I still remember the first time I cooked pasta for a crowd—it was a ragtag group of college roommates crammed into my tiny apartment kitchen, the air thick with garlic and laughter. I’d splurged on a bottle of cheap red wine, and we ended up devouring plates of spaghetti Bolognese until the wee hours, sauce … Read more
It was a hectic Tuesday in 2021 when I first threw together a chicken vegetable wrap, desperate for a quick lunch that didn’t scream “sad desk salad.” With leftover grilled chicken, a tortilla, and whatever veggies were hiding in my fridge, I created a handheld masterpiece that saved my workday and sparked a love affair … Read more
Remember that one morning when I hit rock bottom with my energy levels? It was a foggy Tuesday last spring—I’d been chugging coffee like it was water, skipping veggies for takeout, and feeling like a zombie by noon. My doctor suggested incorporating more fresh produce, but salads felt like a chore. That’s when I dusted … Read more
The sizzle of a grill on a warm evening is my kind of music. I remember my first backyard barbecue—barely 22, armed with a cheap charcoal grill and a dream, I nearly set my eyebrows on fire but ended up with perfectly charred burgers that had my friends begging for seconds. That’s the magic of … Read more
I’ll never forget the first potluck I hosted—a sunny afternoon in my backyard with friends sprawled on blankets, music humming, and a table groaning with food. My go-to contribution? A stack of colorful wraps, stuffed to the brim with fresh ingredients, that vanished faster than the playlist. Wraps are my secret weapon for any gathering: … Read more
Nothing says summer—or honestly, any season—like the sizzle of a grill firing up for dinner. I still remember my first backyard barbecue, where I proudly charred (okay, incinerated) a batch of burgers, only to learn from my dad that grilling is more art than arson. Over the years, I’ve mastered the flames, from juicy steaks … Read more
Summertime calls for firing up the grill, that smoky sizzle pulling everyone to the backyard like moths to a flame. I remember my first attempt at grilling—burnt chicken, a smoky haze, and my dad’s “helpful” commentary from the sidelines. Fast forward a decade, and I’ve learned a thing or two about turning the grill into … Read more
Nothing beats the sheer joy of a frozen dessert on a sweltering day—it’s like a mini vacation in a bowl or on a stick. I learned this the hard way during a scorching summer picnic when my attempt at a cake melted faster than my sunscreen. Since then, I’ve become a freezer-stocking, dessert-churning enthusiast, perfecting … Read more
Remember that rainy Tuesday last fall when the kids were hollering, the dog was underfoot, and dinner felt like an insurmountable mountain? I do—because that’s the night I cracked open a bag of jasmine rice and turned it into a silky coconut curry that had everyone scraping their bowls. No takeout guilt, no sink full … Read more
Imagine this: The call to prayer echoes over Riyadh’s skyline as the sun dips low, casting golden hues on a massive communal platter piled high with steaming basmati rice, tender lamb chunks glistening under a spice-kissed glow, and almonds scattered like desert stars. That’s the scene from my first iftar in Jeddah back in 2018, … Read more