My Halal Kitchen: Global Recipes, Cooking Tips and Lifestyle Inspiration

My Halal Kitchen by Yvonne Maffei, author of the popular cooking and lifestyle blog of the same name, is every home cook's exciting guide to preparing halal foods. Maffei was inspired to fill a gap between non-Muslims who didn't understand the concept of halal--eating practices as prescribed by the Qur'an--and observant Muslims who wanted to expand their cooking repertoire to incorporate American and other international fare. The recipes in My Halal Kitchen are intended to give readers the foundation they need to begin a journey into eating halal or to diversify the menu options for those who already do.

For Maffei, halal is a constant practice, one that takes education and intention. With its focus on reducing harm, halal is well suited to any ethically and environmentally conscious consumer. For example, halal meat meets specific standards: in order for an animal to be considered for slaughter, it must have had a proper diet throughout its life and be in good health. While My Halal Kitchen may initially highlight the restrictions that define the diet, such as avoiding pork, Maffei's approach is one of abundance and creativity. Instead of offering traditional Mediterranean-style meals, she shares recipes inspired by iconic American comfort foods, like the "Bacon," Lettuce and Tomato Sandwich, as well as global cuisine. With recipes such as Korean Beef Bulgogi, Bouillabaisse, Chicken Florentine and Lemon Tiramisù, My Halal Kitchen presents readers--whether Muslim or those simply interested in considering their food choices more carefully--with a vast array of options that can redefine one's relationship with the kitchen. --Justus Joseph, bookseller at Elliott Bay Book Company