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Let's live deliciously! Here you'll find the very best recipes, travel guides, podcasts, videos, and wellness tips to create a healthy, beautiful joyful life.
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Here’s my must-have list of kitchen essentials. Gizmos + gadgets, appliances, pots and pans, cookware, knives, and tabletop faves. For decades I’ve collected all your questions! The ones I get on social media, in DMs, emails and texts, from the blog, when I meet you or in our Secret Facebook Group. So I’ve decided to […]
Most people think of Monday as the first day of the week. But if we look at the story of creation … day 1, aka ground zero for Him was Sunday. Just like a tree needs strong roots to rise up and grow, I need a rock solid game plan to ensure the week ahead […]
I’ve spent a lot of time in the air and living out of suitcases. Nothing brings me more joy than visiting a foreign country and exploring new and exciting places and trying delicious food. But no matter where I go in the world…There are a few items you will always find in my luggage. Here’s […]
Over the years I have hosted small dinners and events that feed hundreds. I’ve cooked for Oscar winners, billionaires, Hollywood studios, friends and family. But no matter the size of the guest list, a successful party comes down to planning. I’m sharing the exact strategy I use every time I host. And I’m confident that […]
“You may have the Universe if I can have Italy” – Giuseppe Verdi Italy is the most gorgeous country in the world to travel to. I guess that is why I decided I wanted to retire there. And over the past decade, I have crisscrossed this country eating my weight in pizza. And I still […]
I have often seen parents who have a poor relationship with food and body image, pass this onto their kids. This is not the relationship with food we want to create for our children.
A succulent, easy, and very flavorful Tarragon chicken that is bursting with flavor. Chicken is definitely one of our go-to’s on busy nights. I love that you can easily transform it using different herbs and spices. Today we are visiting France! Tarragon – one of the most underused herbs in the kitchen. It’s commonly found […]
If you’re missing South African, this recipe will make you feel like you just returned home. This dish has its roots in Portugal but it has become a traditional South African staple served throughout the country. Peri-Peri (ˌpiːriˈpiːri/ pee-ree-pee-ree, also spelled piri piri, pili pili) was brought to Africa by the Portuguese. It is known […]
When chicken and fruit marry to create the perfect Island style kebab. I love adding fruit to my chicken dishes. Peaches, figs, dates, apricots. I love how it adds an element of sweetness. This is defs my new favorite meal. It’s basically a full meal on a stick. The chicken skewers are loaded with veggies […]
Mielie pap and boerewors are staples in the South African diet. So I decided to create this super fun appetizer to bring the flavors of Africa home. These bite-sized “Pap & Wors Skewers” are the perfect Hors d’oeuvre. So delicious and yummy and easy to pass around if you are looking for finger food to […]
A vibrant green salad bursting with crunchy snap peas, broccolini, caramelized onions + peppers. I am always looking for ways to get greens into my family. I find that they get excited by new recipes and this one didn’t disappoint. It’s jam-packed with broccolini, snap peas, and broccoli slaw. If you cannot find broccoli slaw […]
Curried Cauliflower Salad with warm spices, crunchy nuts, and an apple dressing! Yes I said an apple dressing. Prepare to have your mind blown by this yummy combo. The salad is so good it’s been on rotation in our house for the past few weeks. I am addicted to healthy and flavorful salads that can be […]
Just vibing with this red, yellow, and green beauty. There’s nothing I love more than a giant salad packed with so much yumminess. Cukes, avos, tomatoes, and fresh corn. And the cilantro vinaigrette is so good you will want to drizzle it on just about everything. Make it immediately. You won’t be sorry. xxx Chef […]
If you don’t know this about me already you have probably been hiding in a hole. I absolutely love Red Wine. In fact UB40 stole their lyrics straight out of my heart. So how can a dessert involving red wine be anything but perfection? I mean really. These poached pears are incredible and they are […]
I'm Melissa, your host & tour guide.
A Food Network chef, author, mamma, eternal optimist, wannabe-mermaid, spice mixologist, and “dough therapist” (yep, it’s a thing)—
I'm also the founder of Susina Cucina, the gorgeous, Italian cooking school I manifested into my reality. I’m obsessed with Aperol spritzes, travel, and mouthwatering food… especially pizza and pasta.
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The Magic of Italy
without the planning
Explore
Food Netwok Chef, Melissa is dishing up delicious food and a once-in-a-lifetime experience for your soul.
find out more →
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Wanna know the tried and tested go-tos a globetrotter and chef can’t live without? Here’s my must-have gizmos, gadgets, and essentials—all my favorite things I swear by. Plus, what I’m reading, wearing, and packing for my next trip.
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