June 18, 2025 Hey Reader! The summer solstice hits Saturday, June 21, which means longer days, brighter produce, and grill tongs practically glued to our hands. To celebrate, this week’s digest is a brunch-heavy menu you can cook anytime the craving strikes, plus quick tips for kid-friendly kitchen fun and fail-proof steak temps. Think of it as your glossy summer kick-off issue, iced coffee in one hand, spatula in the other. Let’s get sizzling! Warmly,Chef MaikaJust Maika...
11 days ago • 1 min read
RECIPES REVIEWS CLASSES & TIPS INSTAGRAM YOUTUBE Treat Yourself to Comfort + Flavor—Every Wednesday Night Hey Reader! We’ve all been there—Wednesday hits, and the week feels like it’s dragging on forever. That’s when I turn to my favorite pick-me-up: pasta. Whether it’s a spicy noodle bowl, a cheesy baked lasagna, or a one-pot wonder, pasta always shows up like the comfort food bestie you didn’t know you needed. This week, I’ve rounded up over 25 global pasta dishes that go beyond boring...
25 days ago • 1 min read
RECIPES REVIEWS CLASSES & TIPS INSTAGRAM YOUTUBE 25+ Vegetarian Meals by Time of Day? Yes, Please. Hey Reader! If you're tired of wondering what to cook on Mondays (or just trying to cut back on meat), this one’s for you. If you're into bold spices, creamy comfort, or quick one-pan meals, there's something in this new guide that’ll make your next Monday feel like a win. I just dropped a Meatless Monday Round-Up with over 25 flavor-packed vegetarian recipes—organized by breakfast, lunch,...
27 days ago • 1 min read
RECIPES REVIEWS CLASSES & TIPS INSTAGRAM YOUTUBE This Ain’t Your Average Burger… Hey Reader! Happy National Hamburger Day (check out USA Today)! Sure, you could celebrate with a regular beef patty and ketchup situation… or you could spice things up with something a little more unforgettable. Enter: the Harissa Chicken Burger. This burger is juicy, spicy, and packed with flavor in all the right places. We’re talking ground chicken (yes, it stays juicy when you know what you're doing), harissa...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
RECIPES REVIEWS CLASSES & TIPS INSTAGRAM YOUTUBE South Florida Foodies—Let’s Cook Together This Summer! Hey Reader! Ready to turn up the heat in the kitchen this summer? Join me and Chef Jorge Montes for a hands-on seasonal cooking class in Fort Lauderdale at the vibrant Sistrunk Marketplace. Our upcoming event, “Lemon & Basil Themed: A Summer Cooking Class,” is perfect for families, friends, food lovers, and anyone looking to sharpen their skills in a fun, supportive space. Click Flyer for...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
RECIPES REVIEWS CLASSES & TIPS INSTAGRAM YOUTUBE Part of the Haitian Heritage Month Series — Let’s Talk About Epis Hey Reader! If you’ve ever wondered how Haitian dishes get so much flavor with such minimal effort—it all starts with epis. This Haitian green seasoning is a daily staple in most Haitian households. It’s used to season everything from: Poul nan sòs (stewed chicken) Griot (fried pork) Soup Joumou Legim (vegetable stew) Rice dishes And even marinades for fish and meats As part of...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
RECIPES REVIEWS CLASSES & TIPS INSTAGRAM YOUTUBE Celebrate Haitian Heritage Month—One Seared Snapper at a Time! Hey Reader! In honor of Haitian Heritage Month, I’m sharing one of my favorite bold and flavorful dishes:Seared Snapper with Spicy Creole Sauce and Roasted Vegetables. This dish brings the heat in the best way—with a sizzling Creole-style sauce, seared golden snapper, and oven-roasted veggies that balance it all out. It's inspired by the home-cooked poul nan sòs I grew up eating,...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
RECIPES REVIEWS CLASSES & TIPS INSTAGRAM YOUTUBE Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with this fiery, flavor-packed recipe you’ll want on repeat. Hey Reader! Let’s turn up the heat for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month 🔥This week on Just Maika Cooking, I’m bringing you a fast and flavorful dish inspired by the bold flavors of the Himalayas: 👉 Quick Spicy Potstickers (Chili Momo, Tibetan-Style) These aren’t your average dumplings. This version is pan-fried until golden, then...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
RECIPES REVIEWS CLASSES & TIPS INSTAGRAM YOUTUBE A Fresh Take on a Classic Favorite Hey Reader! There’s something about spring and summer that calls for fresh herbs, quick meals, and bright, bold flavors—and this Spicy Basil Pesto checks all the boxes. 🌶️🌱 I just updated the recipe on the blog (The recipe is the same), giving the blog a little extra love (and heat). Whether you're layering it onto a sandwich, tossing it with roasted veggies, or swirling it into warm pasta, this pesto is a...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read