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.
 


Busy bees: Asir’s local markets abuzz over Sidr honey season

Updated 23 November 2024
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Busy bees: Asir’s local markets abuzz over Sidr honey season

  • Unique taste, aroma make it popular locally, internationally

RIYADH: The Asir region is currently in the midst of the Sidr honey season, with local markets flooded with high-quality honey produced from the nectar of Sidr trees.

The recent heavy rainfall in the region has led to a prolific flowering of Sidr trees, providing ideal conditions for bees to produce abundant and flavorful honey, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Sidr honey, which is renowned for its health benefits, is particularly prized for its antioxidant properties and ability to strengthen the immune system.

The unique taste and aroma of the honey have made it a sought-after commodity, both locally and internationally, the SPA reported.

Beekeepers in Tihama Asir have been busy harvesting the golden nectar, with prices ranging from SR350 to SR500 ($93-133) per kg.

The region’s diverse ecosystem, characterized by its fertile valleys and abundant flora, provides an optimal environment for beekeeping.

The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture is actively supporting the development of the beekeeping industry. Initiatives such as the beekeeping and honey production development initiative improve practices, protect bee populations, and enhance the quality of honey.

By promoting sustainable beekeeping and preserving the natural habitats of bees, the Kingdom seeks to strengthen its position as a leading producer of high-quality honey while contributing to the global market.


Saudi Reef Forum to focus on rural sustainability

Updated 23 November 2024
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Saudi Reef Forum to focus on rural sustainability

  • Al-Ahsa event to promote communities’ role in economic growth

RIYADH: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture will host the 1st International Forum for Saudi Reef in Al-Ahsa from Dec. 16-18, aiming to strengthen rural communities, and promote their role in driving sustainable development.

Maha Aldhahi, head of the forum’s executive committee, said: “The forum is pivotal in advancing rural development, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Saudi Vision 2030. It will support rural communities, while contributing to global efforts and research on sustainable agriculture.”

Aldhahi said that the forum will unite regional and international experts to address the challenge of rural-to-urban migration, a widespread issue. To counter this, the forum will propose practical solutions to ensure rural areas remain economically viable, vibrant, and sustainable.

Additionally, it will explore innovations in agriculture and rural development, fostering economic growth and social cohesion through job creation and investment promotion, she added.

Aldhahi said that the forum builds on the Saudi Reef Program, recognized by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization as the world’s largest development initiative of its kind.

The program has supported over 77,000 agricultural projects, achieved a self-sufficiency rate exceeding 65 percent in vital sectors, and provided upskilling and career opportunities for rural communities.

Ghassan Bakri, secretary-general of the Saudi Reef Program, said: “The program is a model of sustainable growth, addressing food security and job creation while preserving cultural heritage. By hosting this forum, we aim to attract global partnerships and exchange cutting-edge solutions for rural empowerment.”

Bakri added that the forum will feature dynamic discussions on key topics, including sustainable agricultural practices, rural entrepreneurship, and the role of modern technology in agriculture.

The three-day event will also include an exhibition showcasing unique rural practices, handicrafts, and the work of local farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs. It will highlight how traditional techniques integrate with modern innovations to create sustainable livelihoods.


Saudi Arabia arrests 19,696 illegals in one week

Updated 31 min 27 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia arrests 19,696 illegals in one week

  • A total of 11,336 people were arrested for violations of residency laws

RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 19,696 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

According to an official report, a total of 11,336 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 5,176 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 3,184 for labor-related issues.

The report showed that among the 1,547 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 65 percent were Ethiopian, 32 percent Yemeni, and 3 percent were of other nationalities.

A further 71 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 22 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators.

The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.

Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.


Gaza victims praise Saudi Arabia’s lifesaving humanitarian efforts

Updated 23 November 2024
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Gaza victims praise Saudi Arabia’s lifesaving humanitarian efforts

Riyadh: Palestinians in Gaza who received Saudi aid have expressed gratitude to the Kingdom for its humanitarian support through aid agency KSrelief.

They likened the Saudi assistance to rain that quenches their thirst for hope, alleviates suffering and rekindles optimism amid immense challenges, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Samaher Eid Awkal, 47, said she struggled with health issues while living in Khan Younis with her blind mother in a basic tent. She thanked KSrelief for providing her family with a suitable tent, which has eased their hardship and restored hope.

A Gaza mother who endured freezing conditions with her children without shelter also expressed appreciation after receiving essential aid. She described the support as a source of joy and hope during difficult times.

Mahmoud Nabil Abu Alwan, displaced from Rafah to Mawasi in Khan Younis, thanked KSrelief after he received a new tent. He previously lived in a dilapidated tent borrowed from relatives amid shelling and harsh displacement conditions.


Saudi Orchestra performance in Tokyo helps ‘bridge cultural boundaries,’ CEO says

Updated 23 November 2024
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Saudi Orchestra performance in Tokyo helps ‘bridge cultural boundaries,’ CEO says

TOKYO: The Saudi National Orchestra’s performance in Tokyo is “bridging cultural boundaries” as part of Vision 2030, the CEO of the Kingdom’s top music body has said.

Paul Pacifico, CEO of the Saudi Music Commission, added that music has a “very important part to play in each of the three main pillars of Vision 2030” as it represents a proud nation, a vibrant society and diversified economy.

Bringing the Saudi National Orchestra to Tokyo has given people the opportunity “to communicate with our language and it allows everybody to come together and share an experience that allows us to appreciate each other’s cultures, and really to be in harmony,” Pacifico said.

“And that’s why I think it’s so special that the orchestra is here for the first time.”

The program for the performance last night included traditional music directed by Saudi director Reab Ahmed, as well as the Japanese Imperial Court Orchestra “Gagaku.”

Pacifico said: “We’re able to show Saudi culture on one of the most prestigious stages in one of the world’s great cultural capitals here at Tokyo Opera City, and we’re doing that with authentic Saudi music, and authentic traditional Japanese music with Gagaku.

“But also with that great fusion between the two sets of musicians coming together and doing something really unique and beautiful.

“The Saudi National Orchestra and choir is really at the vanguard of developing the music landscape in Saudi Arabia as it builds the depth and richness and uniqueness of its beautiful culture, both traditional and modern.”

Pacifico said it was “an honor” to share the stage with the Japanese Imperial Orchestra performers. “It also shows how our cultures are different and yet similar: The regard for tradition and modernity, the appreciation of music, the sense of formality in public, but warmth and a sense of fun as well in private.”

He hoped that Friday’s performance was not a one-off but the foundation of a rich and longstanding collaboration with “our Japanese friends, the Tokyo College of Music, who we’re collaborating with on this concert.

“We hope that Saudi artists will start to have opportunities to play on stages here in Tokyo, like the Blue Note and Billboard Live and the Cotton Club, or festivals like Summer Sonic or Fuji Rock. And equally, we’d love to see Japanese artists playing more in Riyadh and all over the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“Saudi Arabia has a very exciting story to tell.”

This article originally appeared on Arab News Japan