In The Kitchen With Francesco Mattana: On Sardinian Cooking, Blue Zone Living, and Eat Like a Sardinian

With more than 1.6 million followers across social media, Francesco Mattana has become one of the most recognizable voices in Italian cooking today. The Sardinian-born chef built a loyal global following by sharing approachable recipes rooted in authentic Italian traditions, helping home cooks feel more confident in the kitchen one pasta dish at a time.

After working in professional kitchens in Sardinia and Australia and later serving as Head Teacher Chef at Jamie Oliver's Cookery School in London, Francesco is now introducing readers to his roots with his debut cookbook, Eat Like a Sardinian. Inspired by the food culture of Sardinia, one of the world's original Blue Zones, the book celebrates seasonality, simplicity, community, and the joy of gathering around the table.

We sat down with Francesco to talk about his journey from chef and teacher to social media sensation, why he decided to write Eat Like a Sardinian, the lessons he learned growing up in Sardinia, and the cooking tips every home cook should know.

In the Kitchen with Francesco Mattana

You grew up in Sardinia, worked in professional kitchens, taught at Jamie Oliver's Cookery School, and now have millions of followers around the world. Looking back, what has surprised you most about this journey? After teaching in person for many years and then teaching people all over the world online at the Jamie Oliver Cookery School during Covid, I never expected to go on to open my own online cookery school, build such a large, loyal community or to write my first cookbook all about my very own Sardinian cuisine and become an Instant Sunday Times bestseller. It has all been a beautiful journey and incredibly exciting.

What has surprised me most is that you never know what's coming next. Working in different jobs, restaurants and cookery schools, all while travelling and living far from home, can take you in so many different directions. If you're curious and work hard, you will meet great friends and colleagues, be surrounded by amazing people and learn from them. All of this plus following your own passions can really lead to something beautiful if you truly believe in it.

It has been an incredible journey so far and even though I take life day by day, I'm very excited about the future.

What was your first viral recipe, and how did that moment change things for you? It was a simple Spaghetti al Pomodoro: spaghetti cooked with fresh, sweet summer tomatoes, garlic, basil and good olive oil — nothing else. So simple, yet incredibly delicious. It represents Italian food at its best and what it is all about: simplicity, seasonality and good-quality ingredients.

I started building my online presence in 2017, sharing dishes we used to put on as specials in the restaurant or meals I would make for the staff. In 2023, I decided to focus on growing this community full-time. So when a few videos went viral towards the end of the year, those people who saw my viral videos stayed and became followers because there was already a library of other simple, traditional and authentic Italian recipes for them to enjoy.

That recipe gave a spark to my social media and helped us build a beautiful online community. It also gave me the opportunity to show people around the world what I had been working on for many years as a chef and teacher.

These viral videos also helped us be noticed by an agency, which led to the opportunity to write a cookbook shortly after.

After years of teaching in person and online, what inspired you to finally put your philosophy and recipes into a cookbook? After many years of teaching both in person and online, the idea of writing a book had been on my mind for at least four or five years. As a chef with a passion for research and recipe writing, publishing a book is always a major goal. At a certain point, I almost felt the need to do it because people from all over the world had been asking me for years to talk more about my cuisine and my roots.

The idea to focus the cookbook on Sardinia was a shared decision with the entire team behind the project. It was one of three initial ideas, but we immediately knew it was the right one because I wanted to introduce myself to a new and existing audience by saying, "Here I am. I am an Italian chef, yes, but above all, I'm Sardinian." It felt like the perfect way to begin this journey as an author: starting from my roots and my identity.

I love seeing people cook my recipes and knowing they can bring back memories, help them in the kitchen, or support them in building an important life skill. As a teacher, I always write my recipes with readers of all levels and experience in mind, making sure they are reliable and include tips and tricks so they always work.

This book was a way to truly celebrate Sardinia, its values and ethos, and to inspire more people to cook. It is also a way to show Sardinia as truly Italian and Mediterranean, and to highlight how Italian food changes from region to region.

