I would like to introduce #CookForSyria. This amazing idea was created by UNICEF ( an organisation that helps children in need all over the world ), Clerkenwell Boy ( an award-winning food instagrammer ), Serena Guen ( publisher, businesswoman and philanthropist ) and a few top chefs, as a way to fight the terrible humanitarian crisis in Syria.
#CookForSyria is a recipe book full of traditional and modern delicious Syrian, Middle Eastern food. Each recipe is donated by world-class chefs who want to make a difference! Any profits made on the sales of this incredible book are donated to aid the people of Syria affected by the tragic events.
Food is about sharing and hospitality, we may only have a little for ourselves, but we will give some to you because we are all hungry. Food can form friendships and relationships and is an integral part of a community. This book aims to capture that and bottle it, to use it to work towards peace.
I have already made four recipes out of his book and I’ve only had it a week and a half! They are so good! But the best one had to be this one:

Syrian Onion and Parsley Meatballs on Spicy Cous Cous with Roasted Butternut Squash and a Tahini Yoghurt Sauce.
It was seriously nice. Here’s the recipe for the meatballs, the sauce and the topping if you’d like to have a go:
Serves 4
Ingredients:
1/2 kg of minced beef
1 large onion
a bunch of parsley
1 butternut squash
For The Sauce
2 tbsp tahini
2 tbsp yoghurt
2 tbsp water
juice of one lemon
1 clove of garlic
For The Topping
Handful of pine nuts
Knob of butter
Method:
Cut the butternut squash into cubes, season with salt and pepper, drizzle with oil. Roast in the oven until tender.
Very finely chop the onion and parsley. Put both in a bowl with the mince and season. Mix together with your hands. Form into meatballs the size of ping pong balls and roast in the oven at 180C/356F for 10 minutes.
Mix the tahini, yoghurt, lemon, water and finely chopped garlic together with some salt until it forms a smooth, runny consistency. If too thick, add a little drop of water.
Melt some butter in a pan and toast some pine nuts.
Layer the meatballs and butternut squash in a bowl, drizzle with the sauce and then the pine nut topping.
Serve hot with cous cous, flatbreads, pittas or salad and enjoy……….!
I encourage you to buy this book, not only shall I tempt you with tales of pomegranate, spices, olives, pistachios, figs, bread, houmous and more, it is also working to change the world and to raise awareness of these people’s plight.
Let’s #CookForSyria to show we care!
Oh wow, this is an amazing idea! This is such a great cause, and I’m glad people are trying to help the Syrian refugees! 🙂
LikeLike
I know, it so is! Me too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The #CookForSyria team sent me this email and thought you guys might like to hear what they had to say:
Hi Gracie
Thank you so much for your email and for your kind blog post!
We have read it and were humbled by your words. Keep up the good work and spread kindness around the world.
Thank you again.
The #CookForSyria Team.
LikeLike
Hi Gracie. Your recipe sounds good and the picture of the finished dish looks amazing.the cookery books sounds really good and what a good cause for chefs to get together to help the Syrian people. I was very touched when I read the email from the#cookforsyria team.well done Gracie xx
LikeLike
Hmmmm, that looks absolutely yummy. Such good pictures. I’ve seen the book, but not looked at it properly I may have to give it a go. Such a good idea xx
LikeLike
So Serena Guen, named the ‘Mark Zuckerberg of Publishing’, sent me this message today:
Gracie this made my day! Thank you for sharing 🙂
—
Serena Guen
Founder and CEO
SUITCASE Magazine
@SerenaGuen
@SUITCASEmag
#SUITCASEtravels
I actually still can’t believe that she took the time to read this and email me! She’s a world famous, award winning, fashion and travel magazine writer! Oh my goodness! Oh my goodness!
LikeLike
such a great post dedicated to an amazing cause 😊
LikeLike
Oh wow! Thank you so much!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Welcome!
LikeLike