A woman with dark hair, wearing earrings, a necklace, and a floral top, smiling and looking at a dessert cake topped with red berries.

Welcome to my kitchen!

This is where I cook, create, experiment, and let ingredients guide me. Every recipe reflects my love for seasonality, bold flavor, and the art of plating with purpose. I hope you enjoy what you find here.

Explore recipes

Squash blossom Farinata with Whipped Ricotta
Melissa Zuniga Melissa Zuniga

Squash blossom Farinata with Whipped Ricotta

Crispy, golden farinata meets delicate squash blossoms and a creamy whipped ricotta in this simple yet elegant dish. Naturally gluten-free and packed with flavor, this light, savory pancake is perfect for brunch, lunch, or a satisfying snack. With crisp edges, a soft center, and a bright, herby ricotta topping, every bite feels balanced and delicious.

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Cinnamon Rice Pudding with Honey-Poached Rhubarb
Melissa Zuniga Melissa Zuniga

Cinnamon Rice Pudding with Honey-Poached Rhubarb

Creamy cinnamon-infused rice pudding meets bright, honey-poached rhubarb in this comforting yet fresh dessert. Naturally sweetened with maple syrup and honey, this dish strikes the perfect balance between cozy and vibrant. Whether enjoyed warm or chilled, it’s a simple yet elegant way to welcome spring flavors into your kitchen.

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Charred Octopus with Celery root puree, Fresno chili relish & Lotus chips
Melissa Zuniga Melissa Zuniga

Charred Octopus with Celery root puree, Fresno chili relish & Lotus chips

A dish built on bold contrasts. Smoky, charred octopus, silky celery root purée, bright Fresno chili relish, and crisp lotus root chips. Inspired by a chance market find, this recipe balances richness, heat, and texture for a restaurant-worthy bite that’s surprisingly simple to master. Perfect for an elegant dinner or a creative night in.

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Zucchini & Perilla chips with an Herby- Feta dip
Melissa Zuniga Melissa Zuniga

Zucchini & Perilla chips with an Herby- Feta dip

Crispy, golden, and packed with flavor, these Zucchini & Perilla Chips are the ultimate snack. Light yet satisfying, with just the right crunch. paired with a tangy, herby feta yogurt dip.

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Roasted Beet & Winter Citrus Salad with Orange- Thyme Vinaigrette and Cacao Nibs
Melissa Zuniga Melissa Zuniga

Roasted Beet & Winter Citrus Salad with Orange- Thyme Vinaigrette and Cacao Nibs

If you thought winter salads and beets were boring, let this one change your mind. We’ve got sweet, caramelized roasted beets, bright citrus, creamy yogurt, crunchy cacao nibs (yes, trust me), and a punchy orange-thyme vinaigrette that brings it all together. , and some quick-pickled shallots, just because you deserve a plate of food that looks this good.

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Thai- inspired Pomelo & Melogold salad
Melissa Zuniga Melissa Zuniga

Thai- inspired Pomelo & Melogold salad

Bright, juicy, and bursting with bold flavors, this Thai- inspired Pomelo & Melogold Salad is the perfect antidote to heavy winter dishes. Inspired by the classic Yam Som O, it’s a vibrant mix of sweet, tart citrus, fresh herbs, crispy shallots, and peanuts- all tied together with a punchy, savory dressing. It’s the kind of salad that wakes up your taste buds and proves that winter can be just as refreshing as summer. Don’t sleep on all the beautiful winter citrus.

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Miso- Tahini Spaghetti with a Soy cured Egg Yolk
Melissa Zuniga Melissa Zuniga

Miso- Tahini Spaghetti with a Soy cured Egg Yolk

Looking for a bold, umami packed twist on your usual pasta routine? This Miso Tahini Spaghetti with Soy Cure Egg Yolk is creamy, savory, and bursting with layered flavors, The nuttiness of tahini and deep savory umami notes of miso, velvety soy yolk create a dish that’s simple yet chef-driven. Finished with bright lemon zest and a sprinkle of furikake, and it’s ready in under 30 minutes. This is the pasta you didn’t know you needed. A perfect way to use items that are probably already in your pantry.

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Citrus & Apple Vermouth Sangria (Low-ABV)
Melissa Zuniga Melissa Zuniga

Citrus & Apple Vermouth Sangria (Low-ABV)

This Low-ABV Citrus & Apple Vermouth Sangria is perfect for when you want a light, refreshing drink with a festive touch. Inspired by my phases of enjoying lighter beverages, it’s packed with fresh fruit, herbal notes, and just enough sparkle to make any occasion special.

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Shrimp Toast
Melissa Zuniga Melissa Zuniga

Shrimp Toast

The beauty of shrimp toast is its balance: crispy bread, a savory, shrimp-packed topping, and just enough richness to feel special. It’s quick to whip up but feels like a treat every time, great for brunch…

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