Eat, Shine and Bloom

  Spicy Mediterranean Chicken Thighs are juicy, golden-brown chicken pieces bursting with garlic, herbs, and a hint of chili heat. Infused with Mediterranean staples like olives, tomatoes, lemon, and olive oil, this dish brings a bold, sun-kissed flavor that feels both hearty and refreshing. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, it pairs wonderfully with couscous, rice, or roasted vegetables. Cooking Time: 40 minutes Servings: 4 Ingredients: 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon dried oregano ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 4 garlic cloves, minced 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon black pepper 1 lemon (half juiced, half sliced) 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional) Instructions: Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, red pepper flakes, g...

  Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls are a mouthwatering blend of crispy, tender salmon cubes tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce and served over fluffy rice with crisp vegetables. This easy and satisfying dish brings restaurant-style flavor to your table in under 30 minutes. The bang bang sauce—rich with mayo, sriracha, and a touch of honey—adds the perfect balance of heat and sweetness that makes every bite addictive. Cooking Time: 25 minutes Servings: 4 Ingredients: For the Salmon: 1 lb (450g) salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-sized cubes 2 tablespoons cornstarch 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon olive oil Salt and pepper to taste For the Bang Bang Sauce: ⅓ cup mayonnaise 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste) 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup 1 teaspoon lime juice For the Bowls: 2 cups cooked jasmine or brown rice 1 cup shredded carrots 1 cucumber, sliced 1 avocado, diced 1 cup shredded red cabbage 2 green onio...

  Delicious Baked Falafel with Easy Tzatziki Sauce brings the authentic Middle Eastern experience straight to your kitchen. Instead of deep frying, these falafel are baked until golden and crisp outside while staying tender and flavorful inside. Served with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce, this dish is both healthy and comforting — perfect for wraps, bowls, or a light snack. Cooking Time: 45 minutes Servings: 4 Ingredients for the Falafel: 1 ½ cups dried chickpeas (soaked overnight) ½ cup chopped onion 3 garlic cloves, minced ½ cup fresh parsley leaves ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon ground coriander ½ teaspoon baking soda Salt and black pepper to taste 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing before baking) Ingredients for Tzatziki Sauce: 1 cup Greek yogurt ½ cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out 1 garlic clove, minced 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or mint) Salt and peppe...

  Chicken Yakitori is a beloved Japanese street food made of bite-sized chicken pieces grilled on skewers and glazed with a glossy, savory-sweet sauce. The balance of soy, mirin, sugar, and sake creates a delicious caramelized coating, giving every bite an irresistible smoky umami flavor. It’s simple to make at home, perfect for gatherings, or even a weeknight dinner served with rice and vegetables. Cooking Time: 30 minutes Servings: 4 Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces 1 tablespoon vegetable oil Salt and pepper to taste 8–10 bamboo skewers (soaked in water for 20 minutes) For the Yakitori Sauce (Tare): ½ cup soy sauce ¼ cup mirin ¼ cup sake or rice wine 3 tablespoons brown sugar 1 garlic clove, minced 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger For Garnish (optional): Chopped green onions Toasted sesame seeds Instructions: Prepare the Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, garlic, and gin...

This Cranberry Apple Wild Rice Pilaf is a warm, colorful side dish bursting with nutty, sweet, and tart flavors. Chewy wild rice pairs beautifully with tender apples, tangy cranberries, and crunchy nuts. It’s a perfect addition to any festive meal or weeknight dinner, offering a cozy, wholesome balance of texture and taste. Cooking Time: 45 minutes Servings: 4 Ingredients: 1 cup wild rice, rinsed 2 ½ cups vegetable or chicken broth 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter ½ small onion, finely chopped 1 small apple, diced (use Honeycrisp or Fuji for sweetness) ½ cup dried cranberries ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme) ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon Salt and black pepper to taste 1 tablespoon chopped parsley for garnish Instructions: Cook the Wild Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the wild rice and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35–40 minutes until the rice is tender and...

