Middle Eastern Pastries

We learned from our mothers, who learned from their mothers before them.  This traditional style of baking has been passed down many generations, and originated in the small Christian villages of Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine.  The way many of the cookies are prepared is filled with some of the rich symbolism and deep meaning that defined our familial and spiritual ancestors in the Christian Levant.  For instance, cookies called Kahk ib Timir (date cookies) are traditionally prepared round with a hollow center and decorated to remind us of the crown of thorns that Christ wore.  The Mamoul cookie stuffed with dates, pistachios or walnuts, is prepared in the shape of a sponge to remind us of the sponge that the soldier gave Christ to drink from when He was on the Cross. 

Ghraybee   The Middle Eastern butter cookie.  They are tasty and beware, addicting.

Mamool   Stuffed with dates, pistachios, or walnuts

Baklawa   Ground walnuts and sugar nestled in between individually buttered sheets of fillo dough.  Topped with a homemade syrup.  Fat free and calorie free (Not really). 

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These and many more varieties of delicious Middle Eastern pastries await you at our festival!

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Our Famed Faranee Bread

Faranee is atleast as old as St. George Parish and certainly much older.  This traditional round loaf of bread has been prepared by us from the same old country recipe for over 100 years.  Generations have passed down the tradition, and when it comes time to bake Faranee, St. George parishioners come out in droves to celebrate this ancient tradition.  It is prepared nearly around the clock for several days leading up to our festival, our church dinner and other occasions.  Faranee...What does it mean?  The word Furin means stove or bakery, and the word Far-an means baker.  So, this special bread that was prepared by the baker was elequolently named Faranee, or the baker's bread.  Prepared with loving care, it starts with the purest flour and water and a special mixture of other old-country ingredients known only to the Ladies of St. George.  It is soft, it is fresh, and it is absolutely delicious. It can be eaten plain, used for sandwiches, eaten with special lebanee spread, or used to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (don't tell mom).

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See you at the Festival !