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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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Melissa’s Kitchen Masterlist

Obsessed

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 […]

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Sunday Strategies For Success

Wellness

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 […]

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Must-Pack Travel Essentials

Travel

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 […]

Effortless-entertaining-melissa-mayo
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Effortless Entertaining

Lifestyle

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 […]

Top-travel-tips to-visit-italy-melissa-mayo
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Top Italy Travel Tips

Travel

“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 […]

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A Healthy Body Image

Wellness

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.

Not your average Caprese Salad… that’s for sure. My ongoing love affair with all things Italian has kinda made me a bit of an expert when it comes to a Caprese salad. It’s basically just tomato, mozzarella, and basil. I’ve had some that are just okay and some that are spectacular. The Italians know how […]

As a kid, my late aunt would make huge jars of pickled cucumbers and vegetables. I would sit at her kitchen table and devour these tart and crunchy flavor bombs. And after I had inhaled most of her supply she would just throw in some fresh raw veggies into the liquid and let them pickle. […]

I don’t think I’ll ever MEAT a steak I don’t LOVE. And it’s even better if it’s still on the bone and cooked till the perfect medium-rare. I have been using a lot of dry rubs recently cause they form a gorgeous crust on the steaks. The trick is to let it sit in the […]

I don’t know what it is about the taste of roasted veggies… But they are always my go-to side. And these ones will not disappoint. They are super quick and easy and oh so delicious. You can serve them warm as a side or you can throw them on a bed of brown rice or […]

Romaine lettuce + cucumbers + tomatoes + corn + avocado + grilled chicken = DINNER. I love Caesar salads so I decided to put my own spin on one. And I am sooooooooo digging it. It’s bright and colorful and beyond yummy. A full meal for the whole family all on one platter. The corn […]

I absolutely love the flavors veggies get when they roast. All the sugars caramelize and come to the surface. And the bonus is they are so easy and simple to make. Chop and prep them ahead of time and throw them into the oven an hour before your guests arrive. Once they are nicely browned […]

My go-to breakfast is Greek yogurt. I love the thick creamy tart yogurt and the bonus is that one cup has 20 grams of protein so it keeps you fuller longer. And the bacteria in the yogurt is so good for belly health. Summer is fast approaching, so I have made this gorgeous tropical bowl. […]

I don’t need an excuse to make a salad. I am obsessed with them and I make no apologies for that. But I don’t know what it is about fruity salads. They just make me happy. I feel like I am eating dessert instead of something healthy. This salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I always […]

I am a huge fan of roasted veggies. And I love adding them to couscous, rice, or quinoa to create a salad or side for guests that are vegetarians. It’s also a great carby alternative to serve with meat, fish, or chicken. The char on the vegetable adds a smoky taste to the couscous and […]

Lamb chops are one of my favorite things to eat. So I was up for the challenge when my good friend Brett Miller suggested a chop cook-off. We each prepared the chops our way and the final decision was left to the guests. But after sinking my teeth into Brett’s version, it was clear to […]

I love any recipe that is easy to do ahead. I’m even happier when the dish can be served at room temperature. That way I can enjoy my guests, instead of having to be in the kitchen cooking. Jade isn’t a huge fan of fish, so I was over the moon when she gave this […]

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and during Passover, I just want my granola. So I created a super fruity, chewy granola. I have used whatever dried fruits and nuts I had on hand so feel free to improvise and create your own. If you are looking for a simple granola the […]

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.

more about me

Ciao Bella,

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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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Healthy living is beautiful … That’s why it’s calledLa Dolce Vita”.

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I’m sharing my best recipes, travel guides, and Italian secrets for longevity & aging gracefully. Discover my tips and tricks to become a Rockstar chef, my current obsessions, and tools to embrace joy, find your purpose, and live deliciously!!

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