Do you ever feel pressure to create trend-driven content, or do you prefer staying rooted in tradition? How do you balance authenticity with the fast pace of social media? I don't feel the pressure. I simply follow my ethos and stay true to my values. I love sharing the things I enjoy cooking myself, as well as traditional and family recipes, along with the history behind the dishes. I think this in itself is quite unique and resonates with a wide variety of people.

My goal is to genuinely help people become better in the kitchen and enjoy their food more. I don't see it as a challenge, but as a way of sharing what I love, in the hope that others will love it too and learn something from it.

Things like seasonality and sustainability have always been a way of life where I come from, but these days they have become trends in themselves. What I have always done is now considered a trend, and it's great to see so many other people and businesses embracing and tapping into this too.

You often speak about the women in your family who taught you to cook. What's the most valuable lesson they passed down that you still carry with you? Simple is best. Eat with the seasons, cook with love and pay attention to the details. Make the most of what you have and get excited about what's available and in season.

These are the values the women in my family passed down to me, and they are lessons I still carry with me every day.

For readers who have never been to Sardinia, what does "eating like a Sardinian" really mean? It means eating well and eating everything, without wasting anything. It means respecting seasonality, always having good semolina bread on the table and accompanying meals with a good glass of wine.

It also means favouring simple, unprocessed foods, lots of fruit and vegetables, legumes, nuts and natural sweeteners like honey. And then treating yourself to an occasional glass of red wine and, if possible, taking a walk after meals.

It is also about history, making the most of what you have and respecting regional traditions, which can change from town to town. It is rooted in pastoral traditions, with pasta, legumes, vegetables and beans at the centre of everyday cooking.

Historically, Sardinians lived more inland to escape invaders and rarely ate seafood, instead living off products from the land and the animals they raised. Nowadays, as people live closer to the coast and there are more tourists, Sardinia has become famous for its fresh fish and seafood, and you'll find plenty of it on restaurant menus.

What are three pantry staples you think everyone should keep stocked? Tomatoes in all their different forms: tomato paste, sun-dried tomatoes, tinned plum tomatoes or fresh tomatoes when in season.

Definitely different beans and legumes.

And of course different types of flour and semolina to make a good sourdough or homemade bread and pasta.

What kitchen tool do you think every home cook should invest in? A good knife and a knife sharpener. Keep your knife sharp and take care of it. A good knife will last a long time and make you enjoy the process of cooking and preparing just as much as the result. Plus, a sharp knife is safer than a blunt one.

For someone picking up Eat Like a Sardinian for the first time, which three recipes would you recommend they make first and why?

Live to 100 Minestrone: This is a staple of Sardinian cuisine and is steeped in history. Minestrone is a big deal all over Italy, but the most famous version comes from Sardinia. For many years, this comforting and delicious dish was the main meal in Sardinian households, and our grandparents ate it almost every day. It is a simple, accessible dish packed with seasonal vegetables and legumes and a great example of why Sardinia is one of only five Blue Zones in the world.

Apple Cake: Torta di mele is a staple in many Italian households and has been one of my favourite sweet treats since childhood. It's one of my mum's recipes for special occasions and always a hit. I love its simple sweetness, soft texture and the fact that it is packed with apples. Whether enjoyed for breakfast or served as dessert, it is a guilt-free pleasure.

Pasta alla Carlofortina: This dish is full of influences from traditional tuna fishing and comes from the village of Carloforte. Traditionally, it was born from leftovers, combining pesto, tomato sauce, preserved tuna and pasta. It remains one of my favourite pasta dishes in the book.

What recipe in the book best represents who you are as a chef today and why? Spaghetti allo Zafferano,  a classic Italian plate of pasta that everyone loves but with a Sardinian touch: saffron.

It's very similar to my viral Spaghetti al Pomodoro recipe and because it's so quick and simple, it's a great way to get people into the kitchen, even when they feel shy, lack confidence or are short on time.

