Zeina Haddad: Author of the
"My mama knows best! — Mediterranean Recipes"
Cookbook Series
Some of Mama's handwritten recipes in Arabic (click the image to zoom).
Some of Mama's handwritten recipes in Arabic.
From My Mama’s Handwritten Notes to Your Kitchen Table.
Authentic Mediterranean recipes, preserved with love and tradition.
Hi, I’m Zeina Haddad.
I am a Lebanese-born culinary creator and the author behind the "My mama knows best! — Mediterranean Recipes" series. My passion is simple: I love to bake breads, make cakes, and cook savory meals that bring people together.
A Journey Started in 2001 My adventure in writing cookbooks began with a precious treasure: my Mama’s handwritten recipes. A wonderful and experienced cook, she wrote down a lifetime of kitchen wisdom in Arabic. With her encouragement, I took it upon myself to translate and preserve them.
While life took me on a few detours, those handwritten pages were never forgotten. Eventually, I realized that these traditional family secrets needed to be shared with the world.
Today, thanks to my God, the King of kings and Lord of lords (whom I adore 🧡), that dream is a reality. Those notes have transformed into the 'My Mama Knows Best!' series — a comprehensive collection of authentic Mediterranean recipes.
The Collection Discover the rich flavors of Lebanon and the Mediterranean across three focused volumes:
Book 1: Soups and Appetizers
Start your meal the traditional way. This volume covers the essential warmers and the famous "Mezze" culture of the Middle East. From comforting lentils to crisp pastries. 👉
Book 2: Salads, Sauces, and Stews
The heart of the Mediterranean diet. Discover fresh, zesty salads, the secrets to perfect dipping sauces (like Toum and Tahini), and hearty stews that feed the soul. 👉
Book 3: Main Dishes and Desserts
The grand finale. This book features the centerpieces of the Lebanese table — including the famous Kibbeh bakes—and the sweet treats that end every family gathering perfectly. 👉
📜
A Note on Authenticity
In a world of trends and AI-generated content, I am proud to stand by the quality of my work.
My books contain 100% genuine, human recipes. They are completely AI-free. These dishes were written down with love long before algorithms existed, tested in real kitchens, and tasted by real families. When you cook from these books, you are getting the classic, traditional taste — just as it should be.
The Culture Mediterranean cuisine is more than just cooking, IT IS A CULTURE.
Only children of this culture can truly teach you its secrets:
How to use those special spices, like Mahlab and Miskeh.
How to cook those special herbs like Hindbeh, Khobeizeh, and Akkoub.
How to add the special combination of aromatic herbs to each one of our dishes.
How to properly apply special fragrances like rose water and orange blossom water.
How much bulgur goes in tabbouleh.
How to avoid a slimy okra, or viscous jute leaves.
and more ...
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Mediterranean cuisine, and Lebanese in particular, uses unique flavors which make it special. When such special ingredients can be substituted, it will be mentioned in the books. If not, luckily, they can be easily bought online nowadays.
Yes, all the recipes are broken down into steps easy to follow, and are written in a clear and simple language.
The recipes are very clear, and if followed as they are, they will be guaranteed success. Notes are added as well when particular attention is required.
The recipes in the books are widely varied; many of them are vegan, or vegetarian, or siami (Lenten). Many others are provided, when possible, with suggestions on how to adjust them to a vegan/vegetarian/siami diet.
Mediterranean diet has been consistantly rated as one of the healthiest diets. It uniquely benefits health by promoting heart health through healthy fats like olive oil and omega-3s, longevity by reducing the risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and certain cancers, and brain function by supporting cognitive health and mental well-being. The emphasis on plant-based foods, healthy fats, and whole grains provides antioxidants and fiber while reducing inflammation.
All rights reserved ©2025 Parsley Me This!
by Zeina Haddad
