. After 10 years together, and two...
marinashaker
Jan 21, 20241 min read
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Basbousa (Semolina Cake)
Basbousa is one of those desserts that instantly feels like home. Soft, sweet, buttery, and soaked in fragrant syrup, this classic North African and Southwest Asian semolina cake has been loved for generations across Egypt, Lebanon, and beyond. The beauty of Basbousa lies in its simplicity; humble pantry ingredients come together to create a rich, melt-in-your-mouth dessert that pairs perfectly with coffee or tea. What makes this recipe especially special is its balance of te
May 282 min read
Ful Medames: A Simple, Flavor-Packed Breakfast You’ll Want on Repeat
If you’re looking for a comforting, protein-rich dish that comes together with pantry staples, Ful Medames deserves a spot in your kitchen rotation. This traditional North African and Southwest Asian fava bean dish is hearty, fresh, and surprisingly easy to make at home. What makes Ful Medames so special is the balance of warm, savory beans with crisp fresh vegetables and herbs layered on top. It’s filling without feeling heavy, and every bite is packed with texture and flavo
May 202 min read
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