Saudi chef wows guests with a desert dessert at Al-Ula gala in Paris

Pastry chef Mayada Badr
Updated 11 April 2018
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Saudi chef wows guests with a desert dessert at Al-Ula gala in Paris

  • Chef Mayada Badr received positive feedback for her original dessert
  • Mayada received her culinary education at the renowned Cordon Bleu in Paris

A Saudi chef delighted the guests at a gala dinner to honor Saudi-French collaboration to enhance the cultural heritage of Al-Ula with a unique taste of Arabia blended with a hint of French decadence.

Pastry chef Mayada Badr’s choice for dessert was an original creation, Al-Huda, an Arabic word meaning “guidance.”
 
“I chose a vacherin with the creaminess of ice-cream, surrounding a soft gooey center of coffee and cardamom, covered by a rose meringue, bringing a mix of Saudi flavors with a French technique,” she told Arab News.

“The French have a more sensitive palate than ours, so I used very subtle flavors.  Arabic coffee, for example, is very strong, so I used it at the base, and when the dessert is mixed, the flavors blend beautifully, complementing the rest of the flavors.”

Many of the flavors were unknown to the French, so Mayada made sure that not only would she provide the best ingredients for the selection of desserts, she brought along many from Saudi to have the team test and understand the mix of flavors.  “The guests were surprised by the kanafeh macaroons.  I brought the threads with me and the fusion was surprisingly fun, introducing the guests to the flavors and cuisine from a different part of the world.”

The feedback was positive, with a lot of “compliments to the chef.”

Many guests didn’t believe the chef was Saudi, a notion Mayada wants to change with her innovative creations.

“The feedback was amazing, everyone loved the fusion of flavors,” she said. “The dessert was a perfect example of how East meets West.  Arabs invented the ice cream originally, or bootha, and many forget that.  The West took it and perfected it in the cake, then we took it back and fused it with our flavors, combining both cultures in the sense of history.”

Dubbed the “Queen of Macaroons” in Saudi Arabia, Mayada received her culinary education at the renowned Cordon Bleu in Paris and after completing her Grand Diplome, she interned at the prestigious Laduree and Bastide de Saint Antoine in Grasse before returning to Saudi.  

Her love of French pastries inspired her to open Pink Camel, a high-end French patisserie salon best known for its unique fusion of macaroon flavors. 

With a seven-year career so far, her time spent in the culinary world has been eventful.  She was chosen by the renowned Parisian caterers, Potel et Chabot, to be the patissier for the gala.

Mayada’s love for the art is no surprise to many who know her.  She’s a consultant for food and beverage companies as well as a patissier and business owner.

How to make Mayada Badr’s Al Huda 
Serves 8

INGREDIENTS
Italian meringue
250g sugar
120g egg whites
70ml water
Halawa ice-cream
1 litre whole milk
300ml single cream
100g egg yolks
200g sugar
250g halawa paste
5g salt
Arabica pearl
200g hollow white chocolate
balls, 2.6 cm
100g single cream
100g white chocolate
5 cardamom pods
50g roasted coffee beans
100g single cream
100g white chocolate
5 cardamom pods
50g roasted coffee beans
Almond biscuit
120g ground almonds
120g butter
120g sugar
2 eggs
40g flour
1g vanilla pod
Whipped cream
200 g single cream
10 g orange blossom essence
 
METHOD
Italian meringue
Heat the sugar in the water until the temperature reaches 116°C. Start beating the egg whites and slowly pour in the sugar mixture. Beat for another 10 minutes and put everything in a piping bag. Make raindrop shapes and smooth them out until 2 mm thick, and leave to dry for 24h. 
Halawa ice-cream
Bring the milk and cream to a boil. In another bowl, mix the sugar and egg yolks. Pour half of the milk + cream mixture into the egg mixture, and mix until completely blended. Pour over the remaining milk mixture and cook till the temperature reaches 80°C. Remove from heat and pour over the halawa paste and salt. Mix and let it rest in the refrigerator overnight before putting it in an ice-cream maker
Arabica pearl
Place the chocolate balls on a tray in the refrigerator. In a saucepan, heat the single cream, roast and grind the coffee beans and place them in a muslin cloth with the cardamom which was grounded earlier. Add the mixture to the cream and bring to a boil, let it simmer for 5 minutes, and then put it in the refrigerator for approx. 4 hours for it to infuse. Filter the mixture after 4 hours. Place the preparation on heat with the white chocolate until it melts completely. Let cool before putting it in the chocolate balls using a piping bag. Keep chilled.
Almond biscuit
In a mixer, mix all the ingredients and spread the pastry mixture on to a baking tray. Let cool in the refrigerator for half an hour, and cut it into the desired sizes. Bake the pastry mixture at 180°C until golden brown.
Whipped cream
Whisk the cream with the orange blossom essence.
 
