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Magazine A Publication of the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America Taking Halal to the Next Level Annual Subscription: U.S. $15.00 Single Copy: $5.00 WWW.IFANCA.ORG In the name of God, the M ost Beneficent, M ost M erciful Contents Editor’s Note 2 From the Publisher’s Desk 3 4 The Benefits of Hajj 4

By Dr. Ahmed H. Sakr

From West to East, An Eid-Ul-Adha Feast 10

By Aisha Kureishy Halal Catering Goes Mainstream 12 12 By Naazish YarKhan

Halal Foods at Hospitals 16

By Tayyaba Syed

Universities Giving Lip Service to Halal? 19

By Maryam Funmilayo Americans Searching for Halal: IFANCA at NRA Show 20 16 By Naazish YarKhan

Halal Happenings 22

IFANCA Halal-Certified Company News 25

Hygiene Products for Hajj Pilgrims 28 By Tayyaba Syed 25 A Brand New Concept: www.HalalHealthy.com 29

IFANCA News 30

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Assalamu Alaikum Halal Consumer Islamophobia has really been muddying the waters this year, be it attacks on Campbell Soup for having halal options or Muslims wanting a Community Center in Lower Manhattan. Given the negativity in the air, it is heartening IFANCA Board Of Directors Assalamu Alaikum to share the many strides that halal is making, especially at the retail level. President: M. Munir Chaudry Vice President: Mahmood A. Baig IFANCA started halal certification exactly 25 years ago, primarily for products exported to the Three IFANCA clients– American Halal Co, Med Diet, Inc., and Labayk™ Director: Rashid A. Chaudary Middle East and South East Asia. Every major corporation produced halal versions of their products products - launched new initiatives within weeks of each other. For the story, Director: Allen A. Hamood to be exported to those markets. For many years, with the exception of products made specifically go to IFANCA Halal-Certified Company News , Hygiene Products for Hajj Director: Ahmad H. Sakr for Muslims in the US military, those organizations had no interest in marketing their halal inven- Pilgrims, and Brand New Concept: www.HalalHealthy.com. Then turn to tory to North American consumers. Halal Happenings for a bird’s eye view of the halal industry’s impact on the IFANCA Religious Advisors Sh. Jaafar Al–Quadri global and North American food scene. Dr. Ahmad H Sakr Imam M. Mardini Around the year 1999-2000, some smaller to mid-size companies in USA and Canada started to rec- It being the Fall season, students are back on campuses. It is a good time to Mufti Ebrahim Desai ognize the existence of Muslim consumers and their halal dietary requirements. Since that time, learn if Universities Give Lip Service to Halal? Halal Consumer Magazine Halal Consumer Editorial Staff dozens of other companies including some large corporations have opted to service the halal con- also sheds light on business decisions and halal catering at hotels and in the Managing Editor: Naazish YarKhan sumer market. We are seeing ‘halal’ labeled products not only in ethnic stores but in mainstream food service sector. For details, read: Halal Catering Goes Mainstream and Assistant Editor: Mujahed Khan supermarkets as well. We anticipate this trend will continue and it will not be limited to processed Head Office Americans Searching for Halal: IFANCA Panel at NRA Annual Show. Our meat and poultry. Many more products with ‘halal’ markings will start to appear on shelves. They 777 Busse Hwy. contributing writer, Tayyaba Syed, shares other welcome trends with Halal Park Ridge, IL 60068-2470 USA will include ice-cream, cereals, nutritional supplements, juices, personal care products and baked Foods at Hospitals . Tel No.: +1– 847-993-0034 goods. One reason for the current increase in availability of halal certified products is that younger Fax No.: +1– 847-993-0038 Muslim consumers have been reaching out to manufacturers of consumer goods. As they have May God grant the Haji’s a blessed pilgrimage to Mecca and a safe return, [email protected] learned, companies do listen. [email protected] insha’Allah (God willing). Dr. Ahmad Sakr details the foundations of prepar- [email protected] ing for the pilgrimage and some of its many benefits. We hope families will During the ‘70’s and ‘80’s, North American Muslims could not eat cheese because most of it was welcome the Haji’s home with recipes from Aisha Kureishy, one of our read- REGIONAL OFFICES IFANCA–CALIFORNIA made with pork enzymes. When Pfizer developed synthetic rennet for cheese, the industry started ers, who shares an appetizing East-Meets-West Eid-Ul-Adha Feast with us. Walnut, California to change. Today, many brands of cheese are halal certified including Simon Country Store produced Finally, join me in welcoming Mujahed Khan as our Assistant Editor. Dr. Ahmad H. Sakr by Trega Foods, Pine River Cheese, Cabot Cheese, and Saputo Cheese - all IFANCA clients. Similarly, [email protected] the use of animal fats was very common 30 years ago. Due to an increasingly health conscientious This certainly is one of my favorite issues of Halal Consumer Magazine. We IFANCA–CANADA American public, manufacturers switched from animal fats to vegetable oils as an ingredient. As a look forward to hearing what you would like to see in our future issues. Mississauga, Ontario Haider Khattak result, IFANCA has been able to certify many more products as halal. [email protected] IFANCA–ASIA PACIFIC Singapore These various efforts came about due to the proactive stance taken by consumers. The rise of retail N aazish YarKhan Shahlan Hairalah halal products, too, reflects a demand by consumers, whether it is for convenience foods such Managing Editor [email protected] IFANCA certified Saffron Road or Med-Diet’s range of halal TV dinners or healthy desserts such as IFANCA–CHINA Beijing, China Happy and Healthy Products' Fruitfull line of halal ice-cream fruit bars. These are exciting times Charles Wenchuan Yu in the halal industry. The next decade will be even more so, as the halal retail market continues to [email protected] evolve around the needs of the North American consumer. Wuhan, China Daud WenTao Wang [email protected] Sincerely, Tianjin, China Lan (Ibraheem) Zhen Qiang [email protected] IFANCA - PAKISTAN M uhammad M unir Chaudry ABOUT HALAL CONSUMER Faisalabad Prof. Dr. Javaid A. Awan President, IFANCA Halal Consumer is a publication of the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council [email protected] of America (IFANCA). IFANCA is a non-profit Islamic organization with Copyright© 2010. All rights reserved the mission to promote halal food and the institution of halal. IFANCA ISSN: 1532–351X objectives include making halal foods conveniently available, introduc- ing halal to food companies and institutions, creating awareness of halal Disclaimer: None of the health-related information contained here should be used in lieu of medical advice nor should it be used without consulting a among consumers and providing halal solutions to consumer needs. physician first. Halal Consumer Magazine, its writers and editors, its parent organization IFANCA, IFANCA’s board of directors, and its employees and consultants are not liable for any actions taken by individuals or groups based on the information or recipes presented here. Designed by: Ansari Media Design

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Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam. A These benefits are not restricted to The performance of Hajj wipes out Muslim is expected to perform Hajj one particular area, or to a particu- the sins of a pilgrim. This is a type of at least once in a lifetime if means lar time of history. The benefits that rejuvenation that helps a person not allow him/her to do so. Allah people may get from the perfor- to lose hope in this world. On the The Benefits of Hajj revealed a Surah in the Qur’an called mance of Hajj are much more than contrary he would strive effectively By Dr. Ahmed H. Sakr Surah Al-Hajj. In that chapter, Allah to be counted. These benefits are to please Allah after his/her sins says the following: specifically good for the individu- and mistakes are wiped off. It has als who perform Hajj and for the been reported by Abu Hurairah that Behold! We gave the site to Abraham, of Muslim community and the Muslim Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon the (sacred) House, (saying): “Associate society as a whole. These benefits him) said: "Whoever performs pil- not anything (in worship) with Me and are good for people in this world and grimage without uttering immodest sanctify My House for those who com- in the Hereafter. speech or abusing others, he returns pass it round, or stand up, or bow, or as though a new-born." [Muslim] prostrate themselves (therein in prayer). Benefits And proclaim the pilgrimage among peo- A person sacrifices through the ple; they will come to you on foot and The following are some of the ben- performance of Hajj. He leaves his (mounted) on every kind of camel, lean efits for the individuals and for the family, business, and country; he on account of journeys through deep and Muslim society. spends lots of money, time effort and distant mountain highways. (22:26-27) energy; and he bears lots of difficul-

Individuals ties due to travelling. All of these are To write about pilgrimage (Hajj) is Renewal of the remembrance of for the pleasure and love of Allah. good, but to perform Hajj is more Allah and strengthening the rela- This type of sacrifice helps the indi- important. By performing Hajj, tion between the individual and the vidual overcome other difficulties in people will get to know more his daily life. The person who about their religion, and the strives and sacrifices is more history of the prophets who spiritually successful person were there. To appreciate In the name of your than one who does not. the Qur’an and the teachings Lord Who created. of Qur’an, one should go to Created man from The performance of Hajj Mecca and visit the places aRead! clot. Read! And your Lord is the Most is a theoretical and practi- where revelations were sent cal training course for the by God to Prophets Ibrahim, Bounteous, Who taught by the pen, taught following habits and man- Ismail, and Muhammad man that which he knew not. (96:1-5) ners: Patience, persever- (peace be upon them). ance, humility, organiza- tion, management, tolerance, As far as the benefits of Hajj are con- Creator. The chanting of the pilgrim being sociable, kindness, sympathy, cerned, Allah says in the Qur’an in is nothing more than a confirmation affection, sense of belonging, sense Surah Al-Hajj (The Pilgrimage): from the creature to Allah, i.e. by of intimacy, concern, helpfulness, watchfulness, etc. And proclaim unto mankind the pil- saying: grimage. They will come unto you on Labbaika Allahumma Labbaik… Society foot and on every lean camel; they will Labbaika La Sharika Laka Labbaik… Bridging the gap between our pres- come from every deep ravine: That they ent day and our history. may witness things that are of benefit to Remembrance of the Day of them, and mention the name of Allah on Judgment. During Hajj, the pres- The first house of worship to Allah appointed days over the beast of cattle ence of few million people summon- on earth was established in Mecca. that He has bestowed upon them. Then ing at Arafa in one place, at one time Allah says in Surah (chapter) eat thereof and feed therewith the unfor- and for one purpose, is an indication Al-Imran (The Family of ‘Imran): tunate poor. (22:27-28) and a sign of a hereafter. Wearing two white towels reminds us of Allah has explicitly mentioned the the shroud. Such type of remem- Lo! The first Sanctuary appointed benefits of Hajj for mankind. These brance is very important in making for mankind was that at Mecca, a benefits are indefinite in number, in a person to remember death and the blessed place, a guidance to the peoples; perspective, and in their dimensions. resurrection. wherein are plain memorials (of Allah’s

