Marina Vlasov 
If you’ve ever found yourself with an abundance of zucchini, whether from your garden, the farmer’s market, or an overzealous grocery run, this recipe is one of the easiest and most delicious ways to use it up. As a personal chef who’s cooked for families with all kinds of dietary preferences, I’ve leaned on zucchini … Read more
After fifteen years of cooking for busy families, I’ve learned that the best recipes are the ones that work triple duty: they feed a crowd, taste incredible, and save you time in the long run. This baked ziti checks all those boxes and then some. I developed this recipe during my early days as a … Read more
If you’ve ever hosted a party and wanted to serve something that’s both visually stunning and universally loved, let me introduce you to one of my go-to entertaining secrets: the mezze platter. As a personal chef, I’ve catered everything from intimate family dinners to large cocktail parties, and mezze platters never fail. They’re beautiful, bountiful, … Read more
If you’ve ever tasted a really good falafel, you know how special it is. The crispy outside, the herb-packed, tender center, and that bold, earthy flavor, it’s one of those dishes that feels deeply satisfying and nourishing at the same time. Over the years, as a personal chef, I’ve made countless versions of falafel for … Read more
If you’re newly vegan or even just curious about what’s in your pantry, sugar can be a surprisingly tricky subject. You’d think it would be simple-sugar comes from plants, right? But in the United States, whether a bag of white sugar is considered vegan depends not on the plant it grew from but on how … Read more
There’s something undeniably comforting about a plate of scrambled eggs. For many, it’s the taste of lazy Sunday mornings or a quick dinner when the fridge is looking bare. But what if you’ve given up eggs, or never ate them to begin with? Enter tofu bhurji, the plant-based answer that’s not only filling but layered … Read more
Vegan desserts don’t always get the spotlight they deserve, especially when people assume they’re complicated or lacking in indulgence. That changes fast with one bite of chocolate peanut butter fudge. It’s rich, silky, packed with flavor, and – most importantly – ridiculously simple. You don’t need an oven, a candy thermometer, or even a ton … Read more
Chickpea and sweet potato cutlets are the kind of meal that quietly wins you over. They’re golden on the outside, soft and flavorful inside, and carry a natural warmth that comes from simple ingredients doing their job well. Chickpeas bring a satisfying heartiness, sweet potatoes add a gentle creaminess, and the right mix of spices … Read more
When your calendar is packed and your energy’s running on fumes, cooking can feel like one task too many. But skipping meals or reaching for ultra-processed takeout isn’t a long-term solution. That’s where the humble microwave steps in-not just for reheating leftovers, but as a powerful tool for crafting real, satisfying vegan meals in minutes. … Read more
Many people hear “vegan salad” and immediately picture a sad bowl of lettuce meant for rabbits. That image doesn’t reflect what plant-based salads can be. When built intentionally, they offer fullness, nutrition, and satisfaction that rivals any meat-based meal. Here’s how to craft salads that aren’t just edible, but truly craveable. The Core Principles of … Read more