Date: Sun, 15 Dec 2024 09:51:28 -0500 From: Joseph Giliberti <kd2dhp@gmail.com> To: vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> Subject: [vcf-midatlantic] Festivus grape leaves

I think this is an on topic message.

Who brought the stuffed grape leaves to Festivus? I think I was the only one who was eating them because I'm guessing I'm the only one who knew what they were. They were excellent. If it were socially acceptable, I may have eaten them all. I'd love the recipe

Regards,

Joe Giliberti.

Joe, thanks for the complement about the stuffed grape leaves I brought to Festivus! It would've been fine with me had you eaten them all, because many were leftover after Festivus and I ended up taking more than a dozen home with me. I can't take credit for making them, though. The note I placed by the tray said "Vegetarian. Made in Turkey, but no turkeys were harmed." These are SULTAN brand Stuffed Grape Leaves, and they're available from Amazon! But I bought mine from a local grocer that specializes in middle-eastern foods. https://www.amazon.com/Sultan-Stuffed-Grape-Leaves-14/dp/B076DK3FLY The cylindrical cans they came in says, "Stuffed grape leaves, also known as Dolma or Dolmads, have a rich history that dates back to the Ottoman Empire. Popular throughout the Mediterranean, these little vegetarian parcels have been stuffed with rice & herbs, and are hand rolled in a time honored tradition. Often found in a Mezze platter, it can be served hot or cold, and as either an appetizer or main dish. For Meal Solutions and Recipes go to: https://www.ziyad.com Distributed by ZIYAD BROS. IMPORTING Ciciera, IL 60804" I hope this answers your questions and that you can get more of these Dolmades from Amazon or locally. Sadly, I can't give you the recipe because it's a closely-guarded secret of the Ziyad family, who are originally from Syria. I'm guessing the Ziyad family stopped advertising that fact in 1979 when the U.S. State Dept designated Syria (under President Hafez al-Assad) a State Sponsor of Terrorism for allegedly providing continued political and military support to various terrorist groups. His son Bashar took over in 2000, and *his* government was overthrown ten days ago, so he fled to Russia where he was granted political asylum. Perhaps some terrorists enjoyed eating delicious dolmades in the field. It seems unlikely that Syrian political prisoners were fed delicious dolmades. On Saturday, Herman, a curator at the InfoAge Electronic Warfare Museum, told me it's probably that Bashar stashed Billions of stolen Dollars in Swiss bank accounts before fleeing Syria. That'll buy a lot of dolmades so he can feel right at home in Russia. -bernieS