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WWW.IFANCA.ORG WWW.IFANCA.ORG guidance); the place where Abraham stood up to pray; and who- Establishment of equality among people of the world. benefits are included under this category and other cat- soever enters it is safe. And pilgrimage to the House is a duty Every one is considered to be of the same origin and of egories. This proves the beauty of the meaning of the to Allah for mankind, for him who can findafford the journey. the same physical nature. They are equal in the sight of Qur’anic verse in Surah Al-Hajj (The Pilgrimage). As for him who disbelieves, (let him know that) indeed Allah is Allah, and no one is better than the other except through Independent of (all) creatures. (3:96-97) piety, sincerity and righteousness. However, no one That they may witness things that are benefits to them… (22:28) knows who is better than the other except Allah; and The Concept of Unity of Muslims is based on the concept Remembrance no one has been appointed to judge who is better than of (Tawheed) Oneness of God, (Taqwa) fear and obedi- the other. Allah says in Surah (chapter) Al-Hujurat (The • The first revelation from Allah to Prophet Muhammad ence to Allah, and (`Amal Saleh) good deeds in life with Private Apartments): (peace be upon him) came down when he was in Cave (Niyyah Sadiqa) good intention. In Surah Al-Imran (The Hira at Mountain of Light in the outskirts of Mecca. O mankind! Beware! We have created you male and female, Family of Imran) Allah says: and have made you nations and tribes that you may know one Read! In the name of your Lord Who created. Created man O you who believe! Fear Allah as He should be feared, and die another....(49:13) from a clot. Read! And your Lord is the Most Bounteous, Who not except in a state of Islam. And hold fast, all together, by the taught by the pen, taught man that which he knew not. (96:1-5) During Hajj the concept of equality is put into action and Rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and be not divided • Remembrance of the reconstruction of the Ka’bah into practice. The performance of the religious activities among yourselves; and remember with gratitude Allah’s favor by Prophet Ibrahim and his son, Ismail. It reminds us at the same time and at the same place, shoulder to shoul- on you; for you were enemies and He joined your hearts in love, also of the reconstruction of Ka’bah whereby Prophet der is symbolic of everyone being equals. No one is recog- so that by His Grace, you became brethen; and you were on the Muhammad helped in putting the blackstone in its place. nized as a president or as a servant, but everyone is rec- brink of the pit of Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus does ognized as a humble human Allah make His Signs clear to you: That you may be guided. • Remembrance of Prophet being submitting himself/ (3: 102-103) Ibrahim trying to sacrifice herself to the same and the We hope and pray that every Muslim makes an effort his son, Ismail, for the plea- Only One God. No one is to perform Hajj, that he/she will attain the benefits that sure of Allah. recognized on the basis of Allah mentioned in the Qur’an. his color, sex, social or polit- • Remembrance of the Beware! We have created you male and female,and have O mankind! ical position. All of them Preparation: place of the birth of Prophet made you nations and tribes that you may know one are recognized as Muslims Muhammad (peace be upon another....(49:13) submitting their will to the Throughout history, Muslim scholars have written him) at Mecca close to the will of Allah. No one is to thousands of articles, books, and booklets about Hajj. Ka’bah. face the East or the West, Moreover, films, movies, video tapes and audio cassettes but each one is facing Allah Almighty. While everyone were prepared by governments, organizations, and indi- • Remembrance of Mother Hajar running between Safa is directing himself/herself physically towards Ka’bah in viduals about Hajj. Different community centers con- and Marwa trying to locate water for her son, Ismail. Mecca, their intentions, their totality, their entirety and ducted workshops for those who wish to perform Hajj. Finally water sprang up from under Ismail’s feet and now their wholeness are all towards Allah and for Allah. Here are some suggestions and tips to “Prepare Yourself Muslims all over the world still drink from that well of for Hajj”. Zamzam several thousand years later. Establishment of Muslim Unity: During Hajj Muslims conduct a series of seminars, lectures, and workshops in Many Muslims performed Hajj without knowing enough • Remembrance of the migration of the Prophet from different languages. Such educational talks are aimed at about its rules and regulations. With good intention, Mecca to Madina, the hiding in Cave Thawr, the difficulty unifying Islamic thoughts among Muslims. During Hajj and without planning or preparation, they have made a in reaching Madina,the welcome that he received and Muslims get to know one another, discuss their problems series of mistakes in their performance of the Hajj. For the establishment of the first mosque in Madina called and come to some type of solution. The Hajj is a symbol of every mistake, they should have made the compensation Masjid Qibaa’. an international convention where a few million Muslims (Kaffarah). Similarly, when we pray five times a day, and come from every corner of the world for the pleasure of we make a mistake, we have to make Sujood Al-Sahw • The remembrance of the Mosque of the Two Qibla, Allah. (prostration for making a mistake). If we break our Mosque of the Prophet, the Seven Mosques (Battle of the Wudoo’ (ritual ablutions), we have to repeat the prayer, Ditch), Mosque of the Cloud (Ghamamah), Mosque of Economic Benefits: If one were to count the number of and so on. Abu Bakr and the like. economic benefits of Hajj, he/she would not be able to do so as they are numerous. The benefits reach various seg- Many of us do not know how to prepare ourselves prop- • The remembrance of the battlefields that Prophet ments of the Muslim Ummah. These benefits start with erly for Hajj - spiritually, psychologically, socially, cultur- Muhammad (peace be upon him) had to be in; i.e., Battle visas, travel agents, airlines, steamships, cars, buses, ally, economically, etc. We did not have enough time to of Badr, Battle of Uhud, Battle of Khandaq, Battle of trains, customs, immigration, supermarkets, depart- learn all what is needed to go and perform Hajj. A large Khaibar, Battle of Hunain, Battle of Tabook, etc. ment stores, clinics, drug stores, hospitals, scouts, hotels, number of Muslims were shocked when they arrived schools, universities, governments, and every department there. Even those who went with their own groups have of the local country in Arabia. An endless number of been shocked at what they have seen and experienced.

