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The MM Blog
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.
My favorite restaurant on the planet is the Fishmonger in Johannesburg South Africa. Pedro is a dear friend and he is undoubtedly the master when it comes to seafood. He uses exceptional quality fishes and cooks them simply, letting them be the star of the dish. Unfortunately in the US, I am limited to cooking […]
I am obsessed with the way the bitterness in the radicchio marries with the sweet sugars from the roasted beets. And you know how much I love to eat the rainbow. So I loaded this beauty with radishes, snap peas, cukes, and peppers add so it’s extra crunchy and delicious. The salty feta and honey […]
If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll know that I am all about no-fuss, quick, simple, easy, and most importantly delicious recipes that take no time at all. I don’t want to stand in the kitchen for hours on end doctoring a sauce or measuring the ingredients for a fluffy light cake that […]
This dish is going to rock your world. I promise!!!! So get this oooey gooey cheesy yuminess into your belly now. Eggplant, aubergine or melanzane is one of those ingredients you find in a lot of Italian dishes. Like mushrooms, it acts like a sponge and absorbs whatever flavors you throw at it. A lot […]
These Crispy Golden Veggies are about to become your GO-TO side dish! I used all the fresh herbs in my Italian garden to add flavor. And they are just brilliant. The sugars in the vegetables come to the surface and create a candy-like caramelized crust. They are so addictive they will literally disappear when you […]
This decadent ooey gooey Nutella Chocolate Babka is giving me life right now! I cannot think of a better way to add some sweetness to the New Year than to load up my sweet challah dough with chocolate, chocolate, and even more chocolate. And not just any chocolate!!! I added my all-time favorite hazelnutty spread […]
It’s so great to be home in Bella Italia. And to celebrate I made this summertime Caprese salad. It showcases fresh, local seasonal ingredients at their peak. Ripe juicy tomatoes, crisp green beans. And I whipped up a heavenly garlic basil pesto that I literally slather on top of everything. Now please pass […]
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.
Ciao Bella,
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Food Netwok Chef, Melissa is dishing up delicious food and a once-in-a-lifetime experience for your soul.
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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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