Happy Greek yogurt day, weeknight meal hacks & the non-diet "diet" (that I ❤️)

Happy Thursday, my fabulous foodies,

I hope this week has been a delicious one for you so far.

Aside from French cuisine, if there's one culinary style that has truly captured my heart — it’s the Mediterranean diet. What I love about the Mediterranean Diet is that it's not just about what you eat; but the lifestyle and ritual that centers around the simple pleasure of enjoying food while nourishing both body and soul. Today, I'm sharing the reasons behind my deep affection for this lifestyle and explaining why it can be so beneficial, not only for our overall health but for our relationship with food too.

My natural turn toward the Mediterranean diet started at a pivotal time in my life. Around the age of 13, I found myself having some uncomfortable digestion issues. After spending time with a holistic doctor, I realized it was largely due to the fact that I thought I was eating “healthy”, yet there was a whole world of healthier to explore. I was obsessed with Cheerios and bananas for breakfast, Nestle chocolate milk twice a day, and these consistent habits (to name a few) were causing my digestion to go wonky, my glucose levels to spike uncontrollably. It left me feeling weak, drained and uncomfortable in my own skin. This experience, though challenging, turned out to be a turning point in my journey with food and health.

During my recovery journey and changing my habits, I naturally ate mostly foods in the Mediterranean diet, as I’ve come to realize over time. This “diet” offers a life-altering perspective on how we should approach food. This cuisine is not just about what's on the plate; it's about the joy of sharing meals with others, embracing fresh and locally sourced ingredients, and taking pleasure in the act of sourcing, preparing, cooking and eating food. This outlook was instrumental in reshaping my relationship with food, making it a source of nourishment, pleasure, and connection.

(Above video taken during my recent trip to Basque country!)

Why do I love the Mediterranean diet? It's a reminder that good food is more than just sustenance; it's an integral part of our lives. This ultimately led me to a career as a chef cooking for athletes, running a catering business, and hosting a weekly virtual cooking club. It’s all had an overarching ethos of teaching people how to cook delicious, nourishing and wholesome dishes from the comfort of their own home. (Check out Tiny Kitchen Club). To this day the Mediterranean diet shapes the direction I take in the kitchen and with my business, and I’m so excited to share more about what I know with you here.

Interested in more Mediterranean Recipes? Check out my new e-book: Mediterranean Diet Dinners with Wine Pairings

Embracing Endives

This time of year is when I start getting excited by the prospect of all the “winter veggies” and  there's one seasonal gem that takes center stage for me: endives. These crisp and slightly bitter leafy greens are in their prime during the fall season and are just so delicious!

Endives, also known as chicory, are a cool-weather crop that thrives in the fall months. Endives are celebrated for their distinct taste and texture. They provide a refreshing crunch that adds a delightful contrast to salads and appetizers. When roasted, they caramelize beautifully, bringing out their natural sweetness and mellowing their bitterness. Endives also shine in braised dishes, where they absorb flavors and become tender, making them a wonderful addition to warm, comforting recipes.

Embrace the flavors of the season and make the most of this fall favorite. I am currently obsessed with this French-style salad or side dish - Grilled Balsamic Endives

On my kitchen speakers this week is the classic Sugarhill Gang Essentials. This album is a fantastic blend of soul, funk, and disco. I used to jam to this when playing the drums in highschool. The kids who listened to old school funk always seemed like the coolest kids, and I wanted to be just like them. Little did I know, I’d still be jamming this 20 years later! The catchy tunes and groovy old-school rap make it a great choice for your kitchen playlist. While you're cooking up a storm, this album adds a fun and energetic vibe in the kitchen and sets the tone so perfectly for trying out new recipes and having a good time experimenting! So save to your faves for later!

Although most of the recipes I develop are focused on cooking for enjoyment and learning new skills, sometimes I just want dinner done quickly (without compromising on flavor, of course). Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this little hack: Next time you spot a good deal on a large piece of meat, I stock up. I bring it home, season it to perfection — such as adding marinade ingredients like liquid aminos, orange juice, perhaps a dash of maple syrup — and freeze it for future meals. By seasoning the meat before freezing, you infuse them with delicious flavors that intensify as they marinate while frozen. Plus, because it is frozen, it doesn’t over-soften the meat. It cuts down on prep time when you're in a rush to plan a quick dinner for that evening, and your future self will thank you when you're enjoying a tasty and speedy weeknight steak meal.

Did you know that today is National Greek Yogurt Day!? This day is an ode to the creamy, tangy, and versatile wonder that is Greek yogurt. I eat Greek yogurt everyday and so believe in it’s health properties. I've recently developed THREE recipes celebrating this versatile ingredient and also invite you to explore its versatility in your own kitchen! If your go-to is Greek Yogurt with Berries and Honey, think outside the box and try something a little different with these recipes:

1️⃣ Cilbir: A traditional Turkish breakfast dish with a twist!

To continue reading, subscribe to be a paid member! For only $1.25 per weekly publication, you get access to ALL of our kitchen and health suggestions, juicy content and stellar recipes!