Welcome

Hi, I’m Mala Barad, and if you had told my younger self that I’d one day be sharing my kitchen stories with home cooks around the world, I might have laughed—probably while licking batter off a spoon. I’m 36 now, living in a cozy corner of the U.S., where my kitchen often smells of cinnamon, roasted garlic, or something delightfully in between.

My love affair with cooking began long before I could see over the counter. It started in my grandmother’s warm, sunlit kitchen. She was a tiny woman with a powerful presence, her hands always busy—kneading dough, chopping herbs, or stirring pots that somehow felt like they’d been bubbling for centuries. I used to sit on a stool next to her, listening to stories about her own mother’s recipes, the way ingredients change with the seasons, and the importance of a pinch of salt and a whole lot of love.

She taught me that cooking isn’t about perfection—it’s about patience, curiosity, and joy. Some of my early attempts were, let’s say, memorable for the wrong reasons (burnt rice and “mystery” muffins come to mind), but she never scolded. She’d just smile and say, “Now you know how not to do it—try again.” That spirit stuck with me.

As I got older and more serious about food, I had the incredible opportunity to learn from a professional chef who took me under his wing. He introduced me to techniques I never imagined mastering—knife skills, sauce making, plating with intention. He pushed me to think like a chef, to understand the why behind the how, and to treat every ingredient with respect. It was like learning a new language, and it opened my eyes to a whole new world of possibilities.

Over the years, I’ve traveled a bit, tasted widely, and learned from some amazing people, but I’ve always returned to that same philosophy: cook with heart, and share generously. My kitchen is a place where flavors are layered, laughter is loud, and even mistakes are celebrated—often with a backup dessert.

I love helping people who are just getting started, or who want to bring a little more soul into their meals. Whether you’re figuring out how to boil an egg or looking to impress your friends with a silky risotto, I’m right here with you, apron on and wooden spoon in hand.

Let’s make something delicious together—and if we mess up a little, we’ll just call it rustic.