ASSEMBLY
Place the ice-cream in a cone mold and insert an Arabica pearl in the center. Cover with the biscuit and freeze for approx. 4 hours. Mix the whipped cream and the remaining meringue mixture, place the preparation in a St-Honoré piping bag and cover the frozen cones. Decorate the dessert with the dry meringue and gold leaf. Keep in the freezer until it is time to serve.
 
From the 2017 Edition of La Crème De La Crème – European Cream & European Pastrie, published by by Cniel and the European Commission within the framework of the Cream of Europe program.
 


Saudi Arabia’s urban planning on display at WUF

Updated 43 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia’s urban planning on display at WUF

  • The pavilion highlighted prominent Saudi infrastructure development initiatives, in line with international quality standards, that meet the needs of residents and visitors of Saudi cities

CAIRO: The Saudi pavilion at the World Urban Forum in Cairo this week hosted a series of workshops and bilateral meetings on the Kingdom’s strategies and projects in comprehensive urban planning.

The Saudi presence also underlined the positive effect of these strategies on achieving sustainable urban development and improving the quality of life in Saudi cities, in line with the goals of Vision 2030.

Through representatives and officials of the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and more than 30 national entities, the Saudi pavilion showed the Kingdom’s efforts to adopt and expand comprehensive urban planning practices focused on sustainability, and apply the requirement to study environmental impact in municipal and investment projects.

The meetings highlighted the concept of smart municipalities aimed at improving the quality of municipal services in Saudi regions and adopting modern technologies and enhanced municipal regulations for smart city policies, as well as the use of artificial intelligence technologies and data in improving the quality of life.

The pavilion highlighted prominent Saudi infrastructure development initiatives, in line with international quality standards, that meet the needs of residents and visitors of Saudi cities, the Saudi Press Agency reported, in addition to urban landscape development projects and visual distortion treatment projects.

 

 


Saudi foreign minister, Blinken discuss regional crises

Updated 08 November 2024
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Saudi foreign minister, Blinken discuss regional crises

  • Two discussed ongoing efforts to address the issues in Gaza and Lebanon

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan spoke on the phone on Friday with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the call, they reviewed regional issues, with a particular focus on Gaza and Lebanon and ongoing efforts to address the issues there, SPA added.

In a separate call on Friday with UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Blinken stressed the need to stop the fighting in Sudan and the need to support efforts to form a civilian government, the State Department said.

Blinken also discussed the need to expand humanitarian access to Sudan and thanked the UAE for its provision of aid for Gaza and Lebanon, according to a State Department statement.


Saudi health minister unveils new healthcare projects in Qassim

Updated 7 sec ago
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Saudi health minister unveils new healthcare projects in Qassim

  • Saudi Health Minister’s visit marked the inauguration of several healthcare projects, including 54 initiatives valued at more than SR 448 million ($119.4 million)

BURAIDAH: Saudi Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel visited Qassim to review several healthcare projects designed to enhance the quality, efficiency and accessibility of medical services for residents.

These initiatives align with the objectives of the Health Sector Transformation Program, a key component of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims to foster a “vibrant society” enjoying a healthy and prosperous life, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

His visit marked the inauguration of several healthcare projects, including 54 initiatives valued at more than SR 448 million ($119.4 million). Among these were key projects under the Qassim Health Cluster, such as the dental center in Unaizah, along with community-supported initiatives worth nearly SR102 million.

Highlights included the Prince Faisal bin Mishaal Fertility Center in Buraidah, the Abdullah Saleh Al-Othaim Diabetes Treatment Center at Al-Rass General Hospital, the Al-Rajhi Bank Cardiac Catheterization Center, and several other specialized healthcare facilities.

