Hey Reader!

It’s finally here! I just published a brand-new recipe on the blog that I know you’re going to love—especially if you’ve been curious about Haitian cooking or want to try something bold, comforting, and full of history.

Say hello to Diri Djon Djon—also known as Haitian Black Mushroom Rice. This dish comes straight from the northern region of Haiti, where dried djon djon mushrooms are used to turn a simple pot of rice into an aromatic, earthy, and absolutely unforgettable meal.

I’ve adapted this traditional Haitian dish for the modern kitchen using parboiled basmati rice, green peas, and dried shrimp—but don’t worry, I’ve included vegetarian swaps and pantry-friendly alternatives, too!

Inside the post, you’ll also find:

• A glossary to help novice cooks learn about ingredients like epis, bouillon, and more
• Storage and reheating tips
• A short food anthropology lesson on the origins of diri ak djon djon
• A little love note to Haitian Heritage Month ❤️

If you're craving bold flavors, this one’s for you. And for my foodie nerds, I’ve dropped some links in the post to help you learn more about the cultural significance of djon djon mushrooms.

Tag me on Instagram @justmaikacooking if you make it—I’d love to see how yours turns out!

With flavor & roots,
​Chef Maika

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Welcome! Hi! I'm Chef Maika, a professionally trained chef, recipe developer, ​and culinary educator. My goal is to create, educate, and discover tools that ​will bring the joy and passion of global cuisine to food enthusiasts ​and home cooks through exploration, experimentation, and tasting.

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