Hi Friend,

This week, I want to take you back on a little trip to the early days of In My Kitchen.

A Look Back: Melissa Fiorucci’s Umbrian Recipes

Some of you may remember Melissa Fiorucci, one of our original hosts, Melissa’s culinary experiences left a lasting impression—full of laughter and often times Lambrusco, and Umbrian flavors that are not complicated and unbelievably delicious.

Melissa used to share her family recipes for ricotta gnocchi with tomato sauce and her signature Umbrian chicken. These dishes were stories—about heritage, about her Nonna, tradition, and the way food can carry you to another place entirely. These recipes are all available just for this community under Melissa’s “Umbrian Feast” on our recipes page Down below you can listen to my podcast chat with Melissa, one of our very first podcast episodes.

Behind The Scenes: Travel Journal Update

Many of you have been asking about the In My Kitchen Travel Journal, and I love bringing you along in the creative process. Right now, we’re finalizing the design details—introductory pages, recipe card templates, and reflection prompts—all with the intention of making the journal a meaningful travel companion.

I am currently planning a trip to the Galapagos islands with my younger son. It was my dream trip as I child and was able to go there in 2002. I find myself wishing that I had spent the time to fill out a journal with the intention of capturing my favourites moments and tastes and “feels” of my trip back in 2002. It would be wonderful to reflect on the two experiences and how they are the same and different….even my own growth (or lack thereof ☺️ )

Yes, I did have a journal…but quite frankly it was more about my inner feeling about life at that time, and my dreams for my future. Inspired by the environment to write, but I forgot to capture and savour where I was in the present. I can’t wait to use the IMK Travel Journal on this trip!

I could use your help in a part of the design piece:

Get to know the person behind the recipe: Melissa Fiorucci

When you are making Melissa’s Ricotta Gnocchi, hit play on the podcast episode below…it is pretty special. FYI, this is not a new episode.

Paula’s Zucchini Bisque (Inspired by Digby Law)

To round out this week’s newsletter, I’m sharing a recipe inspired by one of my favorite New Zealand cookbooks: Digby Law’s Soup Book. This Zucchini Bisque is simple, nourishing, and the perfect way to make the most of late-summer zucchini.

Help Us Grow!

How you can help our community: please share the podcasts, this newsletter or just the link exploreinmykitchen.com it is free to join, people just need to subscribe with their email address.

Happy Cooking, Happy Travels