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Although there is plenty of medicine respect Sha’aa-irr (rituals) of Hajj. When you are in Mina living in tents, will inspire, motivate, and reward us there, and the pharmacists usually They may push without any respect try to identify the location of tents to live in peace and harmony. give medicine without physician’s to others. Take it easy…say: La Hawla and the direction so as to know how prescription, make sure you take your wala Quwata Illa Billah. to come back to your tent. Everything Muslims should be grateful to medicines with you. looks alike. It is easy to get confused Allah that He allowed them to per- form Hajj before they die. Millions When you arrive at Jeddah Airport, and end up lost. There is no way then If this trip is the first time for you, of Muslims all over the world are you are tired and exhausted. You to get back to your tent easily. please do not take any of your chil- want immediately to go to the hotel yearning to perform Hajj. Some dren with you. It would be tough for or to go in a hurry to Mecca to per- If you cannot do the animal sacrifice don’t have money and others are too them and for you too. form ‘Umrah before Hajj. The on the Eid day, give the money to sick to take this journey. Still there are a good number of Muslims who Children should be taken for ‘Umrah authorities have to process visas for someone to do it on your behalf. The few hundred thousand individuals Organization of Islamic Conference have good health and extra money first during December vacation. They to perform Hajj, but due to the quota like yourself in one day. It will take (OIC) which represents the Muslim will enjoy the trip and they will have system their names are not selected, time, as you may expect. Meanwhile, sovereign states assumes this good memories about the Holy Places. and therefore, they were prevented sit, relax, read Qur’an, make Zikr, responsibility. The meat is then fro- to perform Hajj due to the great Read guide books on Hajj and ‘Umrah. Tassbeeh, Istighfar, and Talbiyah. zen and distributed later to the dif- demands of millions and millions of Ask your guide to explain anything Also try to extend your help to others ferent parts of the Muslim world. Muslims who want to perform Hajj. you do not understand. within and outside your own group. Final Remarks Therefore, Muslims should be grate- Take your Qur’an. Keep yourself The weather may be too hot for you. ful to Allah for all the favors that He busy reading from it. Enjoy talking Allah demanded that Muslims per- Try to drink water regularly. You has bestowed upon them in perform- to Allah while reading the Qur’an. form Hajj if means allowed them to may need to use salt-tablets as well ing Hajj. As it is known the more a Their worldly expectations were due to perspiration without noticing do so. In Surah (chapter) Al-Imran, RECOMMENDATIONS Read a book entitled: Al-Du’a’ person is thankful and grateful to not met. The real problem is that we it. Try to be in the shade as much as Allah says the following: Try to go with a group who make Al-Mustajab (The Accepted Du’a’). Allah , the more Allah will bestow possible. The heat of the sun may not should prepare ourselves long in arrangements with a Mu’allim Read all varieties of Du’a’. The first House (worship) appointed for upon them His Blessings. Ameen be felt, but one may get sun stroke advance for the once-in-a-lifetime (teacher). He will guide you spiritu- men was that at Mecca: full of blessing (Allahu Akbar); and meningitis which may lead to ally throughout the trip. Recite the Takbeer and guidance for all the worlds. In it are journey to the Holy Places that Allah Tahleel (La Ilaha Illa Allah); Tahmeed sudden death. signs manifest; the Station of Abraham has selected to be visited, to fulfill, Try to attend a workshop by a local (Al-Hamdu Lillah); Tassbeeh (Subhan whoever enters it attains security; pil- community center to understand the Allah)…etc. Try to be away from any heavy and complete our Faith as Muslims. grimage thereto is a duty people owe to rules and regulations about the day- crowd. You may not know when a Allah (if they can afford the journey), but Practical to-day activities and rituals of Hajj. Recite the Talbiyah (Labbaika Allahumma crowd of such a nature may push Labbaik). people over one another. At that if anyone denies faith, Allah stands not Considerations & Make sure you make a will, docu- time it would be difficult to stand in need of any of His creatures. (3:96-97) Remember, this is a spiritual jour- Requirements mented and left with an authorized up on you feet. Someone might step ney. Do not worry about what you Muslims should recognize that they person. You never know, you might over you, and it would be difficult to see wrong in other Muslims. You are going on a spiritual journey that 1. Intention die there and the family left behind stand up. should be worried about yourself and necessitates hardship and sacrifice. It 2. Halal money should know how to handle them- whether Allah will accept your Hajj demands that they be patient. They 3. Ihram dress selves without you. If your wife is with you, you may or not. throw the pebbles in the Jamarat should expect the least relaxation 4. Valid passport, Visa issued from Try to take traveler checks. Limit and the most rewards from Allah. The celebration marking the end of (throwing pebbles) on the three the country of origin. the amount of cash you wish to take. Shaitans on your her behalf during They should expect less sleeping, If you lose your checks, you can the Hajj is called Eid-ul Adha (Feast less comfort, less eating, less riding 5. Air ticket: it should be a round-trip of Sacrifice). During the Hajj you your stay of three days in Mina. recover your money and more walking on foot. They ticket sacrifice your time, your effort, your You might be confronted with situa- should expect too many people that You should have safety pockets and money and your knowledge in help- 6. Vaccination tions where many individuals don’t over-crowd the streets, the hotels, safety belt to keep your money with ing other Muslims who are in Hajj. 7. If you are a female, you have to know how to handle themselves. the tents and every other place. you. Never leave your money in any They need someone to help them, They should transcend all these have a Mahram who is usually a hotel. Keep them with you. Try to be patient as much as possible. male member of your immediate The place in Mecca is over crowded to guide them, and to advise them. barriers, and remember the Day of Do not take food, water, or any cook- especially by the Ka’bah during Tawaf Try to be number ONE to render Judgment when every human being family such as father, husband, son ing utensils with you. The Holy and in Sa’iy. You move with a wave of your services. They may not be able is to be assembled and to be judged or brother. Places have every facility you need others. There will be some Muslims to speak English, Arabic or Urdu, so by Allah . Therefore, Muslims have for living easily. who are ignorant and who do not be their translator. to take it easy; and it is Allah Who

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Pot Roast 4. Cover meat and marinate in the fridge for a mini- From West to East, Servings: 6-8 mum of 4-6 hours. Prep Time: 20 minutes 5. At intervals, turn the meat in the pan to distribute Marinate: 4-6 hours the marinade evenly. Cooking Time: 3 hours 6. Warm oil on medium low in a separate roasting pan. 7. Discard surplus marinade and carefully transfer the an Eid-Ul-Adha Feast Ingredients goat leg to the pan containing the oil, cover and let • One goat leg (10-12 lbs.) it cook. From the Kitchen of Aisha Kureishy • 2 cups yogurt 8. After 10 minutes, turn the roast and cook the other • 2 tablespoons garlic paste side. • 1 tablespoon ginger paste 9. Now add 3 cups of water and cook on medium heat • 1 teaspoon nutmeg until all the water becomes a thick gravy of spices, • 2 tablespoons fine ground pepper and roast is nicely brown and tender. Chicken Patty Melt Appetizers 8. Gently press toasts together with spatula so cheese- • 1 teaspoon fine red pepper Chef's Notes: Make sure to turn the roast at intervals while can stick to chicken. • ½ cup pre-fried onions marinating and cooking. Do not bake to ensure that it retains 9. Warm each side of the sandwich enough to melt the • 4 tablespoons coriander powder its juiciness. If you choose to bake it, it can be cooked at 400 Servings: 6 degrees, in most ovens, for approximately 2 hours. Rotate Prep Time: 20 minutes cheese slices. • 2 teaspoon cumin powder • ¾ cup olive or canola oil at intervals. Cooking Time: 30 minutes 10. Slice into triangles and serve! Ingredients Chef's Notes: You can serve Chicken Patty Melt appetizers • Salt to taste More recipes continued on page 32 with potato wedges or mashed potatoes. Don’t forget ketchup! • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

• 1 pound chicken boneless meat cut into ½" diced pieces Stir Fry Potato Wedges Directions • Salt to taste Servings: 6-8 1. In a large pot add lemon juice to the raw goat leg. • Loaf of bread, sliced Prep Time: 10 minutes 2. Add all the ingredients to the yogurt and mix well. • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds Cooking Time: 30 minutes 3. Pour yogurt marinade over the meat and spread it • 2 large onions thinly sliced well on all sides. • 1 tablespoon garlic powder Ingredients • 4-5 teaspoons of Mayonnaise • 4-6 medium potatoes (Approximately 2 pounds) • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper • 1 teaspoon fresh chives (optional) • ½ block IFANCA halal certified Cabot cheese, sliced • 1/2 teaspoon halal steak spice mix • Vegetable oil as needed to fry onions and stir fry • Salt and black pepper to taste chicken Directions Directions 1. Cut potatoes lengthwise into ten or twelve wedges. 1. In a toaster, toast all bread slices. 2. Sprinkle salt, black pepper and steak spice mix. Mix 2.In a large skillet, fry onions until golden brown, well. remove and set aside. 3. Sprinkle some water over potatoes and cover with a 3. In same skillet, add diced chicken, garlic powder, salt microwave safe plate. Make sure potato wedges do not and black pepper to make chicken filling. overlap. Microwave for three minutes. 4. Mix well and stir-fry chicken pieces until nicely 4. With kitchen gloves, flip the plates gently and nicely browned and remove from skillet, leaving utensil on without dropping the wedges. You may use more water low heat. to keep potatoes soft and moist. 5. Take two toasted slices at a time. Lightly layer with 5. Microwave the wedges for another three minutes. mayonnaise. Place in the skillet, on medium-low heat, 6. In a large skillet, warm oil on medium heat. mayonnaise side facing up. 7.Add all the potato wedges to the skillet without 6. Put a cheese slice on each toast. On one toast add splashing the hot oil. cooked chicken filling, fried onions, and sprinkle some 8. Stir fry until golden brown on each side. cumin seeds. 9. Cover the pan and leave the potatoes to sauté on low 7. Place second hot toast over chicken filling. heat for five to ten minutes.

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ike the Muslim community in most American cities, Chicago is awash in fund-raising din- ners for various causes through winter, fall, and spring. Come summer, the socializing grows even more frenzied - fundraisers fall Lby the wayside because everyone is too busy either hav- ing or attending a wedding and its series of celebrations. Graduations and Ameens, marking the completion of the first reading of the Quran, too, pack weekend after week- end. Yes, Chicago has two seasons - winter and party sea- son! And keeping up with all these events, year-round, are caterers offering halal menus.

Twenty years ago, in large cities such as Chicago, USA and Toronto, Canada it used to be that if you were having a wedding or any special event, you’d gather your near- est and dearest and get many hands to cook for the event. Gradually, individual caterers who knew cultural food well and cooked it to perfection stepped in, taking party By Naazish YarKhan orders and serving halal. A single independent caterer would cook halal cuisine for 400 people on average, per wedding celebration.

But if trends in the halal food industry are any indication, all that is very 1990’s. Outsourcing has come to banquet halls as well as Four and Five Star hotels, and we are not talking about the voice at the other end of reservations or customer service alone.

It began when banquet halls, slowly but steadily over the past 10 years, saw the opportunity for economic growth if they would permit outside catering. They got in on the action with a list of pre-selected halal caterers that clients, using their banquet halls, could choose to work with. all three families with me for the tasting at the same time, to the list of (halal) caterers the Convention Center had Scarborough, Ontario based event planner, Sadat Hussain agreed to,” says Mr. Khan. Wedding season is a busy time Khan, is riding high on the success of a three day wed- of the year, indeed. ding extravaganza, with over 500 guests, at Chandani Convention Center in Mississauga, Ontario. “I was orga- In the last couple of years, Four and Five Star hotels, nizing three weddings that were close in dates and I took which once would never have allowed outside catering, too have seen business opportunities. Be it the Sheraton, the Hyatt or a Radisson, they are attracting halal consum- ers with promises of the perfect halal ‘outsourced’ menu. Ayesha Sayani, a community event organizer, respon- sible for helping manage the Zindagi Trust fundraiser in Dallas, Texas concurs. She said Galleria, Dallas, Double Tree, and Hilton Anatole were all willing to have outside caterers. In previous years, her venue for an event would have been a local community center - the route most often taken for halal parties a decade ago. “ I have seen things changing,” she says. “Hotels seem well aware that there is a demand for halal food and the one’s I have spoken to have been very receptive to us having a halal menu. They have pre-approved lists of halal restaurants where Continued on the next page... Source: Oliveaire Artisan Events and Meetings, Chicago HALAL CONSUMER 18 12 FALL 2010 FALL 2010 13 HALAL CONSUMER 18 WWW.IFANCA.ORG

“We work closely with the catering restaurants to main- tain the integrity of the supply chain. If it is an ethnic menu, Sheraton will not necessarily offer to make the food on site, because there are outside caterers who excel in making those dishes. An American halal menu can be cooked on-site at Sheraton, with proper sourcing of halal meat and other ingredients,” Ms. Menozzi says.

