A Taste of Peace: A Recipe for Knafeh
Add Something Different This Thanksgiving
A Taste of Peace: Knafeh, Hospitality, and the Great Feast
In 2018, Cari and I had the joy of celebrating our birthdays on separate occasions with our dear friends, whom I’ll call Muhammed and Layla (names changed for their protection). Muhammed and Layla live in Hebron, a city in the West Bank where daily life for Palestinians is marked by profound challenges—restrictions on movement, military presence, and systemic inequality. Yet, despite all this, they embody a generosity and hospitality that astounds me every time I visit.
For both of our birthdays, Layla prepared something extraordinary: knafeh, a decadent, syrup-soaked cheese dessert that’s celebrated across the Middle East. It’s rich, vibrant, and layered with flavor—much like the culture and spirit of Palestinian life. On each occasion, as we gathered around their table, surrounded by laughter and the warmth of their home, I was reminded of the image in Matthew 8:11:
“Many will come from east and west and recline at the table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.”
That great feast, where people of every nation and background are gathered, isn’t just a future hope. It’s a reality practiced now in the kitchens and dining rooms of Palestinians like Muhammed and Layla, who offer the gift of connection even in the face of hardship.
When I preached at Monroe Covenant Church last week, I shared this story to illustrate how healing with the world—especially with those we might consider “other”—is central to the way of Jesus. Pastors Rachel and Michelle invited me to speak on the last in a series focused on healing in four directions: with God, with self, with neighbors, and with the world or enemies. Sadly, healing with the world is often left out, seen as a final, optional step in discipleship. Yet the witness of Sami, Layla, and countless others shows us that true healing begins when we embrace this calling—not as an afterthought, but as a lived expression of our faith.
A Recipe for Connection
Sharing meals connects us across divides, bridging gaps that politics, religion, or fear often create. This week, as we gather around our Thanksgiving tables, I invite you to join in the spirit of connection and peace. Perhaps you’d like to bring a taste of knafeh to your own celebration. Here’s a simple recipe to try:
Knafeh Recipe
Ingredients:
1 lb shredded phyllo dough (kataifi) or thin vermicelli
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 lb sweet cheese (like mozzarella) or ricotta cheese
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup water
1 tbsp rose water or orange blossom water (optional)
Crushed pistachios for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Mix the shredded phyllo dough with melted butter until coated. Press half into a greased baking dish.
Layer the cheese evenly on top, then cover with the remaining phyllo.
Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
In a small pot, mix sugar, water, and rose water. Simmer until syrupy. Pour over hot knafeh.
Garnish with pistachios and serve warm.
A Thanksgiving Invitation
As you savor the warmth and joy of your Thanksgiving gathering, I invite you to reflect on how sharing meals and stories can be an act of peacemaking. For us, it’s a vital part of the work we do—building bridges and creating spaces where the “great feast” of connection can unfold, even in places divided by conflict.
This Black Friday, consider supporting this work in two ways:
2025 Photo Calendar: Celebrate the beauty of creation with my photography calendar, available now on my Art Storefronts site. It’s the perfect gift for a loved one—or yourself. Purchase here.
Join the Work of Peace: Your support makes it possible for us to continue fostering hope and connection across cultural and religious divides. Whether it’s a one-time gift or a monthly commitment, your partnership is invaluable. Support us here.
Thank you for making room at your table for stories of peace and hospitality. Together, let’s work toward a world that reflects the heart of the great feast—where all are welcome and none are left out.