“If you can dream it, you can do it.”

This expression describes Lara Samawi’s journey. After studying Architecture and working in the field for some years, she discovered the little chef in herself and that’s when curiosity and passion drove her into the culinary world. She did not settle for reading and trying recipes from cookbooks and magazines, she took it to a whole new level where she started developing her own recipes. 

And from there, Dates with Lara was born! Lara uses this blog to share her recipes and the stories behind them. She even learned how to become a professional food photographer, reflecting what she sees or feels whenever she creates one of her specialities.

It is worth mentioning that Lara is a self-taught cook. She has never studied this profession or got any training, except once when she attended a one-day decorating class at the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts in Amman. Some of her favourite things are dates, seafood and tea. She is a huge tea drinker and collector, and she also loves experimenting with new tea blends and tea brands.

What is the story behind your blog?

As much as I love cooking, I love taking photos of my food and sharing it with everyone. I always had the idea of creating my own blog, where I can share my recipes and create a good reference for anyone who enjoys cooking and loves to try new dishes. And because I enjoy trying new recipes, I decided to name my blog “Dates with Lara,” so it would mean that this is a one-on-one experience with my audience, as we cook and taste the food together, keeping in mind that this blog comes from a Middle Eastern background. 

Where do you get your inspiration?

Travel, roaming around markets, trusted cookbooks and magazines. One more thing that might sound funny, but I would add movies. Yes, movies inspire me a lot! Who hasn’t seen Big Night, Chocolat, The Hundred-Foot Journey or Julie & Julia and wanted to go straight into the kitchen and prepare something delicious! My mom is also a huge inspiration to me. She is the best chef I know and my usual reference when it comes to cooking. 

What were the biggest challenges that you faced when you became a food blogger?

Being persistent and consistent in creating recipes and new ideas, and posting regularly. I love sharing my favourite recipes and aim to create a recipe book out of my blog. And, of course, getting traffic to my blog and attracting the right audience.  From her blog Dates with Lara.

What is your favourite cuisine and why?

My favourite cuisine is generally Middle Eastern and in particular, Jordanian cuisine that I grew up eating. In my opinion, Middle Eastern cuisine is healthy, tasty and full of good nutrients. When you try it for the first time, it just tastes perfect and you easily fall in love with it. My second and third favourites though are Thai and Japanese. I am a huge fan of seafood and Asian ingredients and spices. For me, these three cuisines make up my comfort foods!

Try one of Lara's delicious recipes below:  

Cauliflower rice recipe Beef and Broccoli stir-fry bowel recipe Figs and roses Pavlova recipe

*Quote by Tom Fitzgerald.