
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.

Hanukkah, oh Hanukkah, come light the menorah Let’s have a party, we’ll all dance the horah Gather ’round the table, we’ll give you a treat Dreidels to play with and latkes to eat. Latkes are potato pancakes, traditionally served during Hanukkah. The latkes are fried in oil to symbolize the ancient lamps that held only […]

I never in my wildest dreams imagined that a dessert that is Kosher for Passover would be good enough to eat year-round. But it is incredible. CHOCOLATE CARAMEL MATZO BRITTLE…A combo of chocolate, caramel, dried fruits, and nuts all layered together to make the ultimate brittle. Whip them up just in case the sweet tooth […]

Vibrant oranges and grapefruit with velvety, creamy goat cheese and nuts and snap peas create a delicious salad loaded with healthy goodness. Like most of my salads, this one started out with what I had in the fridge… You might also see a pattern. It is usually based on what is in season so citrus […]

Shashouka…A dish of eggs poached in a sauce of tomatoes, chili peppers, and onions, often spiced with cumin. Welcome to your new favorite breakfast. It is believed to have a Tunisian origin and is a popular Israeli food. And it’s the perfect father’s day breakfast. It’s father’s day today and I am lucky enough to […]

These Sage Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs are legit gonna blow your mind! Run don’t walk to the grocery store to pick up the ingredients for these babies. This recipe is a sure-fire winner. Most of you are huge fans of my rosemary and citrus chicken thighs. It’s been my go-to recipe for ages but this […]

The best healthy Potato Salad that is just all-around delicious! I have to admit that everyone in my family is a fan of potatoes. Sweet potatoes, yams, fingerlings, russets, Yukon golds or red potatoes. It makes no difference if they are baked, hassle-backed, roasted, boiled, mashed, fried, or turned into a salad. I decided to […]

It’s all about the lamb chops when it comes to a delicious way to entertain with seriously simple easy to make food! Growing up in South Africa, I looked forward to the weekend braais (barbeques). Nothing could top the taste of grilled lamb chops. They are one of my favorite things to cook and eat. […]
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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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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