IFANCA clients such as Cargill Better Beef, an IFANCA halal-certified company based in Canada, is a significant supplier to Muslim-owned halal meat stores, across North America. In recent years, businesses such as Restaurant Depot and Costco have begun carrying halal, as well. American Muslims have taken to organizing Eid and other parties at mainstream restaurants, and are guaran- Source: Facebook.com/DivineDesserts teed by restaurant management that halal alone will be served. Sushi Samba of Chicago, a hip and happening we can cater from or they purchase the halal meat if they restaurant serving Japanese and Brazilian cuisine was are preparing the meal themselves.” the venue of a sold-out 4th of July gathering organized by the Council of American Muslim Professionals (CAMP), The caveat? The hotels must have large banquet halls to be this summer. IFANCA is often approached by clients to able to accommodate 400 - 800 guests, normal for a South assist them in selecting the right suppliers and caterers. Asian and Middle Eastern weddings. IFANCA has also created guidelines to create halal com- pliant kitchens. Chicago-based Oliveaire Artisan Events and Meetings very existence reflects the opportunities in halal, espe- cially when it comes to South Asian and Middle Eastern events. The company plans events and connects hotels including the likes of Hyatt Regency, O’Hare and Westin, Lombard, both in the Chicago area, to South Asian- American and Middle Eastern-American brides and grooms looking to have halal cuisine at their wedding.

“In the past three years, our volume of Muslim and Middle Eastern weddings and South Asian events have captured 45% of our annual business. Our community of 25 Chicagoland preferred venues accept outside catering options in order to provide religious and ethnic restricted meals. Oliveaire has approved halal caterers to provide meals for these events,” says Mahvish Bhatty, an event planner with Oliveaire.

Maggie Menozzi Sales Manager for weddings and large social events, at the Chicago Sheraton, has seen business rise by 50% since they allowed outside catering in 2008. The first year they took that path, they had 12-14 ethnic weddings. The following year they hosted 30 weddings. “The Sheraton does have a list of pre-selected halal cater- ers but are also willing to go with someone the bride and groom recommend,” says Ms. Menozzi. “We have a separate kitchen dedicated for special events and ban- quets. The halal food is brought in already prepared by the caterers to this specific kitchen and served out of it. The question of cross contamination does not even arise.” Source: Oliveaire Artisan Events and Meetings

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wellness center, Vita, learn how to cook right from our chefs in our 90-seat Demonstration Kitchen, and even learn how to shop healthy at our farmer’s market.”

Muslim residents of the Metropolitan Detroit area are for- tunate to have HFWBH. However, to meet the needs of Muslim senior citizens who are home-bound, Michigan started its first halal Meals-on -Wheels program for those in the Detroit area. It is a pilot program serving 20 or so seniors in Dearborn, Michigan, and parts of Wayne County. Every two weeks, an ample supply of halal meals from a halal-certified vendor are shipped via FedEx in coolers, to members of the program. According to Arab Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital, West Bloomfield, MI Detroit News, "The meals, which cost about $7 to prepare and ship, include entrees such as Chicken Biryani, Lentil Stew with Ground Lamb, and Italian chicken." That is a Ghalib Abbasi, an Information Systems Pharmacist great halal selection to enjoy in the comfort of one's home Specialist at HFWBH, suggested that they make “halal” for seniors who otherwise may not have been able to shop more apparent on Henry Café’s menu by putting an for or prepare their own meals. H enclosed inside a circle next to halal-friendly items. Further, if questions are asked regarding the halal menu, Advocating for senior centers that meet the dietary and the kitchen and restaurant staff are well-informed and cultural needs of the aging South Asian population is a well-trained to explain and understand the concept of priority for the American Association of Retired Asians halal to customers. (AARA), and its founder, Dr. Talat Razvi, of Darien, IL. "For the elderly, psychological issues compound the phys- Halal Foods at Hospitals “The hospital is very open and accepting of the Muslim ical ones and having food that adheres to their religious community and staff,” shares Abbasi. “The display and requirements is really important,” she says. by Tayyaba Syed “We wanted the hospital to offer total care from a well- explanation of what foods are halal are very precise. I ness perspective, sick care perspective, and spiritual care think it is great what HFWBH is doing for us, and we Detroit is setting a great example for other communities Imagine walking into a restaurant that has the feel of a perspective,” said HFWBH Director of Public Relations need to take full advantage of this kind of opportunity,” in the United States, but it is not the only town catering Northern Michigan lodge. Your food is cooked to order and Marketing, Carey Chesney. “This way customers get he adds. Continued on next page... fresh from any of the restaurant’s seven different chef- their unexpressed needs met easily. They might not be manned stations. Fresh does mean fresh in this restau- comfortable asking for a diet that meets their religious/ HFWBH also wanted to teach the community the right rant, because you will not find any freezers, deep fryers spiritual needs but are glad it is available,” he points out. way to eat. It is both a hospital and a wellness center that offers tools and shares means that individ- or canned goods in the facility. It only serves certified uals can use to live and feel healthier. organic produce, and here is the best part: it even serves In Ramadan, the hospital sponsored a community iftaar. By offering halal meat on the menu, halal meat. So where is this too-good-to-be-true eatery Over 200 physicians from around the Metro Detroit area attended it. The hospital served halal food and let the the hospital is encouraging the impor- you ask? The restaurant is called Henry’s Café, and it is physicians know that it was readily available to their tance of eating healthy. located inside the Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital patients and staff on a daily basis and not just during (HFWBH) in Michigan. Yes, you read that right: hospital. “What we are doing in essence is teaching Ramadan. This garnered the support of local physicians people how to live and eat healthy,” notes Frank The hospital opened its doors in March 2009, not only who in turn began referring their Muslim patients to the Turner, the Executive Chef and Director of to patients but to the community-at-large. On average, institution. Food and Nutrition at the hospital. “Halal meat is healthy and at times even non- the restaurant serves eight hundred people daily, 25% of “By bringing quality products, more Muslims are Muslims ask for the halal menu at whom come here for no reason except to enjoy a meal. attracted to the hospital,” Dr. Zahid Sheikh, who has Henry’s,” he says. West Bloomfield has a very diverse demographic, and the been with Henry Ford Hospital for over 15 years, shared hospital wanted to make sure everyone felt welcome. The in an interview with Halal Consumer. “From a business Turner also shared other ways hospital administration accomplished this by meeting perspective, one should be willing to offer great service HFWBH is promoting good health with focus groups comprising area residents of various for the consumer who is purchasing the product. That is to the community. “People eat at ages, ethnicities, religions, and races in order to deter- what HFWBH has accomplished by respecting our ethi- Henry’s to be healthy and also seek mine the needs of the community. cal values and accommodating our needs,” he adds. lifestyle improvements from our

