It’s Sha’ban, the month before Ramadan (Islamic Lunar Months). As soon as it starts, the anticipation for Ramadan slowly seeps into our bodies and the excitement rises!

The 14^th of Sha’ban which is also called “El Laileh” or “Lailat El Nes” (which means “The Night” or “The night before the half”. The half as in the half of the month which falls on the 15^th); is a day we celebrate here in the UAE.

Children all dress up in traditional Emirati clothes go from one house to another and are given treats.  The candy given is for El Laileh. To celebrate their happiness that Ramadan is near.

As children we were not allowed to go from one house to another asking for treats. I never knew why.
But family and friends used to send us bags of treats, which will last for months!

This year, I didn’t have time to go buy candy to give out. I was too busy planning my anniversary dinner. Hopefully next year! Inshallah!

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Sometimes you feel that you get sucked into a tornado of things to do and then suddenly you realize that you have missed something specific… it might not be a big thing… maybe something as simple as making bread!

I have been missing making bread… the patience it brings and the satisfying feeling it brings when you see the outcome!

The kitchen has been invaded by me for the passed week or so… baking cookies and delivering La Mère Culinaire Cravings’ orders…

While I was baking orders, I felt the need of doing something more intense…. like baking bread of course!

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