travel, food and a gypsy soul.
Some desserts don’t even feel like recipes—and that’s exactly why I love them. Macerated berries are just sugar, citrus, and time, transforming fresh summer fruit into a glossy, syrupy topping that feels like magic over vanilla ice cream. Simple, seasonal, and the perfect ending to a summer dinner party.
Read MoreAugust in the Bay feels like the farmers market is showing off — tomatoes so ripe they almost burst at your touch, peaches dripping with sweetness, cherries that stain your fingers ruby red. For our Garden Party, I piled them all together in one big bowl, added creamy mozzarella, a drizzle of tangy balsamic, and just enough crispy prosciutto to make it a little indulgent. It tasted like late summer on a fork.
Read MoreFresh summer zucchini, spicy Italian sausage, and a squeeze of lemon make this weeknight pasta sing. It’s the perfect dish for lingering August evenings—easy enough for Tuesday, special enough for friends you’ve known forever.
Read MoreThis Grilled Corn & Asparagus Summer Pasta Salad is everything I crave in a warm-weather meal—fresh herbs, charred veggies, and a bright basil vinaigrette that ties it all together. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or roasting in your apartment-sized toaster oven (hi fellow Breville fans), this dish delivers on flavor and ease. Perfect for lazy lunches, al fresco dinners, or picnic prep.
Read MoreA garden dinner party dedicated to the queen of summer—tomatoes! From tomato-water martinis to sorbet sprinkled with basil sugar, this Tomato Girl Summer Soirée was a sun-drenched celebration of seasonal eating, sisterly collaboration, and building community through food.
Read MoreJuicy heirloom tomatoes meet creamy herbed labneh in this colorful, no-cook summer starter. Finished with za’atar, olive oil, and a little edible flair.
Read MoreThis rustic heirloom tomato galette looks fancy, tastes like summer, and comes together with just a few simple ingredients. Caramelized onions and herbed ricotta bring the flavor—store-bought crust keeps it easy.
Read MoreBlistered cherry tomatoes melt into a garlicky sauce that clings to ribbons of fresh pasta, finished with torn burrata and a shower of lemon zest. This dish tastes like golden hour in a bowl.
Read MoreA cocktail that’s equal parts elegant and unexpected—this Tomato-Water Martini is a savory summer stunner. With crystal-clear tomato water as the base and a swirl of basil oil on top, it’s like a caprese in cocktail form. Whether you’re mixing up a couple for golden hour or batching a pitcher for a dinner party, this recipe is all about peak tomato energy with a chic twist.
Read MoreJuicy cherry tomatoes, roasted until they burst, spooned over creamy whipped feta on golden crostini. It’s the bite-sized appetizer of your summer dreams.
Read MoreJuicy tomatoes and sweet strawberries blend into a refreshing summer sorbet, finished with basil sugar for an herbaceous twist. A playful and unexpected dessert that cools you down and keeps you curious.
Read MoreA simple, crave-worthy summer drink made with floral rose syrup, sparkling water, and the tiniest ice cubes you’ve ever seen. Stirred with a moon spoon and perfect for warm afternoons or pretty moments of pause. 🌹
Read MoreLabneh is one of those simple pleasures that feels like magic every time. With just two ingredients—yogurt and salt—you get a creamy, tangy spread that’s a staple in Middle Eastern kitchens. My mom always had some straining in the fridge, ready to swirl with olive oil or scoop up with warm pita. It’s easy, nourishing, and endlessly versatile—and once you make it at home, you’ll never go back.
Read MoreThis humble tomato and feta mezze has been passed down through generations of women in my family. Made with ripe tomatoes, creamy feta, and good olive oil, it's a simple, seasonal dip that’s meant to be shared—just like my mom used to make.
Read MoreShish Taouk is one of those dishes that proves simplicity wins. Juicy grilled chicken marinated in lemon, yogurt, garlic, and spices—it’s bright, comforting, and ridiculously good. Whether you're hosting a summer BBQ or meal prepping for the week, this one's going on repeat.
Read MoreEgyptian Shish Kabob is the kind of dish that brings people together—flavorful grilled beef skewers marinated in tomato, onion, vinegar, and spices. It’s a recipe rooted in tradition and perfect for summer dinners, celebrations, or feeding your chosen family. Simple, real ingredients. Maximum soul.
Read MoreRoz bil Shareya is the quiet hero of the Egyptian table—a buttery, golden vermicelli rice that’s been passed down through generations. Made with simple pantry ingredients and packed with soul, it’s the kind of dish that brings comfort, nostalgia, and a little bit of home to every bite. This is my go-to side for feeding friends, celebrating heritage, and keeping meals grounded in real, whole food.
Read MoreEvery May 4th, my family celebrates the day we landed in the U.S.—what I like to call Shami Immigration Day. Regardless of where I’ve lived in the U.S., Chico, Denver, or Manhattan Beach, I’ve always celebrated by cooking our families favorite recipes for friends around us, and celebrating the incredible journey my parents and sister embarked on to become Americans.
Read MoreThis nemoura is a cherished family dessert that my Egyptian grandmother (Nonna Mary) made for special occasions: layers of buttery phyllo dough, filled with silky, rose-scented mahalabeya (a milk pudding), and finished with a drizzle of floral simple syrup.
Read MoreSpring is officially here—and that means fresh veggies, lighter meals, and all the greens our bodies have been craving after winter. If you're looking for an easy high-protein spring recipe that works for lunch or dinner, or both.
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