Article by Athena Calderone, translated by Nossa!
What first sparked your love of food and cooking?
Growing up in Southern California has so much to do with it. In the garden, we had a lemon tree and a fig tree. I love gardening and growing my own vegetables.
This philosophy of culture and home cooking has been rooted in me since I was very young.
I also grew up on the set of the television show “Married with Children,” where my father was the lighting director. I helped prepare and deliver the crew meals. I noticed how much food could make people happy. It was wonderful, and it definitely shaped my love of cooking and sharing.
How has your California upbringing influenced the way you eat?
Fresh, fresh, fresh. We’re so spoiled here with all our resources, and my love of simple things and home-cooked meals is completely tied to that. And the diet also tends to be healthier: acai bowls, green juices, salads, perfect sushi, grilled fish tacos... It’s everything that makes me think of home.
Something you secretly love to eat?
I love fries, but there’s no shame in that. But you know what I really loooooove? Macaroni and cheese.
I buy Annie’s, then add frozen peas. It’s such a comforting dish!
I used to cook them when I was babysitting. I would eat them with the kids and feel a little like a child myself.
I’m not opposed to eating pommes dauphines either. With ketchup and sriracha.
What's your breakfast routine?
Acai bowl, detox juice… If I'm at a hotel, I often order poached eggs and avocado toast.
You'd be lost in your kitchen without…
My Vitamix and my Japanese knife.
What's your go-to recipe that you could make with your eyes closed?
Cacio e pepe pasta (pasta with a cheese-and-pepper sauce)… So easy.
5 ingredients you can't live without?
Maldon sea salt, Terroni pickled peppers, almond milk, Meyer lemons, and olive oil.
Your latest unusual culinary experience?
Go sea urchin fishing in Jamaica and enjoy them fresh, straight from the ocean.
How do you feel when you cook or eat?
Loved and lucky.
What would be on the menu for your ultimate “Food Day”? And who would you spend it with?
Breakfast with blueberry Johnny Cakes (cornmeal pancakes), extra-crispy bacon, and maple syrup.
For lunch, a fish-albarino taco (Spanish wine) cooked on the grill. And dinner would be a sirloin steak with sautéed broccoli (or a bowl of cavatelli pasta).
And as for the “with whom,” they know who they are…
The acai bowl by Meghan Markle
Blend 100 g of frozen acai pulp with 75 ml of almond milk, ½ banana, and a handful of frozen berries.
Pour into a bowl and top with coconut flakes, fresh berries, banana slices, a drizzle of manuka honey, and pollen, then enjoy immediately.
Meghan's tip for a smooth, fresh acai bowl that stays fresh longer: First place your bowl in the freezer, then serve the acai in it.
