Turkish Delight Recipe

Turkish Delight is a candy that originated in Turkey in the 1700's. The candy was featured in "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe", by C.S Lewis. The White Witch tempted a character, Edmund, with Turkish Delight. This easy Turkish Delight recipe will tempt you, too!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour, 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 cups granulated sugar
• 1 1/4 cups cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 4 1/4 cups water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 1/2 tablespoons rosewater
• 1 cup confectioners sugar
• Vegetable oil or shortening

Preparation:

In a 9 inch baking pan, grease the sides and bottom with vegetable oil or shortening. Line with wax paper and grease the wax paper.

In a saucepan, combine lemon juice, sugar and 1 1/2 cups water on medium heat. Stir constantly until sugar dissolves. Allow mixture to boil. Reduce heat to low and allow to simmer, until the mixture reaches 240 degrees on a candy thermometer. Remove from heat and set aside.

Combine cream of tartar, 1 cup corn starch and remaining water in saucepan over medium heat. Stir until all lumps are gone and the mixture begins to boil. Stop stirring when the mixture has a glue like consistency.

Stir in the lemon juice, water and sugar mixture. Stir constantly for about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low, and allow to simmer for 1 hour, stirring frequently.

Once the mixture has become a golden color, stir in rosewater. Pour mixture into wax paper lined pan. Spread evenly and allow to cool overnight.

Once it has cooled overnight, sift together confectioners sugar and remaining cornstarch.

Turn over baking pan containing Turkish delight onto clean counter or table and cut with oiled knife into one inch pieces.

Coat with confectioners sugar mixture. Serve or store in airtight container in layers separated with wax or parchment paper.

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

When you want hummus with a little "kick", you should make roasted red pepper hummus. It is the easiest recipe! You can buy fresh roasted red peppers in the deli of your supermarket or on the shelf in a jar. The recipe also contains tahini, which can be made easily, or also purchased in a supermarket.

• More hummus recipes

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 can of chickpeas/garbanzo beans (15 oz)
• 1/3 cup tahini
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1/2 cup -3/4 cup roasted red peppers (depending on taste)

Preparation:

In a food processor, combine beans, tahini, lemon juice and olive. Process until smooth. Add red peppers and garlic until desired consistency.

Garnish with parsley. Serve warm with hot pita bread or toasted pita chips.

Roasted red pepper hummus can be made up to two days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Heat up in microwave or on stovetop to serve.

Easy Falafel

This recipe for falafel contains few ingredients which cuts down on preparation time. Perfect for those who want an easier version of falafel.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 15 oz. can chickpeas, drained
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 3/4 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons flour
• oil for frying (canola or vegetable)

Preparation:

Combine chickpeas, garlic, onion, coriander, cumin, salt and pepper (to taste) in medium bowl. Add flour and combine well.

Mash chickpeas, making sure to mix ingredients together. You can also combine ingredients in a food processor. You want the result to be a thick paste.

Form the mixture into small balls, about the size of a ping pong ball. Slightly flatten.

Fry in 2 inches of oil at 350 degrees until golden brown (2-5 minutes).

Serve falafel by itself, or with hot pita bread with veggies, hummus, or tahini sauce.

Hummus without Tahini

This hummus recipe is perfect for those who like hummus, but not with tahini. Many children don't like tahini, so this is a great recipe to make for them.

• More hummus recipes

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 can garbanzo beans/chickpeas
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cumin

Preparation:

In a food processor, blend all ingredients together until smooth and creamy.

Serve immediately with pita bread, pita chips, or veggies.

Store in a airtight container for up to three days.

Basic Couscous

This couscous recipe is very basic. Couscous goes with just about any main course, especially chicken. You will find couscous more often in North African cuisine. Most couscous sold in grocery stores has already been pre-steamed, so preparation is vey simple!

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cup couscous
• 2 3/4 cups water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Preparation:

In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add salt and stir. Add couscous and remove from heat and allow to sit for about 5 minutes.

Couscous should be light and fluffy, not gummy. Be sure to allow the couscous to absorb the water.

VariationPrepare couscous with chicken broth instead of water. It really makes for a nice flavor.