HALAL CONSUMER 17 16 FALL 2010 FALL 2010 17 HALAL CONSUMER 17 WWW.IFANCA.ORG WWW.IFANCA.ORG to Muslims' halal food needs. When awareness is cre- department to look into options for halal food for her Universities Giving Lip Service to Halal? ated and the need is presented properly, then action Muslim patients. Since then, for the last year, the hospital can be taken accordingly. That is what was done at St. has offered a variety of IFANCA certified J&M Ready-to- By Maryam Funmilayo Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick, New Eat Halal Meals to its Muslim patients. Some US colleges and universities have become trail- and five different entrees are on the menu for dinner. Jersey recently. The hospital has three maternity units blazers in their efforts to offer halal food services for Any full board student is free to eat here and the entrees and one of its obstetricians approached the food service Debbie Signorelli is the food service manager at St. Peter’s University Hospital. When Halal Consumer asked her if it their Muslim students. Campuses with halal food ser- aren’t simply American, South Asian or Middle Eastern was difficult to start a halal food program at the hospital, vice kitchens or halal dining halls include Virginia Tech, fare. They run the gamut from Lamb with Dried Fruit, Signorelli responded that it just depends on the availabil- Harvard University, Dartmouth College, Yale University, Persian Chicken in Walnut Sauce, Baked Eggs with Herbs, New York University, Texas A & M, and others. The ques- ity of distributors. "We are open to learning about other Chana Masala, Bulgur Pilaf, Sweet Orange Rice, Lubyi bi tion is, are some of these efforts little more than giving halal distributors in order to offer a variety of meals to Zyat (Green Beans), and Date Nut Pastries. The recipes lip service to halal? our Muslim patients,” Signorelli says. “Right now we are are reflective of the tastes of a very international student body. However, despite all these efforts, nine years down only working with one supplier, so the choice is limited Mount Holyoke College, in South Hadley, Massachusetts, the road, halal meat is yet to be actually served in this for our patients,” she adds. is an all-women college where four percent of the stu- “Halal-Kosher” Dining Hall, as of this writing. dent body is Muslim. In the year 2000, Muslim and If more Muslims ask for halal foods at their local hospi- Jewish students approached the administration, noting tals, and in nursing homes, it won't be such a far-fetched “This comes as no surprise,” says Dr. Muhammad Munir that they were outgrowing the small student-run kitchen Chaudry, President IFANCA. “Universities often wrongly idea in the near future. Organizations such as IFANCA they shared in the Religious Life building. They wanted exist to help institutions connect the dots between sup- assume that Kosher is adequate for Muslim students. a dining hall that catered to their religious dietary needs. Organizations such as IFANCA can come in and offer pliers of halal products and training institution staffers Students, faculty and staff, as well as religious advisors training for food service staff and we can introduce uni- on creating halal kitchens. Henry Ford West Bloomfield came together to discuss logistics. The end result was a versities to halal meat suppliers. It’s unfortunate that Hospital and St. Peter’s University Hospital are just some proposal – a new Halal-Kosher Kitchen. Ms. Hennessey, Muslim students have to make do with Kosher when of the institutions who have begun the journey. Patients, Director of Dining Services at Mount Holyoke, says that halal is so widely available.” here, can now request a halal diet, thus making the stay creating a Halal-Kosher Kitchen was expensive and chal- at the hospital relatively less stressful. Remember to ask lenging. Meat and dairy products do not mix according Requests for halal by Muslim students have led the school for halal and it will only be a matter of time till it is ubiq- to kosher dietary laws whereas according to halal dietary to consider introducing halal, albeit in a measured man- Henry Ford Culinary Institute Demonstration Kitchen uitous. laws, the mixing of meat and dairy is not a big deal, she ner. Halal meat, from Fall 2010, will be served twice a says. According to halal dietary laws, alcohol, pork, and week. It may also be offered during Ramadan. their by- products are not consumed so changes were needed to create a kitchen that was both kosher and halal, Ironically, when offering advice to other colleges and in order to suit students’ dietary religious needs, says Ms. universities who are considering a Halal-Kosher kitchen Did You Know? Dale Hennessey. for their students, Ms. Hennessey says it is not impos- sible. She points out that success depends on the space “The former Wilder Dining Hall was converted and the available at the school, thoroughly researching stu- 1. The food buying power of American Muslims is estimated at U.S. $20 billion annually. kitchen was completely redone. New equipment was dents’ needs and working with what is available. Mount purchased and dining staff members were trained on 2. A 2007 report from the global ad agency JWT, describes the Muslim market thus: "It's young, it's big, and Holyoke being a small college, administrators worked everything from separating dairy and meat items to scru- it's getting bigger." tinizing ingredients like vanilla and mustard just to dou- with limited space to start the Halal-Kosher facility. “It was indeed a challenge,” she adds, “but it did work out 3. 59% of Muslim adults in the U.S. have a college degree, compared with only 28% of all American adults. ble check if they were free of alcohol,” Ms. Hennessey fine.” Muslim students may not quite agree with that Surveys show that median family income among America's Muslims exceeds the national figure of $55,800." elaborated. conclusion. After all, it has taken nine long years since Studies also show that one in three Muslims earns more than $75,000 per year. - Business Week, Jan. 2007. By 2001, a Halal-Kosher kitchen was up and running. the inception of the Halal-Kosher dining hall to actually 4. In the manufacture of halal cereal and confectionary, ingredients of concern are gelatin, mono and di- Since then, typically, five entrees are served for lunch serve halal meat here. glycerides, cream liquor, L-cysteine and various emulsifiers; such as polysorbates, sodium steroyl lactylate.

5. For halal certification, all ingredients and materials must be halal suitable, including sanitation chemicals, release agents, pan grease and lubricants.

6. The States of Illinois, New Jersey, Minnesota, California, Michigan, New York, Georgia, and Texas have passed Halal Food Bills to protect halal consumers from fraudulent usage of the term ‘halal’. However, the enforcement of those laws is in limbo, thus making third party certification by organizations such as IFANCA even more vital. Photo ©Jim Gipe ©Jim Photo

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are rushing to have their products certified as gluten free while few companies even knew about the much larger potential for halal-certified products. It is estimated that Americans Searching for there are three times as many Muslims in North America as there are gluten-intolerant people. Halal at the Holiday Inn, Chicago North Shore Halal: IFANCA at NRA Show Award winning Chef Mahmood Yousaf, has spent the By Naazish YarKhan last 4 years bringing halal cuisine to Chicago’s diverse A May 22, 2010 session titled “Reach halal food ingredients, in his presen- the way. It was after the year 2000 Muslim Community at the Holiday Inn Chicago North Over 9 Million Muslim-Americans tation at the panel, outlined the his- that American universities, hospi- Shore. Specializing in American, South Asian, Middle Searching for Halal Meals” was tory of halal in the USA. He noted tals, the military and prisons began Eastern and Continental Fine Dining Cuisine, Yousaf the first ever panel at the National that in the 1970’s no one had heard of offering halal programs. Several has honed his culinary craft for over three decades at the Restaurant Association’s annual halal outside the Muslim community. states passed laws against fraudu- Hyatt, Hilton International, and Holiday Inn Hotels. He show that addressed Muslim dietary In the 1980’s Muslims opened “mom lent claims of halal. Stating that this noted that often times those who are not familiar with needs. The presenters included and pop” stores where they sold the decade would see halal go main- halal don’t realize that halal refers to the same animals, Dr. Muhammad Munir Chaudry, meat that they slaughtered them- stream in foodservice and restau- be it cattle, goat, sheep, chicken – consumed by most President of IFANCA; Mr. Don selves. He added that, internation- rants, Dr. Chaudry identified several Americans, with the exception of pork. He also clarified Tymchuck, Founder and President ally, the 80’s were also a time when IFANCA halal certified clients that the misconception that halal always refers to curry or of Med-Diet Laboratories, Inc.; large corporations began exporting sold retail and/or food service prod- even ethnic meals. He reiterated that any cuisine could award winning Chef at North Shore meat to the Middle East. It was in the ucts ranging from Cheese ( Cabot, be halal so long as there is no alcohol or pork/ pork by- Holiday Inn, Mahmood Yousaf and 90’s that the trend of Muslim butcher Kraft, Saputo, Simons) to Sauces products in it, and the meat is that of a halal or permis- Maggie Menozzi, Catering Sales shops and grocery stores continued, (Tabasco and Heinz) and desserts ( sible animal, slaughtered in the name of God and accord- Manager, Sheraton Chicago Hotel & even as halal restaurants began to Carol’s Cheesecake, Love & Quiches ing to Islamic guidelines. The Holiday Inn, under his Towers. mushroom. During those years, Desserts). guidance, has three kitchens, one of which is the halal he said, food service went global kitchen. Labeling and storage is very important and staff Dr. Muhammad Munir Chaudry, one with McDonald’s and KFC leading What's In It (Halal) For Me? IFANCA President, Dr. Muhammad Munir Chaudry, addressed the audi- of the world’s foremost authorities on is duly trained. Taking every measure to ensure that halal ences at the National Restaurant Association's Annual Show in May. Mr. Tymchuck began the session by standards are maintained, he said, cements trust between urging the audience to ask “What’s the hotel and its halal consuming guests. to 800 sized guest list of the average Muslim wedding. in it (halal) for me?” Halal Menus at Five Star Hotels These are great revenue generators because “unlike an He elaborated that halal was the diet Indian or Pakistani wedding, an average American wed- Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers allows for outside of choice of the 9 million Muslims ding is just about 150 to 200 people,” she said. Further, catering ensuring that weddings are as traditional or as in America, a large “affluent, edu- South Asian weddings are rarely a one-day affair and contemporary as the bride and groom would like it to cated” market comprising “profes- include two to four days of festivities. “The Sheraton is be. “We do have a service charge for it, but we are open sionals and business owners”, whose large enough to accommodate each of those parties in to brides and grooms suggesting a caterer whose food dietary needs were barely being met different rooms unlike a smaller place where the same they’d like to have served as long as the caterers have all by mainstream food manufacturers room as to be redone each time.” their licenses. Or they can pick from a list of halal caterers and restaurants . He reiterated that that we suggest,” says Maggie Menozzi, Sales Manager With such large numbers of guests per wedding, and given the need for the food indus- for weddings and large social events, at the Sheraton. As with halal caterers on the Sheraton list recommending try and businesses to attract new for halal food prepared on the premises at the hotel, that the hotel to brides and grooms, word-of-mouth more than customers and expand their market too is possible and the menu is contemporary American, suffices for advertising, she says. Halal weddings do not share, it was time to cater to Muslims halal food. The Sheraton pays the caterer themselves. serve alcohol and that too hasn’t been a barrier to profits. in America and offer halal. This did “They usually have something else instead that adds to not mean that the entire menu needs Maggie Menozzi, in her presentation, noted that she had revenue such as an extensive dessert line and juice bev- to be changed. The shift could be as seen business rise by 50% ever since she brought outside erages called ‘Mock-Tails’ in lieu of alcohol, served at the simple as adding halal options to caterers into the fold. “Two years ago, we had 12-14 wed- wedding.” the catering menu or substituting dings of which one or two were Indian, Pakistani wed- halal chicken for non-halal in a cur- dings. In 2009, we had 30 weddings, 12 of which were Presentations such as these given at the NRA Show, it is National Restaurant Association rent recipe or even a new approach Indo-Pakistani,” she says. The Sheraton Chicago Hotel hoped, will heighten manufacturers’ awareness of the such as starting a halal food cart, as & Towers is home to the largest ballroom in the Midwest, market potential which will lead to increased halal pro- Don Tymchuck, President, Med Diet, Inc. and Chef Mahmood Yousaf, Holiday Inn, North Shore is done in downtown Manhattan. He and is ideal for larger weddings that are typical of the 500 duction and availability. Chicago share the stage with IFANCA and Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers, at the NRA Show pointed out that many companies

