This homemade yogurt is my favorite! Once you try this homemade version it's hard to turn back to the store-bought stuff. It tastes so fresh and creamy with just enough tang.

It's made with just a half gallon of milk and a small container of yogurt as a starter. It's made in a pot on the stovetop, then it's fermented using the warmth of your oven light. That's right it's made without a dedicated yogurt maker, because who needs one more bulky piece of kitchen equipment to buy and store?

You will just need an instant read thermometer but this common kitchen tool can have many more uses so I highly recommend investing in one if you haven't already.

I recommend preparing this the night before, then the resting period can happen overnight for 10 to 12 hours in the oven while you sleep. From there just chill it through and if you prefer it thicker you can strain during the chilling period.

To finish, customize it as you'd like. To make it extra special add vanilla bean paste and serve as parfaits with honey, homemade granola, and fresh berries. It's a true breakfast treat!

What Is Shish Tawook?

In the Turkish language, “shish” means skewer, and “tawook,” also sometimes spelled tauk, means chicken. Put together, the two translate to mean chicken skewer or chicken kebab. 

Believed to have first been served during the Ottoman Empire, shish tawook quickly became popular throughout the entire Middle East, spreading into Egypt and Levant during the Ottoman’s rule. 

It features pieces of chicken that are soaked in a yogurt marinade infused with garlic, lemon juice, and lots of warm spices. It is then grilled or baked until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. 

Thanks to the marinade, chicken shish tawook always turns out juicy and is virtually fail proof. It’s one of my all-time favorite recipes and is always what I order when we dine at Middle Eastern restaurants. Luckily, it’s simple to make at home, too! 

What’s the difference between chicken shish tawook and chicken shawarma? 

Both dishes are made with boneless skinless chicken and Middle Eastern spices, but they are not the same. There are key differences in how the two recipes are created and prepared. 

• Shish tawook is created with a creamy, yogurt-based marinade that features garlic, warm seasonings, and tomato paste. As a result, it has a rich, bold flavor and a distinct hue. 
• Alternatively, shawarma does not use yogurt or tomato paste. Instead, an olive oil-based marinade creates a stronger citrus flavor with warmer seasonings and a slightly spicier flavor. 
• Traditionally, shish tawook is grilled on skewers, and shawarma roasts long and slow on a spit. Although, you can also make oven baked chicken shawarma at home.

What is Butter Chicken?

Butter Chicken, also known as murg makhani, is an Indian curry dish made of chicken that's coated in a well seasoned tomato gravy that includes butter and cream.

Chicken is marinated in yogurt, spices, garlic and ginger, then later cooked in a tandoor, but it can also be pan fried, grilled or oven roasted. After that it is tossed with the simmered, richly seasoned tomato sauce.

This butter chicken recipe is easy and straightforward. It just involves a bit of extra time. It's one of those hard to mess up dishes as long as you follow a few simple directions and tips.

If you love Indian food this is a must try recipe, and if you've never had Indian food this is such a great place to start!

This recipe proves that it's often the simplest ingredients that can yield the best end results.

What is Naan?

Naan is flat-like, yeast leavened, oven baked bread. It originates from Iran and Central Asia. It's a very popular bread in India, where you'll usually find a slightly thicker variation.

Naan can be leavened or un-leavened, the Indian versions are usually leavened. It's common to use torn pieces of naan for scooping and eating food by hand.

Traditionally Indian Naan is cooked in a tandoor oven but not many of us own one of those. So here we make it without a tandoor oven and use a heavy cast iron skillet instead to get a very similar result.

I've tried making naan several different ways using different ingredients like water, buttermilk, milk, or yogurt. I've also tried with and without egg, or with just egg yolk. Then using different fats.

Of course there's also the option to use different types of flour (bread flour, all-purpose flour, or even wheat flour). Then you'll notice some recipes include baking powder.

You’ll also find a variety of mixing methods and dough consistencies.

This recipe is my favorite blend of ingredients for it, with the ratios and method to achieve a super soft, lightly chewy, perfectly fluffy and bubbly naan. It's my idea of the best Naan!

Looking for more ways to make kebabs? Try my two super popular recipes - Steak Kebabs and Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs.

A Must Try Kebab Recipe!

In this tempting summer dinner recipe you get an abundance of goodness, and they're healthy too.

Tender, well seasoned chicken and lightly charred and smoky bell pepper, zucchini and onion. What's not to love here?

It's a restaurant quality Greek style recipe you'll find to be a staple every summer!