Simply Dinner Cookbook: Behind-the-Scenes

​​”Keep the love and ditch the labor,” is the message of The Mediterranean Dish: Simply Dinner Cookbook, which is filled with save-the-day, easy, fresh, and flavorful Mediterranean recipes. With more than 125 quick and delicious options, this cookbook is perfect for those seeking a Mediterranean diet or simply nutritious, unfussy meals.

When I started writing my soon-to-be-released cookbook, The Mediterranean Dish: Simply Dinner, I was consumed with one thought: How do I make dinnertime not just easier but more joyful for you?

This year marks the 10th anniversary of TheMediterraneanDish.com, and over the years, I’ve heard from many folks who are a part of our community. They come to me because their doctors told them to switch to the Mediterranean Diet to find renewed health and well-being, or they found a recipe online while trying to make dinner for their families and decided to stay a while. Some have met me through my first book or our YouTube channel. Whatever the reason, I’m glad you’re all here! We’ve all become part of a big virtual table sharing our struggles and successes when it comes to nourishing ourselves and those we love.

One question I have heard repeatedly over the years is: “How can I get a healthy dinner on the table without spending hours in the kitchen?”

My new cookbook, The Mediterranean Dish: Simply Dinner is my answer to that question.

As a busy working mom, I KNOW the nightly dinner routine can feel like a chore, but the Mediterranean way is about more than the food on your plate. It’s about the energy you bring into your home. It’s about building community, sharing food and laughter, and living joyfully. And you, the home cook, should be having just as much fun as the people you’re feeding!

Cooking shouldn’t leave you exhausted, and I’m here to tell you good food can be EASY! It can be FUN! And it can leave your stomach and your heart feeling full.

Come with me as I take you on a behind-the-scenes journey from concept to creation of The Mediterranean Dish Simply Dinner. You are the reason why I wrote it, and I want you to experience its creation from start to finish. 

Table of Contents

1. The Writing of Simply Dinner Cookbook
1. My mission is: To help you eat well and live joyfully
2. So What’s In This Mediterranean Diet Cookbook?
3. Behind the Scenes
4. Thank You for Your Support!
5. Where to Buy this Cookbook

The Writing of Simply Dinner Cookbook

I started working on The Mediterranean Dish: Simply Dinner Cookbook only one month after my first cookbook came out. My family, people on my team, and others thought I was nuts to embark on another 2-year project so soon, but I was pretty passionate about making dinner (and a few drinks and desserts) easier for everyone. The truth is, I couldn’t wait to get started!

I thought, what if I–we–channeled the casual, relaxed, fresh, and delicious Mediterranean approach to cooking I grew up with and looked at dinner as an opportunity to enjoy the company of one another—a life-giving exercise, not a chore. My goal was to share everything I know about the Mediterranean way of life to create recipes that fill our bellies and our hearts; I wanted to create something joyful!

The result is two years of work, and countless hours developing, writing, and testing the 125 Easy Mediterranean Diet-Inspired recipes that make up this book. But I wanted it to be more than recipes so this book gives you tools, techniques, and tips to help you put a wholesome and satisfying dinner on the table fast.

My mission is: To help you eat well and live joyfully

So What’s In This Mediterranean Diet Cookbook?

Each chapter in Simply Dinner focuses on a different save-the-day technique, like the magic of one-pot cooking (Armenian Lentil Soup), quick skillets (Skillet Lasagna), efficient sheet-pan suppers (Za’atar-Baked Halibut with Potatoes and Artichoke Hearts) and fast and lean grilling (Shawarma-Spiced Flap Steak and Green Goddess Chicken Kebabs).

And there are recipes to help you reimagine favorite classics like cornbread and chicken soup with a Mediterranean twist—yes, you can expect a “flavor party!”

I also include a few treats, breads, and drinks because, remember, the Mediterranean way is all about balance.

I’ll be sharing a handful of my favorite recipes from this book on the website like Dijon Garlic Salmon, Chickpea Marinara, White Chicken Chili with Chermoula (you haven’t tasted anything like it!), and a fudgy and delicious Flourless Chocolate Cake with Olive Oil and Cardamom! (Yes, you can have a treat while following the Mediterranean diet).

Behind the Scenes

You might think an author works alone in isolation, but it takes a team of people to bring a book like this to life! Recipe testers, editors, photographers, and food stylists just to name a few. I’m so proud of the whole team and I just can’t wait for you have this book in your hands! I promised you a peek behind the scenes of my two-year journey working on this cookbook, so here we go…

Brainstorming more than 125 recipes didn’t scare me—it excited me. And I went to work like a mad scientist for months in my kitchen to develop and test them.

Each week, I developed and tested anywhere from 5 to 10 recipes. This part took months! A team of 9 home cooks meticulously tested every single recipe to ensure they work, and are easy and delicious. Shoutout to the recipe testers who had the most important job of all—making sure you love each bite!

Once the recipes went to the testers, I began working on the manuscript. This involved writing headnotes for the recipes and adding tips, explanations, and stories. I also included helpful suggestions, such meal prep ideas and making a snack board from what you have on hand.

I was lucky to work with the most amazing team of editors, both internally and at the publishing house. Summer Miller who is the executive editor of the website was the first eyes to see the manuscript and help refine it before it went to Raquel Pelzel at the publishing house.

I know the part that excites most people, including myself, is the photography and design of the book! Photographing hundreds of recipes and lifestyle moments takes a couple of weeks. It also requires a team to bring each dish to life. I am grateful to have worked with the same talented, creative, and joyful team on both of my books. This team includes photographer, Caitlin Bensel, prop stylist Christine Keely, and food stylist M.M.McLean. Not to mention the kitchen hands that helped cook and present all the recipes for the photoshoots.

Once the recipes are written, the manuscript is drafted, and the photos are taken, designer Robert Diaz and his team at Clarkson Potter assemble the book. I, along with several editors, meticulously reviewed the complete manuscript several time. We ensure everything is perfect, dotting all the i’s and crossing all the t’s before the book finally goes to print.

You get the picture! It took about 2 years and dozens of people to create The Mediterranean Dish: Simply Dinner Cookbook. I just know you’re going to love it.

Thank You for Your Support!

Saying I am honored and grateful to have this second cookbook out in the world is an understatement. I owe a debt of gratitude to everyone who participated in making this cookbook a reality. Our goal was to make it a useful resource for you to enjoy for years to come.

But most of all, I am so grateful for YOU. The support of readers like you is why I do what I do. The stories you tell me and the encouragement you share make a world of difference. THANK YOU!

It is not lost on me that there are thousands of Mediterranean diet cookbooks out there, but you chose The Mediterranean Dish: Simply Dinner. And I am so excited to cook together from this book.

Thank you for your support. And as always, to your joy and your health!

Where to Buy this Cookbook

The Mediterranean Dish: Simply Dinner is available everywhere you buy your books. Signed copies are sold via Eagle Eye Bookshop (with international shipping). You can also find it on Amazon and other outlets.

Find the full list of retailers here, including outlets with international shipping.