Many people have asked me over the years what my favourite pasta is, and the answer might surprise them. It's a simple Spaghetti al Pomodoro. This version, with the addition of saffron, adds a subtle but beautiful aroma that works perfectly with the sauce.

The quality of the ingredients is very important here. If possible, buy the best-quality extra virgin olive oil you can afford and bronze-drawn dried pasta. As this is a summer dish, make the most of tomatoes during or at the end of the season when they are at their sweetest. SHOP THE BOOK HERE

Food plays such an important role in Sardinian culture. What's one tradition around the table you'd love to see more people embrace? Don't rush when you eat. If you can, wait for each other to come back from school and work, eat together and take time around the table to share your day and reconnect. Some of the best conversations happen around the table.

Food in Sardinia is not just about what is on the plate, but about the experience of being together. I would love to see more people slow down, enjoy what they have cooked and really be present at the table.

I would also say not to serve everything on one plate. I love the way we enjoy courses so that meals last longer and you eat a variety of dishes.

The post In The Kitchen With Francesco Mattana: On Sardinian Cooking, Blue Zone Living, and Eat Like a Sardinian appeared first on The Chalkboard Mag.

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The Father’s Day Gift Guide: For the Dad Who Has Taste (and Opinions About Pizza Crust)

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Let's be honest: dads are notoriously difficult to shop for. Ask what they want and you'll usually get a shrug, a "nothing, really," or a request for more socks. But we know better. Beneath that low maintenance exterior is a man who would absolutely appreciate a 950 degree pizza oven, a robe that feels like a five star spa, or a speaker that finally does his record collection justice.

This year, we've rounded up gifts that feel thoughtful without trying too hard. A little luxury, a little practicality, and a lot of "how did you know?" Whether he's happiest behind the grill, perfecting his morning coffee ritual, or recovering from pickleball in peace, there's something here he'll actually use. Happy shopping, and happy Father's Day to all the great ones.

Father's Day Gift Guide 2026

Therabody Theragun Prime Plus

For the dad who's always nursing a sore shoulder or tight lower back, this is the upgrade he didn't know he needed. The Prime Plus combines deep percussive massage with a heated attachment, pairing warmth and percussion to help loosen stiff muscles and speed recovery. It features five speed settings, three heat levels, and a quiet anti stall motor powerful enough for even the most stubborn knots. The patented triangle grip makes it surprisingly easy to reach his own back, and it syncs with the Therabody app for guided warm up and recovery routines. Built to withstand everyday use, it's the kind of wellness tool he'll reach for night after night. SHOP HERE

Cuyana Men's Toiletry Case

A grown up grooming bag for the dad who's still tossing his toothbrush into a plastic bag. Handcrafted in Argentina from 100% pebbled leather, the Cuyana Men's Toiletry Case is equal parts handsome and practical. The spacious interior and thoughtfully designed pocket keep everything organized, while the compact silhouette slips easily into a carry on or weekender. Like all great leather goods, it only gets better with age. Expect this one to become a permanent travel companion.  SHOP HERE

Oura Ring 5

For the dad who loves a good data point (and could use a nudge toward better sleep). The newest Oura is the world's smallest smart ring, slim titanium that wears like regular jewelry, day and night. It tracks 50+ health metrics with research grade accuracy, from sleep stages to a daily Readiness Score that tells him how recovered he is. It auto detects over 40 activities, monitors heart health and stress, and even flags when he might be getting sick before symptoms hit. With six to nine days of battery and waterproofing up to 100 meters, he can wear it through showers, swims, and workouts. SHOP HERE

Bombas Men's Friday Slide

The off duty shoe he'll live in all summer. Made from lightweight, water resistant EVA, the Friday Slide feels nearly weightless while offering the kind of support Bombas is known for. The contoured footbed provides real arch support, while the textured outsole adds grip whether he's poolside, running errands, or grabbing his morning coffee. Easy, comfortable, and surprisingly versatile. SHOP HERE

