DEARBORN – An enthusiastic group gathered at the Islamic Center of America on Ford Road in Dearborn on Wednesday to share their love of cooking as part of the masjid’s Maa-koul al Hanna event series.
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Wanda Fayz (third from left) leads a group of women during cooking classes at the Islamic Center of America on Wednesday. PHOTO: Nick Meyer/TAAN |
The event series, which happens once per month, usually on a Tuesday or a Wednesday, at 6:30 p.m. was created through organizer Wanda Fayz and the Women’s Auxillary. The group of about 250 members raised $250,000 for the center according to Fayz last year through baking and cooking, and now they plan to share their recipes with those eager to learn for the price of $15 for each session to raise more money.
“The demonstrations are great, I like the large kitchen where you can see everything,” said attendee Soumaya Habhab. “The food tastes better when you get the exact recipes.”
On the menu for January’s session were kibbi nayii, baked kibbi, kibbi balls with stuffing, and kanafya with cheese for dessert. Each item came with recipe lists to take home along with nutritional information.
The event’s organizers hope to bring in local chefs as well as bigger crowds in the months to come, and both men and women of all different backgrounds are welcome to experience the joy of cooking.
Siham Jaafar, one of the organizers of the event, said that maintaining a sense of cultural identity in regards to food is an important thing for various reasons.
“The Arabic food makes up a much healthier diet, and it is also important from a cultural standpoint,” she said.
Contact Jaafar at farjaafar@sbcglobal.net for information on future events..
The Islamic Center of America’s resident cooks and bakers also sell their goods with proceeds going to the center, usually on Fridays and Sundays. Call 313.593.0000 for more information on how to buy freshly-prepared food and sweets from the group.
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