December 31, 2025 Hey Reader! Happy New Year!! If you’ve ever stared at leftover rice and a jar of kimchi, wondering what you could whip up, this week’s recipe is for you. My Korean-inspired Quick Kimchi Fried Rice Recipe is a simple base dish packed with bold, tangy flavor and ready in minutes, perfect for busy nights or when inspiration strikes but time is short. It's a base recipe because I give you the base recipe and suggestions for making it your own with what you have! For example, it...
20 days ago • 1 min read
December 23, 2025 Hey Reader! Looking for a snack you can enjoy any time of day without overthinking it? These Banana Berry Corn Muffins with Greek Yogurt were created to be simple, wholesome, and freezer-friendly, the kind of muffin you can bake once and enjoy all week. Made with ripe bananas, honey, yogurt, and berries, they’re lightly sweet, soft, and perfect for grabbing straight from the freezer and warming up in seconds, great ifor breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a little something...
28 days ago • 1 min read
December 17, 2025 Hey Reader! This West African–inspired chicken maafe is one of those recipes that came together naturally as I explored flavors that feel both new and familiar to me. I’ve always loved global dishes, especially when they connect back to elements I recognize from my Haitian background, like the bold peanut flavor we know so well through manba. I developed this version to celebrate West African cuisine while keeping it approachable for home cooks, adding collard greens and...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
December 11, 2025 Hey Reader! Mommy Brain! Talk about forgetting to send you my newsletter!! Lol. Anyways, here we go: This week, I’m sharing a recipe I created for those moments when you’re torn between craving a comforting Creole gumbo and wanting the satisfaction of cutting into a beautifully roasted chicken breast. My Pan-Roasted Chicken and Andouille Sausage Gumbo takes all the soulful flavors of a classic gumbo, the Holy Trinity, smoky andouille, okra, and a rich medium-brown roux and...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
November 26, 2025 Hey Reader! This Baked Haitian Macaroni and Cheese is my modern, creamy twist on the classic Makawoni au Graten some of us grew up with; rich, cheesy, and full of those nostalgic flavors that make every holiday table feel complete. If you’re looking for a comforting side dish that blends tradition with technique, you’ll want to try this one next. Explore. Experiment. Taste. -Chef Maika Kitchen Tools on Sale | Curated Cooking Deals by Me Weekly News: $260 to $10 Drops I’ve...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
November 19, 2025 Hey Reader! This week, I’m bringing you two creative recipes to elevate your Thanksgiving and holiday table: my Steak Shawarma Recipe with Fall Holiday Flavors with Fall Holiday Flavors and the brand-new Easy Cranberry-Ginger Chutney. The shawarma makes a bold, cozy centerpiece for anyone looking to switch things up this season, while the chutney delivers the perfect bright, tangy contrast using simple ingredients you likely already have at home. Together, they create a...
2 months ago • 2 min read
October 29, 2025 Hey Reader! Fall feels a little different depending on where you are, doesn’t it? For some, the crisp air and changing leaves signal the season in full swing, while evergreens or palm trees still surround others with no sweater weather in sight. Here in South Florida, we’re still holding steady in the high 80s... 88° to be exact, but I’m looking forward to a cool down just in time for Halloween. I’d love to know: how is fall showing up where you live? Explore. Experiment....
3 months ago • 1 min read
October 22, 2025 Hey Reader! This week’s theme is all about comfort food made easy. From a rich Mexican-style braise to nachos piled high with flavor, these recipes are meant to bring joy to your table without extra stress. Don’t forget if you’re ever curious about substitutions, cooking terminology, or extra cooking tips, everything is covered in depth on the recipe blog. Think of it as your go-to kitchen guide whenever you need it. Explore. Experiment. Taste. — Chef Maika Weekly Update:...
3 months ago • 1 min read
October 16, 2025 Hey Reader! I’ve been busy cooking, writing, and sharing fresh ideas to help you build confidence in the kitchen. Here’s what’s new on Just Maika Cooking this week: loaded nachos to cooking tips, and food safety essentials. Weekly Update: Kitchen Tools on Sale | Curated Cooking Deals by Chef Maika Until Next Time Keep learning, stay creative, and share the joy of cooking with the people around you. Explore. Experiment. Taste. — Chef Maika Ultimate Loaded Nachos Recipe |...
3 months ago • 1 min read