Review

It is a pleasure to have a dinner in your restaurant. 
I like a style and a music. Also your shows are awesome!

Falafel Recipe

Falafel is very popular in the Middle East as a fast food. Vendors sell it on the street corners in Cairo. As a main dish, it is served as a sandwich, stuffed in pita bread with lettuce, tomatoes, and tahini. As an appetizer, it is served on a salad, or with hummus and tahini. Falafel is a favorite among vegetarians.

In Egypt, McDonald's has their version of a falafel sandwich. Can you guess the name? McFalafel, of course.

No time to make your own falafel? Check out our favorite falafel mixes.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour, 45 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried chickpeas or 16 oz. can of chickpeas or garbanzo beans.
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 3 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 2 tablespoons flour
• Salt
• Pepper
• Oil for frying

Preparation:

Place dried chickpeas in a bowl, covering with cold water. Allow to soak overnight. Omit this step if using canned beans.

Drain chickpeas, and place in pan with fresh water, and bring to a boil.

Allow to boil for 5 minutes, then let simmer on low for about an hour.

Drain and allow to cool for 15 minutes.

Combine chickpeas, garlic, onion, coriander, cumin, salt and pepper (to taste) in medium bowl. Add flour.

Mash chickpeas, ensuring to mix ingredients together. You can also combine ingredients in a food processor. You want the result to be a thick paste.

Form the mixture into small balls, about the size of a ping pong ball. Slightly flatten.

Fry in 2 inches of oil at 350 degrees until golden brown (5-7 minutes).

Serve hot.

Serving Suggestion
Falafel can be served as an appetizer with hummus and tahini, or as a main course. Stuff pita bread with falafel, lettuce, tomatoes, tahini, salt and pepper. As an alternative, falafel can be formed into patties and served like a burger.

Serves 4.

Belly Dance Classes by our own Surayah!

Group Epicurean Menu's

Alhambra Platter 58.00

Chicken Kabob, Kefta Kabob, Beef Shwarma, Alhambra Rice, and grilled vegetables

 

Mezza Platter 50.00

Hummus, Baba Ghanoush, Lebna, Falafel, Dolmeh, Kibeh, Zatoun, and Feta Cheese Tabolie

 

Dessert Platter 32.00

Baklava and Chef's selection of mini desserts

 

Seasonal Fresh Fruit Platter 25.00

Chef's selection of delicious seasonal fruits

The Food

Weddings

A wedding at the Alhambra Palace is a time everyone will remember!

A wedding, shower, rehearsal dinner or bachelor/bachelor party ascends to an unparalleled level of elegance and opulence at the one-of-a-kind Alhambra Palace. In fact, Alhambra Palace offers such a variety of unique spaces that each component of a wedding celebration- from an engagement party to a bachelor party can have its own special personality and uniqueness.

Alhambra's expert special event coordinators can personalize each occasion to meet the most grand expectations. Our planners have relationships with a cadre of top specialty florists, wedding cake designers, linen companies and entertainers to assist in creating a most memorable event.

An event coordinator will work with you from beginning to end, dotting every proverbial "I" and "T" along the way.

To begin your dream event call 312-666-9555 or
email our event specialist at: Tyler@alhambrapalacerestaurant.com.

Private Parties

Minimums

Alhambra Palace does not automatically levy a room charge. However we do have established minimum of food and beverage dollars that must be spent. These amounts differ per room, day of the week, and time of year. If these minimums are not met, then a room rental charge will be added to the final bill.

Deposit

A 25% deposit based on estimated charges is due at signing. An additional 50% deposit is due 14 days prior to the event and the final balance based on guaranteed guest count is due 24 hours prior. Additional charges will be assessed at the conclusion of the event. All deposits made are non refundable.

Table Linens

Specialty linen may be brought in through any reputable outside vendor. Otherwise, Alhambra Palace works with Windy City Linen for all events, costs vary. Please ask your event coordinator for pricing and details.

Special Occasion Cakes

We are happy to provide service via our cake and baked goods vendor celebrating all occasions. Prices vary per request, 48 hours notice usually required. You may also arrange to bring in your own cake per a licensed vendor (must provide receipt) – Cake cutting fee may apply.