Buck Mason White Field-Spec Cotton Heavy Tee

The white T-shirt, perfected. Buck Mason's Field-Spec is cut from a substantial cotton jersey that's twice the density of a standard tee, inspired by vintage military base layers and old school sportswear. It's pre-washed for a soft, lived in feel from day one, with a classic fit that hits the sweet spot between fitted and relaxed. The kind of wardrobe staple he'll keep reaching for until you get one in every single color. SHOP HERE

YETI Rambler 30 oz Tumbler With MagSlider Lid

The tumbler that works as hard as he does. Made with kitchen grade stainless steel and double wall vacuum insulation, the Rambler keeps coffee hot and iced drinks cold for hours. The MagSlider lid uses magnets for easy opening and closing, it fits neatly into most cup holders, and the whole thing is dishwasher safe. Not flashy, just incredibly useful, which is exactly why he'll love it. SHOP HERE

Ooni Koda 2 (2nd Generation) 14" Gas Powered Outdoor Pizza Oven

For the dad who takes pizza night very seriously. The Ooni Koda 2 reaches an impressive 950°F and turns out restaurant worthy pizzas in about 60 seconds. New G2 Gas Technology helps distribute heat more evenly, while a thicker stone improves heat retention between pies. At just 35 pounds, it's portable enough to move around the backyard but powerful enough to become the centerpiece of every gathering. And while pizza is the obvious star, it also handles steaks, vegetables, seafood, and more with ease. Consider adding a pizza peel to complete the setup. SHOP HERE

Flamingo Estate Summer Spicy Set

The gift for the dad whose love language is hot sauce. Flamingo Estate's Summer Spicy Trio includes smoky Salsa Macha chile crisp, sweet and savory Spicy Honey infused with Morita chiles, and bright Spicy Olive Oil layered with fruity heat. Crafted with regeneratively grown chiles, each bottle instantly upgrades everything from eggs to grilled vegetables to whatever is coming off the barbecue. As a bonus, the set includes founder Richard Christiansen's new 140 page summer recipe guide. Equal parts pantry staple and countertop decor. SHOP HERE

Marshall Stanmore III Bluetooth Home Speaker

For the dad with a soundtrack to his life and very specific opinions about how it should sound. The Stanmore III brings Marshall's iconic rock inspired design into the home, complete with signature script logo and brass control knobs. A powerful two way driver system delivers rich, room filling sound with crisp highs and satisfying bass, while Bluetooth 5.2, RCA, and 3.5mm inputs make it easy to connect everything from a phone to a turntable. It looks just as good sitting on a shelf as it sounds filling a room. SHOP HERE

Parachute Classic Turkish Cotton Robe

The closest thing to bringing a luxury hotel home. Made from 100% long staple Turkish cotton, the Parachute Classic Robe is plush, absorbent, and perfectly weighted for year round wear. With a substantial feel, roomy pockets, and a below the knee fit, it's the kind of everyday indulgence most dads would never buy for themselves. Which is exactly what makes it such a good gift. SHOP HERE

Fellow Stagg EKG Pro Electric Gooseneck Kettle

For the dad who treats coffee as both ritual and craft. The Stagg EKG Pro has become the gold standard among pour over enthusiasts thanks to its precision temperature control, elegant design, and beautifully balanced gooseneck spout. A high resolution color display, built in brew timer, scheduling feature, and 60 minute hold mode make every cup a little easier to perfect. Functional, beautiful, and guaranteed to earn a permanent spot on the counter. SHOP HERE

Ninja CREAMi Deluxe

For the dad with a sweet tooth and a competitive streak in the kitchen. The Ninja CREAMi Deluxe transforms frozen ingredients into ice cream, gelato, sorbet, frozen yogurt, milkshakes, and more with the touch of a button. The larger 24 oz containers hold 50% more than the original, while the Deluxe Creamerizer technology creates impressively smooth results in minutes. Whether he's experimenting with protein packed creations or recreating his favorite ice cream shop order, this one delivers endless entertainment. SHOP HERE