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around 8 million." The article was equipment, have been adopted to offer halal-only menu’s. Yes, it’s not also published in January 2010 by facilitate halal meat slaughtering in even ten percent of the total num- Halal Happenings Prepared Foods magazine. the USA and new medicines and ber of Quick restaurants but can we vaccines have been developed so as imagine that same percentage of revolved around specific halal tech- direction, for the halal industry World Halal Research to avoid the use of porcine enzymes McDonalds or Burger King’s going IFANCA Booth at Institute of Conference – Inspiring Food Technologists (IFT) Food nical inquiries, speaks volumes on overall." and ingredients. halal in the USA this year? the strides IFANCA has made in pro- Innovation through Halal Expo 2010 in Chicago, July Further, "new research points The Quick chain chose its 22 restau- moting halal for the past 25 years in Demand for Halal Foods is Research, June 23-25, 2010 17-22 towards vegetarian beef being pro- rants based on which ones oversold the global food industry," said Ms. Increasing Says Meat Trade Halal sausage, halal hamburger, duced in laboratories using biotech- fish burgers (fish is naturally halal) IFANCA offered IFT attendees Omar. "The interest is higher than News Daily halal pizza, halal hot dogs, halal beef nology. This meat is made from the relative to average national sales for insights into their halal certifica- anything we have seen in the past 10 According to the Meat Trade News jerky, halal gyro meat. Walk into an cells of animals and proliferates the product. The other factors were tion and information services from years for halal food ingredients," said Daily, Feb. 2010 issue, in an article ethnic store that sells halal meat and inside of a growth chamber. Meat is pin-pointing outlets where pork prod- July 17th to 22nd, 2010, at the annual Dr. Chaudry. He estimates an 80% written by Dr. Mian Riaz, Director, we've come to expect these products. eventually formed from the multi- uct sales were slow, and as impor- Institute Food Technologists Food percent growth in halal certification Food Protein R& D Center, Texas What's more, today, halal meat can plying cells," says Dr. Riaz. If the past tantly, knowing which outlets saw a Expo 2010, at its booth # 5101. of ingredients and food products A&M University, "demand for halal be ordered online and delivered to decade is a yardstick, we may have since 2005 for US and global halal Interest in growing halal markets foods is increasing, not only in the your home the very next day. Not a new source of meat in the coming markets. This increase for US halal and halal certification has been U.S., Europe and Canada, but also bad for a nation where 25 years ago, years. market ingredients may reflect the expanding tremendously. "In the in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Muslims had to either seek out the overall estimated $170 billion US dol- past 4 years, Datamonitor has noted North Africa and Australia. (The) one Muslim store in the entire state At several universities Nutrition and lar purchasing power of American- that the number of global halal prod- Halal consumer market/trade is that sold halal meat or had to visit Food science students learn about Muslims. Dr. Chaudry has estimated uct launches has increased by 150 the fastest growing in the world. the local farmer to slaughter a goat religious food (halal) and many cam- that the purchasing power for food percent. The traffic we saw at the The global halal food market is cur- for their dinner, themselves. pus cafeterias offer halal foods. New items alone may well exceed $20 bil- rently valued at $635 billion per year. software in cell phones and GPS' can IFANCA booth reinforced that data," These are just a sample of the many lion US dollars. Besides Muslims, other segments now guide consumers to halal gro- said Maria Omar, IFANCA Media innovations in the halal world that have joined the ranks of halal con- cery stores and restaurants. The food Relations Director. "An overwhelming majority of the Dr. Mian N. Riaz, PhD., Director sumers, as these types of foods gain industry will eventually start look- companies on the floor that were Food Protein R&D Center at Texas Visitors to the booth included cur- worldwide recognition as being safe ing into making halal greener. Yes, if halal-certified, or who had dis- A&M University discussed at the rent clients, companies interested in and hygienic. Non-Muslim consum- these are its indicators, the time for played their halal certification sym- World Halal Research Conference, learning more about the certification ers like them, because of their addi- halal has arrived. bols, were IFANCA clients," said Ms. this year. He shared some of his process, and organizations whose tional safety and sanitation features, Omar. "The display of halal-certifica- insights with Halal Digest. certifications were in process. "Our making them less likely to be cross- IFANCA at 1st International tion symbols (at the booths) signifies food technologists, Zeshan Sadek, contaminated. Therefore, there is Halal Business and Food Expo that the food industry understands "Halal innovations, in the last 8-10 Mujahed Khan and Dr. Masood tremendous economic opportunity 2010, July 23- 25 the importance consumers give to years, are in the area of new ingre- were right there to answer technical for food manufacturers to meet the credible third-party halal certifica- dients, new stunning methods, new Dr. Muhammad M. Chaudry, questions. The fact that questions needs of all consumers of halal food tion. It’s a development in the right development in pharmacy prod- President IFANCA was a speaker products." ucts, improved marketing with new at the Global Halal Forum, held halal food products," he says. "They during the 1st International Halal Also according to a report, in an esti- extend to the latest biotechnology Business and Food Expo, organized drop in business during Ramadan, mation by the Pew Forum on Religion techniques to develop halal prod- by Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI), the Muslim month of fasting. and Public Life, "there are about 1.57 ucts, new certification methods and the Indonesian Council of Ulema, billion Muslims in the world today, ultimately, with the development a leading halal certifying body. The Quick decision to embrace and they comprise 23% of the global of the right software, will help find The expo also included, Training halal is purely economic. "First population of 6.8 billion. Over 60% halal products in the market." Some on Halal Assurance System and and foremost, I'm an entrepreneur of them live in Asia, and one-fifth in researchers, he adds, have started an International Meeting on Halal and a business owner. My goal is to the Middle East and North Africa. looking into the carbon foot print for Standards. increase sales and satisfy my clients. More than 300 million Muslims live halal food production models. It's clear I have clients that I am sat- as minority communities. In Europe, Halal Food Service Growing isfying more since we went Halal," there are an estimated 38.1 million Dr. Riaz elaborated that enzymes in the West said one franchisee, Eric Azan, Muslims, while about 1 million live speaking to DW-World.De. Azan and gelatin substitutes are some Consider this: Quick, France's sec- in Canada, comprising 3.1% of the has converted one of his six Quick recent ingredients developed for ond biggest fast-food retailer, has 362 population. There are varying esti- franchises in Montreuil to a halal- halal food production. Several new restaurants all over the country. As mates of the Muslim population in only establishment. Sales doubled stunning methods, and slaughtering of September 2010, 22 of them will Maria Omar, Director, Media Relations, IFANCA at IFT the U.S., but most surveys place it at on average here, Continued on next page...

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IFANCA Halal-Certified Company News

For a complete list of halal certified Saffron Road products, go to www. ifanca.org. IFANCA Client, Nestlé, is "Role Model" for Islamic Branding, reports WARC News IFANCA was represented by Dr. Muhammad Munir Chaudry, President (far right) at the 2nd Annual American Muslim Consumer Conference As reported by WARC News, "Nestlé is the leading multinational com- during the test phase. With 20 new Researchers, entrepreneurs, market- willing to connect with them online pany for developing marketing strat- full-time staffers, hired specifically ing and advertising executives from and offline. egies for Muslim consumers." WARC to handle the extra business, Azan is corporate America convened to dis- is a leading supplier of information, all set to greet halal consumers with cuss and explore the rapidly grow- The average annual household knowledge, insight and data to the a smile. ing and untapped American-Muslim income of a Muslim family in global marketing, advertising, media Consumer markets, its scope, mar- America is $75,000, and is pointing and research communities. France's second largest supermarket kets, its trends, and opportunities. the way towards branding relevant chain, Casino, too has learned that This conference provided American to this consumer group. AMCC Miles Young, CEO of Ogilvy & it can pad its bottom line if it offers businesses and executives with Objectives include creating aware- Mather, a keynote speaker at the halal products. For months now, useful insights, information, and ness as to the American Muslim Oxford Global Islamic Branding spicy ready-to-eat chicken wings, opportunities on how to access and market, its purchasing power and and Marketing Forum at the Saïd Business School, Oxford University, halal pate, and mock ham made attract the American-Muslim mar- understanding ways to effectively acknowledged Nestlé as having rec- from turkey have graced its shelves. ket. IFANCA was represented by market products and services to it. American Halal Co. Launches Durrani is a serial entrepreneur hav- ognized Muslim shoppers as a sig- Casino’s own halal product line goes Dr. Muhammad Munir Chaudry, Entrepreneurs and companies IFANCA Certified Saffron ing founded Vermont Pure Spring nificant market. "Nestlé is probably by the brand name Wasilla. In fledg- President, as one of the panelists. who are interested in reaching the Road Brand, distributed Water and was the principal finan- the role model for doing this prop- ling efforts, some US grocery chains cial partner for Stonyfield Farms Inc. "Muslims want to be acknowledged American-Muslim market as well exclusively by Whole Foods erly. It has done it out of conviction have recently begun carrying a lim- The rest of the Company’s manage- in mainstream media….consider as researchers and executives look- – there's a commitment in every- ited number of halal products. The Saffron Road brand of Indian ment and Board represent a team of advertising in a Muslim media out- ing to learn about the American- thing the company does.." He added entrees sold at Whole Foods con- proven entrepreneurs at building that "50% of the potential audience "Five and a half billion euros are let. Say Eid Mubarak or Ramadan Muslin market were in attendance. tain only 100% Natural Ingredients premium food brands. in the so-called "next 11" emerging going to be spent on these kinds of Kareem during the holidays. The The Who’s Who list of attendees and uses pasture raised, humanely economies are Muslim." However, he Muslim community will respond. included speakers, James A. Kocsi, “We are blessed to have IFANCA products this year in France," said treated livestock with a guarantee pointed out that just using religious When we see an ad we like we send it District Director, U. S. Small Business on board as our halal certification Abbas Bendali, the head of Solis, a f 100% vegetarian feed and no hor- connotations as a badge without to our friends and share it with each Administration, P. Miles Young, agency. IFANCA’s standards, profes- market research firm specialized in mones. Saffron Roads’ mission is understanding what it means to be other," said Mohammed Abdullah, CEO, Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide, sionalism, integrity, and acceptance ethnic niches, in an interview with to offer All Natural halal certified a brand could be a recipe for failure. director of the event. Steven Pilchak, General Manager, worldwide is unmatched. Indeed, it’s DW-World.De. "There are five mil- foods which are also holistic, sus- For instance, he said, Mecca Cola had Best Buy, and others. no coincidence that IFANCA is the lion potential customers. So this is tainably farmed, and antibiotic free. been targeted to Muslim consumers Entrepreneur Magazine said go-to halal certifier for 2,200 con- more than a niche, this is a real con- American Halal Co. markets All without success. Brand owners must American Muslims have the buying Details at sumer companies. Now our line of sumer segment." Natural Halal Certified food under power roughly equal to the state of www.americanmuslimconsumer. think "seriously about how they are the Saffron Road brand which was Saffron Road halal cuisine will be in Indiana. However, "reaching them com perceived by Muslim customers." American Muslim Consumer launched in Ramadan and sells its good company with major food com- requires an understanding of their products into select natural, spe- panies like Pepsi Co., Nestlé, Kraft, Olympia Food Industries Sells Conference Draws Large culture, beliefs and preferences. cialty, and gourmet retail channels etc. We feel privileged to have been Halal Gyros Like Hot Cakes Numbers, Oct. 30th 2010 Muslims are more interested than Corrections from HC 17: In the article awarded IFANCA’s full endorsement titled The Significance of Milk – Choose in the United States. The second annual American Muslim most Americans in seeing advertis- What is Natural (Page 20) 1. Supplication of our Saffron Road Indian entrees,” Chicago is home to all five of Consumer Conference (AMCC) was ing that acknowledges them," it says. or dua after drinking milk should have commented Adnan Durrani, Chief begun as: Allahumma barik lana fihi wa Adnan Durrani leads the com- the major gyro manufacturers held on Saturday, October 30st, 2010 Muslims are a neglected market with zidna minhu… pany as “Chief Halal Officer”. Mr. Halal Officer of American Halal. in the USA, including IFANCA in New Brunswick, NJ. huge potential for brands who are