 These Crunchy Quinoa Veggie Patties are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with wholesome flavor. They’re made with nutrient-rich quinoa, fresh vegetables, and simple spices for a hearty, plant-based meal that satisfies everyone. Whether served as a main dish, a burger alternative, or a snack with dip, these patties deliver crunch and comfort in every bite. Cooking Time: 40 minutes Servings: 6 patties Ingredients: 1 cup cooked quinoa (from about ⅓ cup dry quinoa) ½ cup grated carrot ½ cup finely chopped spinach or kale ¼ cup finely chopped bell pepper ¼ cup finely chopped onion 1 clove garlic, minced ½ cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko for extra crunch) ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan version) 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan option: 2 tbsp flaxseed meal + 5 tbsp water) 1 teaspoon soy sauce or tamari ½ teaspoon paprika ½ teaspoon cumin Salt and black pepper to taste 2 tablespoons olive oil (for pan-frying)...

 This Roasted Butternut Squash with Pomegranate Seeds is a vibrant and wholesome dish that combines sweet, caramelized squash with the burst of juicy pomegranate seeds. It’s a simple yet elegant recipe perfect for holidays, cozy dinners, or as a colorful side to any meal. The roasted squash becomes tender and golden, while the pomegranate adds freshness and a pop of tart flavor. Cooking Time: 40 minutes Servings: 4 Ingredients: 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for depth) Salt and black pepper, to taste ½ cup pomegranate seeds 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese (optional but adds a nice tang) 1 teaspoon lemon zest or a light drizzle of lemon juice (optional for brightness) Instructions: Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment p...

 Cotton candy sushi is a creative, playful dessert that transforms sweet treats into adorable sushi-shaped confections that look remarkably like the real thing. These fun, no-bake treats use rice cereal treats as the "rice," fruit roll-ups or candy as the "nori" wrapper, and various candies, marshmallows, or dried fruit as the "filling." The result is a delightful optical illusion that's perfect for parties, kids' activities, or anyone who loves whimsical food. Whether you're hosting a themed party, looking for a fun activity to do with children, or simply want to create something Instagram-worthy, cotton candy sushi delivers on creativity, fun, and of course, sweetness. They're easy enough for kids to make but impressive enough to wow guests at any gathering. Serving Quantity: Makes 12 to 16 pieces (serves 4 to 6 people) Cooking Time: 30 minutes (no baking, just assembly and chilling time) 1. Ingredients for Rice Cereal "Rice...

 Spicy crab sushi bowls are a brilliant way to enjoy all the delicious flavors and textures of sushi without the intimidation or skill required for rolling. These deconstructed sushi bowls layer perfectly seasoned sushi rice with spicy crab (real or imitation), crisp vegetables, creamy avocado, and all your favorite sushi toppings, then drizzle everything with spicy mayo and eel sauce for that signature sushi experience. Whether you're a sushi lover looking for an easier way to enjoy it at home, want to meal prep healthy lunches, or simply appreciate a well-balanced bowl of fresh ingredients, these sushi bowls deliver on convenience, customization, and flavor. They're faster than making rolls, more forgiving for beginners, and just as satisfying as sitting at your favorite sushi restaurant. Serving Quantity: Serves 4 people Cooking Time: 45 minutes (including 30 minutes for rice preparation and 15 minutes for assembly) 1. Ingredients for Sushi Rice Two cups sushi rice (s...

 Lebanese kafta kebabs are one of the most beloved dishes in Middle Eastern cuisine, featuring seasoned ground meat mixed with fresh parsley, onions, and warm spices, then shaped onto skewers and grilled to perfection. These flavorful kebabs are incredibly juicy thanks to the fat content in the meat and the moisture from grated onions, while the combination of allspice, cinnamon, and parsley creates that signature Lebanese flavor profile that's both aromatic and comforting. Whether grilled outdoors over charcoal, broiled in the oven, or pan-fried, kafta kebabs deliver restaurant-quality results at home. They're perfect for summer barbecues, weeknight dinners, or any time you want to explore authentic Lebanese cooking. Serve them with pita, hummus, tabbouleh, and garlic sauce for a complete Middle Eastern feast that will transport your taste buds straight to Beirut. Serving Quantity: Makes 8 to 10 kebabs (serves 4 to 6 people) Cooking Time: 45 minutes (including 20 minutes p...