The Daughter of the Plate

Hayat learned to make this special-occasion dessert from her mother — it features thin layers of dough slathered with butter or margarine, then baked until golden and flaky.

Honey in Yemen is a sign of wealth and social status, making it the most important ingredient. It is said that bint al-sahn shows how capable a person is as a cook — if it is properly prepared then she or he passes the test.

Bint al-sahn is traditionally baked in a round baking dish with short edges. You