Tayta's Simsmiyeh
My Favourite Childhood Snack
Growing up biracial meant I was exposed to foods galore.
Fattoush, ghuma, hummus, mujadara,
Waraq enab and more.
The aroma of sizzling onions with garlic and olive oil
Is a warm staple to my memory of Tayta's toils…
To keep all of her family well-fed.
She runs on instinct only, it seems,
Because each morning she rises, creaking at the knees,
To cook and create plates of heaven
For those who she often sees.
My favourite of the things she makes are little nut squares called Simsmiyeh.
Made of toasted peanuts and sesame seeds, these honey-dripping treats have a distinct flare:
An ode to the poor back home,
Who have to sift and search through soil, dirt, loam
To find a hummus, a nut, growing alone.
A treasure these squares truly come to be:
They excite your mouth after the very first crunch; so sticky that they stick to your teeth.
But the honey is also smooth, and oh so delicious, so feel free
To take another one… two or three,
Of Tayta's Simsmiyeh.
About the Creator
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
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Comments (12)
Really enjoyed reading this one Claire, and you blend evocative imagery with nostalgia and flashes of another culture. “ Made of toasted peanuts and sesame seeds, these honey-dripping treats have a distinct flare:” is a lovely line🤗
Congratulations on your placement in the Snacktime Sonata challenge!
Create plates of heaven - such a wonderful description and memory/tribute. Congrats on TS and thanks for sharing your treats.
Congratulations 🎉 for top story really like your sense of humor in your writing
Congratulations.
I loved the sensuous descriptive nuances of this ode to your Tayta's legacy. I subscribed! Congratulations on your Top Story!
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more! Good job,
Congratulations on your top story ! I am what I call multi nationalities across the globe DNA . I hear you !
I love the warmth and color to this <3
My mouth is watering. I want me some of that.
It took me to a different level, enjoyed it. Congratulations on the top story!
Outstanding.