Happy Fourth!

My Back-To-Baby-Weight diet will have to wait until tomorrow, because today was too tasty of an opportunity to pass up. Hatun and Kenan invited Jules and me and a few of their friends over for a 4th of July Turkish Feast!

I showed up early to play with the kiddos and learn how to make those tasty Midye Dolma (Rice Stuffed Mussels) that Kelly, Yerin and I gobbled up while we were in Taksim Square in Istanbul. <3

Me and my BFF Eray. (Our common denominator: we both have bottomless stomachs.)

Giray showing off his preschool crafts.

After a few hundred rounds of Duck-Duck-Goose (man, kids this age just don't tire out), it was time for me to get to learning!

We picked out some gorgeous mussels!

Kitchen helper!

All Done! So proud!

Kenan teaching me how Midye Tava it up (make Turkish Fried Mussels)!

Once Jules arrived, she and I spent some quality time with the melba toast and hot pepper spread...

YUM. It was awesome. Walnuts, Turkish cheese, hot peppers, walnut oil. OMG.

After building an awesome base, it was chow time!

Check out that awesome spread! 

YES. This beats a typical burger/hot dog any day.

Haha Kenan and his food baby. Common side effect after consuming 20+ stuffed mussels.

There's nothing better than having a great meal with great friends! Thanks for having us over Hatun and Kenan!

Hope everyone had an awesome (and tasty) Independence Day!