travel, food and a gypsy soul.
A 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.
Read MoreThese Salted Pistachio Date Caramels are a Mediterranean-inspired treat made with whole, clean ingredients — no refined sugar, no baking, just pure chocolatey bliss.
Read MoreThis Carrot & Lentil Stew was a first for me. But it's cozy, protein-packed, and brimming with hormone-supportive nutrients like zinc, iron, and antioxidants — all stars when it comes to nourishing your body for egg freezing, cycle syncing, or simply supporting your reproductive health long-term. Also, it came together quickly and was delicious.
Read MoreThese Protein-Packed Coconut Oat Energy Balls are now one of my go-to snacks. They’re quick to make, full of hormone-supportive ingredients, and delicious enough to keep me reaching for one every afternoon (and okay... sometimes after dinner too).
Read MoreAs I move through my egg-freezing journey, I find myself searching for meals that are quick and easy to put together so they don’t add stress to my life and that I know are good for me. I want food that feels grounding, intentional, and delicious.
This crispy salmon spinach salad is an instant favorite.
It’s the first recipe in my two-week fertility-focused meal plan, rich in omega-3s, vitamin D, zinc, antioxidants, and healthy fats — all nutrients supporting egg quality and hormone balance. But more than that? It hits every note: crispy, creamy, fresh, and full of flavor.
Whether you’re preparing to freeze your eggs or just want to eat in a way that supports your hormones, this one’s a keeper.
Salmon → Omega-3s + vitamin D = stronger, healthier eggs
Spinach → CoQ10 + folate support egg development
Avocado → Healthy fats = better hormone balance
Walnuts → Plant-based omega-3s + antioxidants
Olive oil → Anti-inflammatory and hormone supportive
For the salmon:
1 salmon fillet (4–6 oz)
1 tsp olive oil
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp paprika
¼ tsp chili powder
Salt + pepper to taste
Optional: squeeze of fresh lemon after roasting it with the salmon
For the salad:
2 big handfuls of fresh spinach
½ ripe avocado, sliced
¼ cup walnuts (toasted if I have the time) - I also used pistachios
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice or balsamic vinegar
Salt + pepper to taste
Pat the salmon dry and season with garlic powder, paprika, chili powder salt, and pepper.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil, or avocado oil.
Place the salmon skin-side down and cook for 4–5 minutes, flip, and cook another 3–4 minutes until the edges are crispy and the center flakes.
Toast the walnuts in a dry pan for 2–3 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Assemble the salad: spinach → avocado → walnuts → salmon.
Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, add a pinch of salt, and enjoy while it’s still warm.
Make 2–3 salmon fillets ahead of time and store them in the fridge for quick lunches. They’re great cold or reheated lightly in a skillet.
This isn’t just a salad — it’s a statement to your body that you’re paying attention, that you care, and that you’re ready to give it what it needs. Whether you're preparing to freeze your eggs or just looking to eat in a more hormone-supportive way, this recipe nourishes from the inside out.
Let me know if you try it — I’d love to hear your take (and see your crispy salmon creations)!
With love and lemon drizzle,
Stephanie | @egypsy_
January marked the beginning of this little experiment in community—and what better way to kick things off than with vision boards and pizza?
Read MoreI cannot stop making this sweet treat! They are the perfect combination of salty and sweet and remind me of the Mediterranean flavors I grew up eating. I don’t have a big sweet tooth and tend to avoid most refined sugar, so these have been the perfect snacks to provide a boost of energy with natural sugar, some healthy fats, and chewy perfection.
Read MoreI’ve been spending my Tuesdays at the Manhattan Beach Farmer’s Market.
I got excited about the Chinese Chives and knew I had to make pork dumplings.
This soup HITS every. single. time.
I am finally putting this recipe on paper (virtually?) after recommending it to friends for years and trying to type it out every time they’ve asked.
Nothing makes me happier than being surrounded by family, friends, and food. So when my birthday was coming up, I knew that was all I wanted. Since my sister would be in town, I wanted something intimate, not too expensive or labor intensive, that would allow us to really enjoy our guests.
Sharing a birthday with Halloween has always been a struggle. As a child, I was always disappointed when my friends would show up to my ninja turtle-themed birthday party dressed as princesses. So, we didn't want to underestimate the importance of setting a theme, minding the details, and DIYing a really special day. The vision was to host an intimate and magical bohemian backyard birthday celebration. With my Pinterest Board ready, and a strong team behind me, we got straight to work researching bohemian dinners, lunches, birthday parties, and the best ways to entertain in your backyard.
Here are some tips for throwing a killer backyard bohemian brunch:
Send paper invitations! Everyone loves snail mail, especially when it's not a bill.
And it gives your party a creative/personal touch.
Flowers for the table: Depending on the theme/season, find fresh flowers or props to line your table's center.
Comfortable seating: We used these Egyptian Poufs and pallets/burlap to create a rustic look on a low budget.
Bar Cart: Set out some champagne or a DIY station for your favorite cocktail, and let your guests serve themselves.
Charcuterie Boards: Not all parties need to be 3-course meals. Laying out charcuterie boards allows you to prepare ahead of time, and your guests to pick at their own pace.
The most important thing to remember when making a salad is to have a respectable 'lettuce' to 'goodie' ratio. That means not overloading with lettuce and having to dig for the toppings at the bottom of the bowl. I avoid this completely by making salads without lettuce! In about 20 minutes, you can roast a can of chickpeas to toasty perfection, and everything else just needs a little chop-chop. I make this salad for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so it's about time I share it with the world.
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