Thanksgiving Edition: Forget Turkey. Make This Instead!


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 festive, globally inspired pairing that works beautifully for traditional turkey lovers, steak fans, and anyone craving something fresh and exciting for the holidays. Let these dishes spark some creativity in your kitchen this month!

Explore. Experiment. Taste.
-Chef Maika

Kitchen Tools on Sale | Curated Cooking Deals by Me Weekly

News: Added New Black Friday Deals and Promo Codes

I’ve hand-selected chef-approved cooking gear on markdowns right now; you don’t want to miss these savings.


Steak Shawarma Recipe with Fall Holiday Flavors | Easy Lebanese Style

This Skirt Steak Vertical Skewer brings big flavor to fall holiday celebrations, layering marinated skirt steak with portobello mushrooms and purple onions for a rich, caramelized roast. Shaved straight from the skewer and paired with herb-spiced gravy and bright cranberry-ginger chutney, it delivers a festive, modern centerpiece that feels both cozy and unforgettable.


Best of Fall Recipes | Cozy Soups, Stews & Comfort Food for Autumn

Get the best of fall recipes with hearty soups, flavorful stews, and cozy comfort food perfect for crisp autumn nights. From pumpkin pasta to butternut squash chili, these seasonal dishes bring warmth and flavor to your table throughout the year.


More Recipes & Cooking Tips

Holiday Kitchen Safety Tips: How to Cook, Serve, and Store

This guide shares essential holiday kitchen safety tips to help you prevent fires, avoid foodborne illnesses, and keep your home and loved ones safe throughout the season.

Haitian Style Spatchcock Turkey (Seasoned with Epis)

The spatchcock technique speeds up roasting time while creating rich drippings perfect for an easy homemade gravy.

Stovetop Garlic Confit (Easy Butter-Olive Oil Method)

The cloves become tender, golden, and spreadable, while the infused oil turns into a fragrant cooking fat you can drizzle on vegetables, season poultry, or add to soups, dressings, and sautés.

Fresh Berry Apple Pecan Chicken Salad with Goat Cheese

I love how the nutty, fruity theme plays out in a light yet satisfying meal that works for lunch, dinner or even meal prep. Pss. Done in 15 minutes!!

How to Cut Up a Whole Chicken | Step-by-Step Guide

Learn the easiest way to break down a whole chicken into parts using a sharp knife and simple techniques.


Updated Post: Kitchen Safety Tips for Families: A Guide for Cooking Together with Confidence.


Enjoying my content? If so, consider supporting these free newsletters and articles; every bit helps me continue creating and sharing them with more people. Your support, in any amount, is greatly appreciated! Did it suck? If so reply to me with your feedback. It's always appreciated. But don't forget, I'm human, too, so keep it respectful.

Please let me know if these cooking tips were helpful, anonymously & fast.


Unsubscribe | Preferences | Update your profile

COPYRIGHT © 2024 JUST MAIKA COOKING, A GROWTH CULINARY LLC COMPANY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

2114 N Flamingo Road #500, Pembroke Pines, FL 33028

Just Maika Cooking

I am a professionally trained chef, recipe developer, ​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.

Read more from Just Maika Cooking
pinterest for Game Day Recipe list.

February 7, 2026 Hey Reader! Game day is not just about the score. It is about the energy, the gathering, and of course, the food. I just released a new roundup packed with game day food ideas that bring bold global flavors, easy prep, and crowd-pleasing favorites to your table. Inside this guide, you will find everything you need to build the perfect game day spread, including: Crispy chicken wings in bold global flavors Loaded nachos and shareable platters Tacos, fajitas, and handheld...

pinterest pin for 26 Romantic Dinner Recipes to Impress Your Partner.

February 5, 2026 Hey Reader! I just published a brand-new recipe roundup featuring 28 romantic, chef-picked dinner recipes designed to help you cook something special without overcomplicating the night. These are the kinds of meals that feel impressive but still leave room to enjoy the process, whether you’re cooking for someone or cooking together. In the roundup, I also included drink inspiration and simple menu-building ideas so you can easily pair a salad, entrée, dessert, and even a...

January 7, 2025 Hey Reader! Looking for a cozy, protein-packed vegetarian soup that actually keeps you full? This Pasta and Lentil Soup (Italian Style) is inspired by classic pasta e lenticchie and made with lentils, mini shell pasta, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a subtle Calabrian chili kick for deep, comforting flavor. It’s a simple one-pot meal loaded with vegetables, perfect for make-ahead lunches or easy weeknight dinners. Explore. Experiment. Taste. -Chef Maika PS. Don't forget to rate...