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  1. Manakeesh recipe (Za’atar & Cheese Flatbread)

    For the Dough
    • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
    • ½ cup warm milk (around 38–43°C / 100–110°F)
    • ½ cup warm water (same temperature as milk)
    • 2 teaspoons instant yeast
    • 1 teaspoon sugar
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 3 tablespoons olive oil

    For the Toppings
    • Za’atar Mix: ½ cup za’atar + ½ cup olive oil (enough to form a spreadable paste)
    • Cheese Mix: Halloumi (or a blend of halloumi and akkawi), broken up by hand and mixed with a drizzle of olive oil.

    Instructions
    1. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
    2. Add the wet ingredients: Pour in the warm milk, warm water, and olive oil. Stir until a rough dough forms.
    3. Knead: Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes (or use a stand mixer with a dough hook) until smooth and elastic. The dough should feel soft, slightly springy, and not sticky. If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time.
    4. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise until doubled in size — about 45–90 minutes, depending on your room temperature.
    5. Prepare the toppings:
    • Za’atar: Mix za’atar with olive oil to form a spreadable paste.
    • Cheese: Break halloumi (or halloumi and akkawi) into small pieces, drizzle with olive oil, and mix to coat.
    6. Shape the dough: Once risen, punch the dough down and divide it into 6 equal balls. Roll each one out to about ¼ inch thick. You can make them thinner or larger depending on your preference.
    7. Top: Spread 1–2 tablespoons of za’atar paste or cheese mixture on each round, leaving a small border around the edges.
    8. Bake: Arrange on a parchment-lined tray and bake in a preheated oven at 220°C (425°F) for 8–10 minutes, until puffed and lightly golden but still soft.
    9. Rest & serve: Stack the breads and cover with a clean towel for 5 minutes to trap the steam. This keeps them soft and warm. Serve fresh out of the oven.