Today’s guest is Maureen Abood. Maureen is a chef, recipe developer, and cookbook author. This fall, she released her second book, “Lebanese Baking: More Than 100 Recipes for Sweet and Savory Baked Goods.” It’s a beautiful celebration of the breads, pastries, and sweets of Lebanon.

Maureen joins host Jessie Sheehan to share her childhood memories of baking bread with her grandmother and how the special occasion cakes her mother made inspired her love of baking. She and Jessie talk about how her new book grew from a single chapter in her first cookbook, “Rose Water & Orange Blossoms,” into a full collection filled with stories and soul. The duo also walk through Maureen’s recipe for Ma’amoul, the date-filled shortbread-like cookies that are a staple at Lebanese celebrations.

Click here for Maureen’s Ma’amoul recipe.

Thank you to Diamond Nuts & California Prunes for their support. 

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More on Maureen: Instagram, website, “Lebanese Baking” cookbook
More on Jessie: Instagram, “Salty, Cheesy, Herby, Crispy Snackable Bakes” cookbook