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...
11 days 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....
about 1 month 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:...
about 1 month 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 |...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
September 18, 2025 Hey Reader! Looking for comfort food that’s hearty but easy to pull together? My Turkey Chili Baked Potatoes are the answer fluffy baked potatoes stuffed with warm chili, melted cheese, and topped with a cool sour cream and chive mix. You’ll love this recipe because it’s a one-dish dinner with minimal cleanup, it’s flexible enough for leftover chili or your favorite toppings, and it’s perfect for cozy family dinners or game day gatherings. Weekly Update: Kitchen Tools on...
2 months ago • 1 min read
September 10, 2025 Hey Reader! Game day just got an upgrade! These Easy BBQ Chicken Sliders with Coleslaw are smothered in a tangy-sweet habanero barbecue sauce, piled high on soft Hawaiian rolls, and topped with cool, crunchy slaw and pickles. They’re bold, messy, and ready in under an hour — no marinating, no fuss, just the perfect crowd-pleasing sliders with a kick. Best of Fall Recipes | Cozy Soups, Stews & Comfort Food for Autumn Until Next Time!Chef Maika Get the Recipe Lodge’s...
3 months ago • 1 min read
September 3, 2025 Hey Reader! I hope you had a wonderful summer! I’m so excited to be back in your inbox as we head into fall, one of my favorite cooking seasons. The next few months are jam-packed with new recipes, cooking tips, and tutorials designed to inspire your kitchen and make weeknight cooking a little easier (and a lot tastier). This season, expect cozy comfort foods, a few Caribbean-inspired twists, and plenty of step-by-step guides to build your cooking confidence. I’ll also be...
3 months ago • 1 min read
July 09, 2025 Hey Reader! I took a little breather over the Fourth of July weekend, but I’m back and the flavor is on. This week’s digest is short, sweet, and loaded with good stuff: sizzling kitchen deals, high-protein comfort meals, and two tropical food holidays worth celebrating even if we’re going slightly off the beaten path. Let’s jump in!Chef MaikaJust Maika Cookinghttps://www.justmaikacooking.com/ Still Time! Prime Day Sales End July 11! If you’ve been eyeing a new air fryer,...
5 months ago • 1 min read
June 25, 2025 This week, I’m pausing to honor someone who shaped how many of us see food, not just as something to cook or eat, but as a language. Anthony Bourdain would have turned 68 on June 25. And no matter how many years go by, it still hurts. Because long before chef titles and TV fame, he was a storyteller who chose to experience the world by being part of it. He didn’t try to change cultures. He showed up, listened, and shared a seat at the table. That’s the energy I’m channeling into...
5 months ago • 2 min read