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Halal-Certified Olympia Food Industries, makers of GFS Marketplace, Meijers, Krogers, Spartan Food Stores, English Biscuit Manufacturers Mixes Treats with gyros, Mediterranean pastries, pita breads and vari- TOPS Markets and more. Social Responsibility ous other food items for distribution to restaurants and supermarkets. The origins of this company, however, are Is Your Baby the Next Gerber Baby? IFANCA halal-certified English Biscuit Manufacturers in the restaurant industry. Company President Andre (Private) Limited, based in Pakistan, is a producer of high Papantoniou and his brother had first set up a restaurant quality biscuits. Besides its domestic market, English on Sheridan Road in 1971. Their business later changed Biscuit Manufacturers exports its products in special sea into a pita company and finally came to include gyros as worthy packing to USA, Canada, UK, Middle East and well. Gyros alone are responsible for half of Olympia's African countries. revenue and are available in retail markets all over the United States. EBM, strongly vested in being socially responsible, also supports education, especially for females and adults IFANCA Halal-Certified Client, American and has sponsored several programs such as the Garage Bakery, Unwrapped School, Clifton Karachi, the CHAEF (Children Health and Education Foundation) School and the Shaheen KG School For lunch on-the-run, there is nothing simpler than wrap- in Kala Shah Kaku, Lahore. Further, the company has initi- ping dinner leftovers in some fresh Lawash Flatbread. ated an in-house literacy program for its employees by the And more than just individual consumers think that is a name of Ujala. Regular donations and fundraising activi- great idea. Dearborn, Michigan based American Bakery, ties have also become part of day-to-day business at EBM. the makers of IFANCA halal-certified Lawash Flatbread, English Biscuit Manufacturers is an ISO 9001:2000 & ISO Pita bread and Pita chips are suppliers to schools, uni- 14001:2004, IIP (Investor in People) and HACCP (Hazard versities, supermarkets and restaurants. Their Lawash Analysis Critical Control Point) Certified Company. is available in white or whole wheat and is available in flavors ranging from spinach to tomato. Their Pita For a list of IFANCA halal certified products for all these Chips, too, tease the taste buds in flavors that include Source: Mujahed Khan companies, visit www.ifanca.org

IFANCA Client, Gerber Products Company, a major inter- Kontos – IFANCA Halal-Certified for Your Bruschetta Directions: Combine tomato, onion, garlic, and national stakeholder in the baby food industry, offering basil with a little oil. If preparing in advance, refrigerate in more than 190 products in 80 countries, is currently run- Kitchen, Restaurant or Pastry Corner covered container until ready to serve. Serve with prepared ning its Gerber Generation Photo Search for children crispy flatbread wedges (see below). Whether you're preparing dinner for your family, lunch under 48 months. Visitors to www.gerber.com/photo can upload pictures of their babies and toddlers and once for a hundred restaurant patrons, or those special des- Toasted Flatbread Wedges Directions: Preheat oven to 375°F. Brush Kontos Flatbread with butter or oil. Place on a baking approved, the picture is posted to the Gerber Generation serts for the pastry counter, Kontos (www.kontos.com) has the finest products for your culinary needs. From sheet and sprinkle with herbs. Heat in oven for about 2 min- Gallery. Here, pictures with the most votes proceed to utes (or longer if you prefer them crispier). Cut into 1 to 11/2 the next stage. flatbread, gyro and meat products and fillo dough to inch strips or wedges and place in serving basket. To add a Mediterranean delights, Kontos has something for you, spicy zip, sprinkle flatbread with red pepper flakes, white or Gerber baby food products that are IFANCA halal certi- all conveniently available at your closest grocery store. black sesame seeds, and/or cracked black pepper. fied include Good Start 2 Supreme Soy DHA & ARA and Look no further, for your next party! Good Start Supreme DHA &AEA. *Balsamic Glaze: 1 cup Balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup water, 1/4 Bruschetta & Toasted Flatbread cup brown sugar. Combine and reduce by 50% over medium According to the company, “DHA & ARA are fatty acids, heat while stirring constantly. or lipids, found naturally in breast-milk. They’re impor- Bruschetta Ingredients: tant components of Baby’s • Red and yellow grape tomatoes, diced Quick & Easy Pizza : healthy brain and eye tis- • Onion, finely diced Ingredients sues. During the third tri- • Fresh basil leaves, chopped • Kontos Pizza Parlor Crust mester of pregnancy, Mom • Garlic, finely chopped • Pizza sauce (or spaghetti sauce with dried oregano added) passes DHA & ARA to • Vegetable oil • Mozzarella and cheddar cheese, shredded • Suggested additional toppings: Fresh basil, artichoke Baby. After Baby is born, • Black pepper (optional) • Balsamic Glaze* (optional) hearts, pepperoni, crumbled sausage, and/or sliced mush- Mom can provide DHA rooms, peppers, onions, and olives & ARA to Baby by breast- Flatbread Ingredients: Directions: Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread sauce over Kontos BBQ, Onion, Cinnamon Sugar to Zataar. Their distribu- feeding or giving her for- Kontos Flatbread Flatbread almost to edge. Sprinkle cheese over sauce and add tors include I&K, C&S Wholesale Grocers, Gordon Food mula with added DHA & • Butter, softened or olive oil your favorite toppings. Bake on a baking sheet until cheese Service, Lipari, SuperValu, Sysco and U.S. Foods. Their ARA.” Gerber products are • Fresh herbs , finely chopped (basil, parsley, oregano, or melts (about 4 minutes). For a crisper pizza crust, place products can be found at Busch’s Fresh Food Markets, labeled in 16 languages. rosemary) directly on oven rack. Slice into wedges and serve.

HALAL CONSUMER 18 26 FALL 2010 FALL 2010 27 HALAL CONSUMER 18 WWW.IFANCA.ORG WWW.IFANCA.ORG Hygiene Products for Brand New Concept: Hajj Pilgrims By Tayyaba Syed developed a line of hygiene products branded as Labayk ™ www.HalalHealthy.com (www.labaykproducts.com), which were specifically for Each year three million Muslims come together and per- Hajj. These include shampoo, face/hand/body all-in-one form the hajj in Mecca. In this blessed microcosm, pil- wash, moisturizing lotion, deodorant, and hand sanitizer. grims dress alike and are prohibited from using scents or They come in two sizes suited for air travel and at this Halal observing students on campus, ready-to-eat meals, 100% halal certi- Ramadan”, which have been devel- perfumes of any kind. When it comes to personal hygiene time are available only as a kit. even those who have no choice but to fied high protein instant beverages, oped by dietitians. It comprises both products, besides scents, pilgrims must also avoid other pay for food service as residents of beef jerky and even spices, all deliv- naturally halal products and 100% impermissible ingredients such as harmful chemicals, “Our products are IFANCA halal certified and made haram animal products, and/or alcohol. There are options with natural ingredients, including some that are plant- on-campus dorms, don’t always have ered to your door. Orders are cur- halal certified ready-to-eat foods. labeled “organic” or “natural,” but how many of these derived,” Amina Chaudary stated. “We even made use of access to halal meals. Or, if you’re a rently being accepted. HalalHealthy.com used the July 2 - 5, would actually also be halal? foods such as honey, pomegranate and olive oil, that are halal consumer but live in Wisconsin “HalalHealthy.com makes it easier to 2010 ISNA Convention to announce mentioned in the Quran, to formulate our products. Since or North Dakota or almost any town keep halal even when a halal grocery the launching of this e-commerce Amina Chaudary, like others intending to complete the we only use the mildest ingredients, the products are safe that’s not by a big metropolis like store is nowhere nearby,” said Mr. venture, in what was perhaps the hajj, looked for scent-free hygiene products that would and effective on all skin types. The Labayk™ sanitizer Chicago, LA or NYC, ensuring halal Tymchuck, Director of HalalHealthy. first such initiative for a mainstream be permissible, but in vain. She was not satisfied with is made with no alcohol or essential oils and still kills often means a 30 mile drive to the com which is based in Minnesota. company. This mega-event attracted the available choices. The seed for creating a line of 99.99% of bacteria,” said Amina Chaudary. nearest halal grocery. HalalHealthy.com has introduced over 30,000 Muslims with more than scent-free products was planted. A few years later, she To fill this void, HalalHealthy.com, a a Variety Pack which offers a seven 2000 attendees visiting the Halal division of IFANCA Client Med-Diet day supply of halal goodies and Healthy booth. Over 1600 visitors Labs, has come up with a brand new many traditional foods, even for to the Halal Healthy booth received concept: halal certified products that Suhoor and Iftaar. It is available free issues of the IFANCA flagship can be purchased with a single click. in three cuisines: South Asian, publication, Halal Consumer, and HalalHealthy.com’s range extends Middle Eastern and Mediterranean/ several hundred signed up for a sub- from naturally halal products such African. The Variety Pack comes scription to it. as dates to 100 % halal certified with “Healthy Fasting Guidelines for “More than 1,000 people filled out surveys providing vital data con- cerning the halal products and related site content that they’d like to see at HalalHealthy.com. We value these inputs because they will shape our website and its future offerings,” said Don Tymchuck, President of Med-Diet. Besides the survey, “We had inquiries from attendees who wanted a Variety Pack when they were travelling on business and needed a halal meal to end their fast, and we had profession- als commenting on it being an ideal pack to have when they were work- ing overtime and couldn’t get home for dinner,” said Naazish YarKhan, Managing Editor, Halal Consumer magazine, who was at the booth.