Loftie Alarm Clock

For the dad who deserves a better wake up routine. Designed to help reduce phone dependency at bedtime, the Loftie features a signature two phase alarm that eases him awake more gently than a traditional alarm. It also doubles as a sound machine with over 100 white noise, meditation, and nature sound options included, plus a Bluetooth speaker, soft nightlight, and complete blackout mode for a truly dark room. Thoughtful, practical, and surprisingly life changing for anyone trying to sleep a little better. SHOP HERE

Brightland The Mediterranean Duo

For the dad who takes his olive oil seriously (or is about to start). Brightland's Mediterranean Duo is a rare take on two of the world's most beloved snacking olives, pressed into luscious, single varietal extra virgin olive oils. The Castelvetrano EVOO, cold pressed from Sicilian Nocellara del Belice olives, is bright and peppery with notes of green olive and citrus peel. The Kalamata EVOO, from ancestral groves in the Greek Peloponnese, is lush and complex with a long, lingering finish. Best enjoyed drizzled, dipped, or sipped over everything from burrata to crusty bread. Available in limited quantities from this season's harvest, so when it's gone, it's gone.  SHOP HERE

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The Best Hair and Body Mists for Summer 2026

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If you grew up during the Victoria's Secret Love Spell era, the return of body mists probably wasn't on your 2026 bingo card.

There was a time when body spray was practically a personality trait. If you weren't carrying a bottle of Love Spell, Warm & Cozy, or Japanese Cherry Blossom in your bag, were you even participating? We sprayed them before school, after gym class, before the movies, and probably a few too many times in between.

Then perfume became the grown up choice. Body mists felt a little too youthful, a little too nostalgic, and for a while they quietly disappeared from the beauty conversation.

Until now.

Somehow, hair and body mists have staged one of the beauty world's most unexpected comebacks. Only this time around, they're far more sophisticated. The formulas are better, the fragrances are more nuanced, and many of them pull inspiration from the same scent profiles we'd happily wear in a luxury eau de parfum. Some even double as skincare or haircare, offering hydration, shine, or styling benefits alongside the fragrance.

After months of testing, these are the bottles that kept finding their way into our bags, bathrooms, and carry ons.

The Mists Worth Making Room For

PHLUR Paradise Nectar Hair & Body Mist

The name promises something tropical and sweet, but it feels far fresher and more composed. Mandarin and black currant create a juicy opening that smells more like biting into ripe fruit on a warm day than sipping a poolside cocktail. As it settles, tuberose and jasmine soften the edges without taking over, adding a subtle floral lift that stays well clear of cloying.

The dry-down is where it won us over. Woods and patchouli add just enough depth to keep it from feeling overly fruity or beachy. It holds onto that vacation feeling while staying polished enough for an ordinary weekday. If you usually gravitate toward warm weather fragrances but find most of them too sweet, this one strikes a very nice balance. SHOP HERE

Maison Louis Marie Fleur de Vanille Hair & Body Mist

If you're after that clean girl kind of scent, this is the one we kept reaching for.

Raspberry opens bright and almost jammy, then vanilla blossom and cane sugar melt in and turn the whole thing warm and comforting. A little smoked birch and oud keep it from going full candy, grounding it with a quiet woodiness that makes it feel more elevated than expected.

We also love that it's alcohol free and loaded with hydrators like hyaluronic acid, sodium PCA, and seaweed extract, so skin and hair felt soft rather than dried out every time we spritzed.

The one honest catch is longevity. It wears light and fades fairly fast, but that turned out to be half its charm. We happily reapplied throughout the day, and it layers beautifully under richer fragrances when we wanted a little more staying power. SHOP HERE

Ellis Brooklyn New Crush Perfume Mist

This is the mist we ran through quickest once temperatures started climbing.

Blood orange opens bright and sparkling, like a popsicle pulled from the freezer on a scorching afternoon. There's sweetness in the mix, but it reads as fresh squeezed juice rather than syrup. A soft floral middle keeps it smelling playful rather than overly sweet.

