How has this year flown by?? I cannot believe I only announced my book to you this June - it feels like a lifetime ago! Thank you so much to everyone who showed up to my events in England, Ireland, Wales, and South Africa. I can’t wait to visit Australia, New Zealand, the US, and Canada next *year*!
I’ve been sharing a newsletter with you every week for the past year and a half and was recently going down memory lane… I thought it would be nice to recap some of my monthly favorites with you - recipes and experiences.
January
I started off the year in South Africa which quite literally shifted my world view. It was so special to feel so insignificant on safari, surround by real nature, that it helped me reset my values and what causes me to be stressed or not once back in London. I learned all about marula, rooibos, and even made a marmalade incorporating the flavors from my travels!
February
I went to Valencia (city guide here) and learned all about my new favorite citrus, Citron! I also shared with you an easy way to candy literally any citrus.
How to Candy Any Citrus Peel
Is there anything more satisfying than using the entirety of a certain product?Candying the peel of a citrus makes it feel very “nose to tail” and is such a fun activity that has recently become quite common in my household. Although I’m very new to candying citrus peel, I wanted to share with you this technique as it has been a great entry point for me and has proven successful on many occasions.
March
This came as a huge shock to me but this is hands down my most read jam recipe… I have rarely been tagged so many times on IG in pictures of you recreating it at home?! It’s quite literally my favorite jam in the world tied with my tomato vanilla basil jam - it’s surprising, fresh, not too sweet, and surprisingly so versatile.
April
My solo trip to Japan! What a special time - from wasabi harvesting to 7/11 taste tests, I’m so glad I got to take you along with me.
Tokyo, Japan: City Guide
What a trip we’ve had! This past week has felt like a full month and although it was technically a solo trip, I really feel as though we have all been on this journey together. From exploring a mountain village, harvesting wasabi, hitting the bustling streets of to Shibuya, elbowing our way through beauty product stores, seeking out the newest condiments in Japan to finally enjoying
May
This spicy jam was a HUGE HIT! It is a great addition to fish tacos for Cinco de Mayo…
Recipe: Mango Chili Jam
Whenever I’m back in LA, I always stop by fruit stalls on the side of the street for a bag filled with fruit (and veg) topped with buckets of chili, lime and salt. While each bite is delectable, I always save the mango for last. There’s just something about a perfectly ripe, silky, and sweet mango contrasted with a slight spicy kick and acidic tang that really does it for me.
June
I announced my book! So wild. The Condiment Book, US & Canada, is officially available for preorder EEEEP :) Can’t wait for you to see the full photography!
But I also introduced you to my fave bean, tonka…
July
Spent some time in Greece in Athens and in Paros, where my family is from.
Athens: City Guide
Thank you for all of The Condiment Book love! As a gentle reminder, the UK version ships internationally and will be out this September… EEK!!! A huge shoutout to Blackwell’s as apparently they ship internationally for free?! <3 <3 <3
Paros: Island Guide
Today, I am going to start off by teaching you a Greek word: Papou. Papou means grandpa in Greek and although mine wasn’t able to make it on our family trip this week, this is the island where his family is from! It’s always so nice (and wild) to run into people who recognize us solely from our similar facial features.
August
I spent this summer in France (due to my London flat flooding lol tbt what a time), and came to the realization that “girl dinner” is really just an apéro dinatoire…
Apéro Dînatoire
Snicky snacks, tasty drinks, zero stress, and good company… What more could you ever need?! Let me introduce you to the apéro dînatoire, or what we call apéro dinhutoire* in my family.
September
My book launch! How FUN! This was also when I launched the Salty Vanilla Matcha at Jenki in London… It may or may not be returning to the menu soon due to popular request??!?!?!? shhhhh I didn’t say a thing!
For those of you who don’t live in London, here is how I make the salty syrup at home.
Salty Vanilla Syrup
This week is the FINAL week where you can enjoy a Sea Salt Vanilla Bean Matcha at Jenki*! You all loved it so much that two weeks quickly became two months and that time has now elapsed…. Have no fear! I’ve got the at home recipe for you so that you can forever recreate it in your kitchen.
October
Halloween! I cracked the code for people who don’t love marmalade but usually like citrus. This jam is illegally easy to make and such a nice touch for the holiday.
Halloween Jam Recipe
Regardless of how you choose to celebrate Halloween - by watching scary movies, rewatching Disney Channel originals (guilty as charged), dressing up cute for a party, visiting a pumpkin patch etc - you are most likely having some candy and themed treats
November
Thanksgiving! I love this holiday because it’s not about gifts, just about giving thanks. This year has been so tragic for so many people around the world that it’s always important to count our blessings and give back where and when we can.
Recipe : Cranberry Sauce
Thanksgiving is next week so I oooobviously had to share with you my favorite condiment of the holiday. Regardless of what my plate looks like, spanakopita or random mill veggies piled high, there must be a tangy cranberry sauce slathering every bite.
December
HOME SWEET HOME! I’ve been so lucky this year to be able to travel so frequently and learn about so many different places around the world. This December, I stayed in London (city guide here) and France with family (Christmas traditional menu here) which was so very needed. I hope you all had a great year surrounded by loved ones and interesting experiences. Chat with you in 2025 x
Paris: City Guide
Well, well, well, Instagram decided to delete the city guides feature so here I am compiling them all once again for you. On the bright side, now they’ll be up to date with my current favorites? And I won’t be limited at 30 spots?
I regularly make that cucumber jam. It is incredible. Happy new year!
Yay! Happy New Year🪩⭐️🩷