Valet Parking

Valet is available either as a hosted option or as a nominal fee to your guests, at $10.00 per car.

Audio Visual

Alhambra conveniently houses an array of state of the art Audio and Visual equipment for all purposes. Please discuss with your event coordinator any Audio Visual needs, advance notice is required. Additional charges may apply.

Flowers

We will be pleased to assist you with any floral needs you may have through our preferred vendor The Flower Firm. (www.flowerfirm.com)

Entertainment

We will be pleased to assist with any entertainment needs you may have. In house entertainment includes Belly Dancing, Flamenco Dancers, Tribal Belly Dancing (Read My Hips), and house DJ. (Subject to availability)

Outside food/ beverage

Outside food and beverage of any kind is not permitted at Alhambra Palace unless specified for religious purposes. Specialty desserts and cakes are the only exception and must be provided by a licensed vendor or caterer.

Vendors

You are responsible for providing Alhambra a complete list of all vendors and details of who will be working your event. Including but not limited to, photographers, entertainment, florists, etc. Alhambra will not be responsible for accommodating any vendors unannounced.

Dessert Menu

Sweet Licks

CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM 6.00
FRENCH VANILLA ICE CREAM 6.00
BAKLAVA ASSORTMENTS 6.00
BOMBA 6.00
N.Y. CHEESECAKE 6.00
CRÈME BRULE 6.00
TIRAMISU 8.00
CHOCOLATE MOUSE 8.00
MANGO STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE 8.00
CHOCOLATE CHOCOLATE CAKE 8.00
LEMON SORBET 8.00
BLACK & WHITE CHOCOLATE CAKE 8.00

Drink Menu

Martinis

Alhambra Martini 12

Absolute Vodka, Pomegranate, Cranberry Juice, and a splash of Orange Juice

Casablanca Martini 12

Premium Gin, Ketel One, Drop Dry Vermouth, Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice

Moroccan Martini 12

Absolute Wild Tea Vodka, Muddled Fresh Mint, Simple Syrup, Soda

Bubbly Ginger Martini 12

Effen Black Cherry, Ginger Liqueur, Lemondae, Topped With Cristalino Sparkling Wine

Lebanese Blonde 12

Absolute Citron Vodka, Patron Citronge, Sweet and Sour, Fresh Lemon Juice With A Sugar Rim

Spanish Martini 11

Absolute Vanilla Vodka, Chambord, and Pineapple Juice

Belvedere Sunset 12

Belvedere Vodka, Pineapple and Cranberry Juice with a Lemon Lime Sugar Rim

Cocktails

French Margarita 15

Patron Silver, Grand Marnier, Lime Juice and a splash of Soda

Margarita 12

Patronge Citronge, Reposado Tequila, Fresh Lime Juice and a Salted Rim

Liquid Ecstasy 12

10 Cane Rum, Midori Melon, and White Godiva Liqueur

Champagne Granada 13

Champagne, Amaretto, Raspberry Liqueur, served in a champagne flute

Alamir Punch 12

Absolut Vodka, Creme De Banana, and Pineapple Juice

Tangier 12

Effen Black Cherry Vodka, Chambord, Cream Soda, served on the rocks

Caipirinha 12

Cabana Cachaca, Lime Wedges, Pure Sugar Cane

Blue Mediterranean 12

Absolut Raspberry, Vodka, Blue Curaco and Lemonade

Luxury Palace 12

Hennessy VS, Grand Marnier, Cava, served in a Champagne Flute

Pama Dream 12

Absolut Pears, Hum, Pama Pomegranate Liqueur

XOXO (Hugs and Kisses) 12

Patron XO, Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur, and Disaronno

Marrakesh 12

Hennessy Black, Mathilda Liqueur, Hum, and Soda

Pomegranate Ginger Mojito 12

Pama Pomegranate Liqueur, Bacardi Dragon Berry, Canton Ginger Liqueur, Fresh Muddled Mint, Lime, and Simple Syrup

Ka Belle Vie 12

Belvedere Vodka, Pomegranate Liqueur, and Red Bull