After such a bright opening, we assumed the citrus would dominate from start to finish. Instead, almond flan, vanilla meringue, and tonka bean slowly come forward, softening the edges and adding a gentle warmth.

It's also the one we experimented with most. Layering a spritz of Guava Granita on top made it feel riper and more tropical. SWEET pulled it toward dessert territory, while Dear Sky added a softer floral finish. Depending on what you pair it with, it can feel like several different fragrances in one bottle. SHOP HERE

OUAI Melrose Place Hair & Body Mist

There are rose fragrances, and then there are rose fragrances for people who swear they don't like rose fragrances. This falls firmly into the second category.

Lychee and berry add brightness up front, while pink pepper keeps the rose feeling light, lively, and modern. Think less vintage rose bouquet and more something you'd happily wear every day.

Mostly, it just fits into everyday life. The rose feels relaxed, never fussy, and while the fragrance never becomes overwhelming, it lasts far longer than we'd expect from a hair and body mist. We especially loved it sprayed through the hair, where traces of rose lingered well into the evening. SHOP HERE

Deborah Pagani The Vital Mist

Technically, it's a heat activated hair essence designed to prep and prime hair before styling. Realistically, it's the product we keep spraying because we can't stop smelling our own hair.

The formula helps smooth frizz, soften strands, boost shine, and create that polished, glass like finish without leaving hair stiff or heavy. Even better, it disappears into the hair rather than sitting on top of it, leaving behind movement and softness instead of that crunchy product feeling some styling products can create.

Then there's the fragrance.

Deborah Pagani's No. 1 scent is one of those fragrances that makes strangers ask what you're wearing. Saffron, pistachio, jasmine petals, condensed milk, black leather, vanilla, ambroxan, pink sugar, and cinnamon somehow come together to create something warm, addictive, and unexpectedly sophisticated. It's gourmand, but in a grown up way.

We first discovered The Vital Mist last year and immediately understood why it had developed such a loyal following. In fact, we loved it enough that we later sat down with Deborah Pagani herself to talk beauty rituals, intentional design, and creating products women actually want to use every day. If you haven't read it yet, our interview with Deborah Pagani is well worth bookmarking. (Internal link opportunity.)

For anyone who wants their hair to smell incredible long after they leave the house, this is the one. SHOP HERE

DedCool Xtra Milk Eau de Parfum

It's the only eau de parfum that made it onto this list.

We know, technically it doesn't belong here. But every time we sat down to edit this roundup, Xtra Milk somehow refused to be left out.

If you've ever gotten a compliment and immediately thought, wait, I'm not even wearing perfume, this is that kind of fragrance. White musk, amber, and bergamot come together to create something clean, soft, and familiar. Not laundry detergent clean. More like your favorite sweater, fresh sheets, and really good skin.

The scent stays close rather than filling a room, which is exactly why we like it. It never feels like you're wearing fragrance. You just smell good.

What we love most is how easy it is. There's no occasion required and no season where it feels out of place. We reach for it on work days, travel days, gym days, and days when we can't decide what to wear.

It's soft, comforting, and one of those rare fragrances that almost everyone seems to love. Even though it breaks the rules of this list, it earned its spot. SHOP HERE

Salt & Stone Neroli & Basil Body & Hair Fragrance Mist

When everything feels like a lot, this is our reset button.

Neroli and basil keep it crisp and green, with a cool herbal freshness that feels instantly grounding. It has earned a permanent spot near the door for days when we need a clean slate before heading out.

Unlike many fragrance mists, it does a little more than smell good. Glycerin and red algae help boost hydration, so skin feels refreshed rather than dry after each spritz.

It won't last all day the way a perfume would, but that's part of the appeal. This is the one we find ourselves tossing into a bag for a midday refresh. SHOP HERE

By Rosie Jane Birthday Suit Body + Hair Mist

Green apple and lemon create a bright, crisp opening that feels instantly uplifting. As it settles, cedar and musk emerge to create something clean, warm, and incredibly easy to wear.