 


Saudi Arabia highlights global humanitarian efforts at G20 Parliamentary Summit in Brazil

Mishaal bin Fahm Al-Sulami, deputy speaker of Saudi Arabia’s Shoura Council, took part in the 10th Summit of G20 Parliamentary S
Updated 08 November 2024
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Saudi Arabia highlights global humanitarian efforts at G20 Parliamentary Summit in Brazil

  • Mishaal bin Fahm Al-Sulami, deputy speaker of Saudi Arabia’s Shoura Council, made the comments during the 10th Summit of G20 Parliamentary Speakers held in Brazil

RIYADH: Mishaal bin Fahm Al-Sulami, deputy speaker of Saudi Arabia’s Shoura Council, commended Brazil’s initiative to launch the Global Alliance to Combat Hunger and Poverty, affirming that Saudi Arabia has been a member of the alliance since May 2024, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

This came during the 10th Summit of G20 Parliamentary Speakers held in Brasilia, Brazil, focusing on the theme “Parliaments for a Fair World and a Sustainable Planet.”

Al-Sulami led the Kingdom’s delegation at the international gathering, revealing that Riyadh would host the UN Conference on Land and Drought in December.

The deputy speaker elaborated on Saudi Arabia’s comprehensive approach to addressing poverty and hunger through the efforts of the government and the Shoura Council, which have created a social safety net through various support programs, the Social Development Bank, and the contribution of charitable organizations.

On the international front, Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian contributions have been substantial, SPA reported. From 1975 to 2024, the Kingdom provided nearly $133 billion in development assistance, reaching 171 countries worldwide. This aid has supported over 7,090 humanitarian and development projects. Currently, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre manages 1,700 projects aimed at combating hunger and poverty around the world.

Al-Sulami highlighted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to workplace equality through its adoption of ILO Conventions 100 and 111. The Kingdom’s laws ensure equal pay and employment opportunities, with no discrimination between men and women in jobs and wages. These efforts have yielded significant results, with female participation in the labor market reaching 37 percent by 2023, exceeding expectations set in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

The Kingdom has also provided $187 million in urgent relief to Gaza, along with $1.6 billion in development and humanitarian assistance, according to SPA.

Saudi Arabia launched the Global Alliance for the Two-State Solution in partnership with other Arab and Islamic countries, the EU, and Norway, hosting its first meeting in Riyadh on Oct. 30, 2024. Following the extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit held in Riyadh on Nov. 11, 2023, the Kingdom announced another edition of the summit scheduled for Nov. 11, 2024. These efforts aim to achieve an immediate ceasefire, end the Israeli occupation, provide relief to the Palestinian people, and establish an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with UN Security Council resolutions.

The P20 summit addressed several crucial topics, including parliamentary contributions to fighting hunger, poverty, and inequality; the role of parliaments in sustainable development; and adapting parliamentary systems to 21st-century governance challenges. Iman Al-Jubreen, a member of the Shoura Council delegation, presented a working paper on women’s representation in decision-making positions, sharing Saudi Arabia’s experience in women’s empowerment.


Hundreds of events set to wow audiences at Jazan’s winter festival

Updated 08 November 2024
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Hundreds of events set to wow audiences at Jazan’s winter festival

  • Al-Ghazwani said this year’s winter season would last for 90 days
  • The calendar includes the international book fair, craft bus, Saudi international coffee festival and Jazan international festival

RIYADH: Audiences will be spoilt for choice at the Jazan Winter Festival, with 300 fantastic events on the program, reported the Saudi Press Agency.
General supervisor Yahya bin Jaber Al-Ghazwani told a press conference that the festival, under the patronage of Jazan Governor Prince Mohammed bin Nasser bin Abdulaziz, included 200 diverse events implemented by the region’s secretariat and 100 by other government agencies and departments.
Al-Ghazwani said this year’s winter season would last for 90 days with events taking place at 42 sites across Jazan city and the region’s governorates.
The calendar includes the international book fair, craft bus, Saudi international coffee festival and Jazan international festival for performing arts, along with concerts, cultural events, forums, poetry evenings, sports events, waterfront events, and park and heritage events.
On Thursday, the skies above Jazan’s North Corniche witnessed the launch of more than 3,000 balloons in various colors to celebrate the Jazan Winter Festival 2025.
Hundreds of residents, visitors and volunteers marveled at the spectacle, which included artistic formations of illuminated balloons.
The event marks the start of a busy winter season aimed at promoting local tourism in an atmosphere of joy and entertainment.