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IFANCA Welcomes Nadia Durrani IFANCA Board and Staffers Donate over $20,400 to Pakistan’s Flood Victims Nadia Durrani joined the organization as a Food Technologist, and will examine ingredients used in food September, 2010 - Death and destruction following the products, to validate whether they are halal or not. Her July floods in Pakistan have been deemed worse than the goals include educating companies and consumers alike combined catastrophes that were Katrina, the Tsunami about food ingredients that are permissible in Islam. She and the 2005 Earthquake in Kashmir, Pakistan, according believes that working for IFANCA allows her to gain pro- to CNN. While the international community’s response fessional experience as she fulfills a religious obligation. was lethargic during the initial weeks of the flooding, the halal community was abuzz with efforts to raise funds Nadia Durrani received her Bachelors of Science in to help the victims. IFANCA employees and its Board Nutrition from Benedictine University in May 2009. She of Directors donated $20,400 to the IFANCA Relief Fund has also worked with St. Alexius Medical Center for the which in turn channeled 100 percent of the donations to past four years in the Nutrition Services Department. She organizations on the front lines of flood rescue and reha- has volunteered for a local mosque with their adminis- bilitation efforts in Pakistan. trative duties and performs community service by cre- ating diet plans for the elderly based on their medical “Natural disasters are tests – both for the victims and conditions. those physically removed from it,” said Dr. Farhat Quadri, IFANCA’s Director of Community Service. “The IFANCA Welcomes Mahmood Mohiuddin victims undoubtedly have challenges but we, too, will be held accountable for the actions we took, or didn’t take, Mr. Mohiuddin joined IFANCA this past summer as to help our brothers and sisters in their time of despair.” a Customer Service Specialist. His past professional The IFANCA Relief Fund was just one of the many fund- work experiences include working as a Senior Research raising efforts for flood victims towards which staffers and Development Engineer with Cardinal Health and and the IFANCA Board contributed donations. To donate Engineering Specialist with Baxter Health Care. Mr. via PayPal, visit www.sabeelpantry.org, click on "Donate" Mohiuddin currently holds a MBA from Roosevelt and mention “Floods” to earmark your donations. University and MS in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology. IFANCA Preparing for Annual Thanksgiving Besides co-sponsoring the drive, Sabeel Food Pantry, an The facility is being remodeled to house a community He is the recipient of numerous academic and profes- Turkey Drive for Chicago’s Needy IFANCA operation at 3031 W. Belmont Ave. has served center and a library, and will be used to host interfaith sional recognitions, Six Sigma Certified, and a Licensed the community since 2003. With the help of community activities for all and any members of the neighborhood. Professional Engineer. IFANCA is gearing up once again to participate in the volunteers, the pantry coordinates and distributes the 10th Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Drive sponsored by turkeys. Sabeel is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization in As reported in the local press, Dr. Chaudry said, "Some Mr. Mohiuddin seeks to streamline the halal certification Sabeel Food Pantry and AMAL (American Muslims for the state of Illinois; all contributions are tax deductible. of our programs are for everybody. The library and read- process and specifically would like to make the customer Activism and Learning). Last year, over 600 Turkeys were To donate via PayPal, visit www.sabeelpantry.org, click ing room is for the whole area. Anybody who walks in service experience insightful and engaging. His top prior- distributed to needy families at Emmett Till Academy on "Donate" and mention ‘Thanksgiving Turkey Drive’ to can utilize that. The basis of our organization really is, ity is exceeding customer expectations. High School on 65th and Champlain in Chicago and to earmark your donations. If you have questions, please feel right from the start, non-denominational." Although free to contact Dr. Farhat Quadri at [email protected]. families in Marquette Park. Islam is at the heart of both the center and IFANCA itself, “IFANCA gives me the opportunity to facilitate the devel- the building will not be used for regular worship, the opment of halal markets, globally, with strict adherence “…The Muslim community of Chicago has risen to a need IFANCA Celebrates Eid with Staffers and Their report added. While it is not a mosque, night prayers to stringent processes and Islamic values,” commented every autumn - to help those who are less fortunate than Families were scheduled here during Ramadan, which ended on Mr. Mohiuddin. ourselves celebrate Thanksgiving, the national holiday that all Americans, regardless of faith, share in celebra- September 10, 2010 - IFANCA hosted an inaugural Eid September 10, 2010. Besides his position with IFANCA, Mr. Mohiuddin vol- tion. Together, we have given thousands of turkeys over party for staffers, their families and the community, at unteers much of his time at his local Mosque as a Sunday these years to families who would otherwise go without,” its recently purchased property, Sabeel Center, at 8800 W. School Teacher and Community Leader. said Dr. Jihad Soshara, AMAL Board Member. Ballard Rd. in unincorporated Maine Township, Illinois.

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From East to West - An Eid-Ul-Adha Feast continued from page 11 Lemon and Black Pepper Rubbed 7. Then coat each chicken breast with breadcrumbs on Chicken Cutlets both sides. 8. Fry each side evenly to a nice brown. 9. Garnish the chicken cutlets with sesame seeds. Chef's Notes: You can serve these with soy as well as a sweet and sour sauce. The recipe can be easily prepared with sprayed oil and it will turn out just as tasty as deep fried cutlets. Alternatively, it can be baked at 350 - 375 degrees for 40-50 minutes. Don’t wrap it with foil to ensure that it is crispy. You can bake it further if you want it crisper. Sheer Khurma (Sweet Vermicelli with Milk) Servings: 4-6 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 20 minutes Ingredients • 1 cup vermicelli crushed to about one inch pieces • 2 cups whole milk • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream • 1/2-3/4 cup sugar or 1 small condensed milk can (or to taste) Servings: 6-8 • 1/2 teaspoon cardamom seeds Prep Time: 10 minutes • 1/4 teaspoon kewra (essence)-optional Cooking Time: 20 minutes • 1 tablespoon butter Ingredients • 1/4 cup coarsely crushed almonds or pistachios-optional • 1 pound chicken breast (about 4-6 pieces) Directions • 6-8 whole lemons 1. In a skillet warm butter and add the cardamom seeds. • 1-2 tablespoon(s) ground black pepper 2. Add the vermicelli to hot butter and lightly brown the • 1 teaspoon salt vermicelli for a few minutes. • 1 tablespoon garlic powder 3. In a separate pot, combine whole milk, whipping • Half teaspoon nutmeg (or Garam Masala) optional cream, sugar and vermicelli. Gently stir for a few min- • 1 cups bread crumbs utes so that sugar is dissolved. • 3 eggs 4. On medium heat, bring milk mixture to a boil while • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional) stirring at intervals to avoid liquid from sticking to pan. • 1/2 cup olive or canola oil 5. After first boil reduce the heat to minimum and let mix- Directions ture thicken to your desired consistency. 1. Slice each chicken breast in the center. With a heavy 6. Add kewra and stir well. rubber mallet gently tap meat on each side without 7. Add some crushed nuts to the desert and some to gar- tearing or breaking it. Now place all the flattened nish the desert. chicken pieces aside. 8. Cool it down and then chill. It is now ready to serve. 2. In a bowl, squeeze lemons and save the cut up lemons. Chef's Notes: Some people like to eat or serve this desert warm. 3. Add and mix all dry spices in the lemon juice. 4. Now take one cut up lemon at a time and gently dip it About the Chef- in lemon juice, and rub that on each side of the chicken Aisha Kureishy is a Halal Consumer reader and, according to piece. all those who’ve had her cooking, she’s also a culinary expert. 5. Warm the oil in a skillet on medium heat. She also paints, writes and enjoys photog raphy. Ms. Kureishy 6. Beat the eggs in a bowl and dip the chicken breasts in it. and her husband live in Dallas with their young children.

HALAL CONSUMER 18 32 FALL 2010 Postmaster – If undelivered, return to: Non-Profit Org. Kazi Publications, Inc. US Postage 3023 W. Belmont Ave Paid Chicago, IL 60618 RIPON, WI Permit No. 100

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