This one became our favorite after a shower, especially on hot summer mornings when a traditional perfume felt like too much. It wears lightly on skin but lingers much longer on clothing and hair, often still noticeable the next day.

For something a little softer, we loved layering it with Rosie. The apple and lemon bring brightness up front, while Rosie's skin musk adds warmth and smooths out the edges. Together they smell effortless in the best possible way. SHOP HERE

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5 Things We Learned From Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker

A decade ago, getting less sleep was practically a badge of honor. Early flights, late nights, 5 a.m. workouts, and inboxes cleared before sunrise were all signs that you were doing something right. Today, the conversation looks very different. Sleep has become one of the most valuable currencies in wellness, and few books have shaped that shift more than Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker.

Part science book, part wake up call, Walker makes a compelling case that sleep isn't downtime. It's one of the most important biological processes in the body, influencing everything from memory and mood to metabolism, recovery, and long term health. Years after its release, the book remains one of the most influential reads in the wellness space.

Here are five lessons that stuck with us long after turning the final page.

+ You Can't Catch Up On Sleep As Easily As You Think

Many of us operate under the assumption that a few late nights can be balanced out by sleeping until noon on the weekend. According to Walker, it doesn't work quite that way.

While extra sleep can help alleviate some immediate fatigue, chronic sleep debt has a cumulative effect on the body. Missing an hour or two of sleep night after night can impair cognitive performance, mood, metabolism, and immune function in ways we often fail to notice because the decline happens gradually.

One of the more surprising insights from the book is that people who are sleep deprived often become poor judges of just how impaired they actually are. In other words, you may think you're functioning fine, even when your brain is operating well below its potential.

The takeaway isn't perfection. It's consistency. A regular sleep schedule matters more than most of us realize.

+ Sleep Is Your Brain's Most Important Performance Tool

We tend to focus on exercise when we think about improving performance, but Walker argues that sleep is every bit as important.

During sleep, the brain is far from inactive. It organizes information, consolidates memories, strengthens learning pathways, and essentially files away everything you've experienced throughout the day.

Think of sleep as the brain's nightly maintenance shift. Without it, information doesn't get properly stored, making it harder to retain new skills, recall facts, and think creatively.

This helps explain why pulling an all nighter before a presentation, exam, or major work project often backfires. The extra hours spent working may actually undermine the very cognitive abilities you're trying to optimize.

For anyone chasing peak performance, whether in business, athletics, or everyday life, sleep may be the highest return investment available.

+ Poor Sleep Impacts Nearly Every System In The Body

One of the most eye opening themes throughout Why We Sleep is just how interconnected sleep is with overall health.

Walker outlines research linking insufficient sleep to challenges in areas including immune function, blood sugar regulation, hormone balance, cardiovascular health, weight management, and mental wellbeing.

The relationship works both ways. Poor health can disrupt sleep, but poor sleep can also contribute to health issues over time.

Perhaps most importantly, sleep isn't simply about feeling rested the next day. It's a long term investment in how the body repairs, restores, and regulates itself.

In a wellness culture that often focuses on supplements, biohacks, and complicated routines, Walker's research serves as a reminder that one of the most powerful health interventions is also one of the most accessible.

+ Dreaming May Be Doing More For You Than You Realize

Most of us think of dreams as random stories our brains create while we're asleep. Walker suggests they may serve a much bigger purpose.

A significant portion of dreaming occurs during REM sleep, a stage associated with emotional processing, creativity, and problem solving. According to the research highlighted in the book, REM sleep appears to help the brain process emotional experiences in a way that reduces their intensity while preserving the memory itself.

In simple terms, sleep may help us gain perspective.

Walker also explores how REM sleep contributes to creative insight. Some of history's most famous inventions, artistic breakthroughs, and scientific discoveries have reportedly emerged after periods of sleep.

The phrase "sleep on it" turns out to be surprisingly scientific advice.

+ Sleep Is One Of The Strongest Predictors Of Healthy Aging

Longevity conversations often focus on nutrition, exercise, and emerging wellness technologies. Walker argues that sleep deserves an equally prominent place in that discussion.

