Nowruz

Revelers feast and jump over fire to mark the beginning of the new year, but recent protests across Iran and the faltering economy have cast a pall over this year's celebrations.

Just in time for the Persian New Year, Homa Dashtaki has published the Yogurt and Whey cookbook -- nearly 100 recipes, old and new, including some surprising ones, like whey cocktails and popsicles.

Celebrating this ancient festival was banned under the Taliban. For refugees and immigrants in America, the holiday and the feasts that accompany it are an important cultural link to Afghanistan.