Throughout the book, he presents evidence suggesting that sleep influences many of the biological processes associated with aging. Consistently poor sleep has been linked to increased inflammation, reduced cognitive function, and a greater risk of age related decline.

What makes this particularly compelling is that sleep is something most of us can improve without adding another expensive wellness habit to our routine.

The goal isn't necessarily to achieve perfect sleep every night. Rather, it's to recognize that the hours spent sleeping are not time lost. They're an active investment in future health, resilience, and quality of life.

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Why Most Shampoo Is Over 70% Water And Why Beauty Brands Are Rethinking It

Take a look at the ingredient list on most shampoos and you'll find one ingredient sitting at the very top: water. In fact, many traditional haircare formulas are made up largely of water, something most consumers never think twice about. But as conversations around formulation, ingredient quality, sustainability, and scalp health continue to evolve, more people are starting to ask an interesting question: does haircare really need that much water in the first place?

The answer is more nuanced than you might think. While water has long played an important role in traditional formulas, a growing number of brands are exploring concentrated alternatives that challenge conventional thinking about what effective haircare should look like.

To better understand the science behind water based formulas, concentrated haircare, and the growing connection between scalp and hair health, we spoke with Everist founders Jayme Jenkins and Jessica Stevenson, two beauty industry veterans helping push the conversation forward.

In Conversation with Jayme and Jessica

Many traditional liquid shampoos are made up largely of water, often somewhere between 70% and 90% depending on the formula. From a formulation standpoint, why has water historically been used so heavily in traditional shampoo products? Well, it’s inexpensive. But beyond that it does act as a solvent to help dissolve actives, making the products easier to manufacture, and it also helps create the liquid texture that people expect. It’s not inherently bad, of course, but we believe that you can have a bigger impact on hair and scalp health + avoid shipping water around the world with concentrates. 

One of the most interesting things about Everist is that removing water wasn’t just about sustainability. It also changed the entire formulation philosophy. Can you talk about how concentrating the formulas allowed you to rethink performance, ingredients, and scalp health? Yes - we went through a long innovation journey with Everist. We wanted to do concentrated products with less impact on people and planet, but we also knew they needed to be easy to use, gentle and high performance. After much exploration, what we ended up doing was taking the concentrated actives - cleansers, bond-builders, etc - and instead of leaving them in a solid form (like a shampoo bar) or dissolving them in a big bottle of water, we mixed them into humectants (natural moisturizers like glycerin and aloe vera) to make the formula a cream. This allowed us to create this unique delivery system that ‘buffered’ the cleansers, making them ultra gentle while also bringing extra hydration to hair and scalp.  SHOP EVERIST HERE

Waterless beauty has become a much larger conversation in recent years, but Everist entered the category very early. When you were first introducing concentrated haircare to consumers, what did you realize people fundamentally misunderstood about traditional shampoo formulas, sustainability, or even what “performance” in haircare actually means? I don’t think there was a lot of awareness when we started of how much water is in traditional beauty products. I still don’t think there is. And often what customers think is ‘performance’ in traditional haircare is more of a cosmetic approach - silicones coating the hair and giving the appearance of shine, etc, but these can build up over time. At Everist, we take more of a skincare or wellness approach to hair and scalp care - hybrid formulas that are focused on hair and scalp hydration and improving the look, feel and health over time. 

Did removing water from the formulas actually unlock opportunities to create products that performed differently or better compared to more traditional shampoos? Were there certain ingredients, technologies, or formulation approaches that became more effective specifically because the formulas were waterless and concentrated? Yes, absolutely - our formulas are 50% moisturizers. Glycerin, which is the most powerful humectant and the workhorse in most skincare formulas - is what makes them ‘wet’ instead of water. This allows our cream concentrates to manage moisture differently in the hair and scalp vs traditional water-based haircare where the feeling of ‘hydration’ is often just a coating on the hair. One of our most interesting clinical studies showed that Everist concentrates helped hold most moisture in the scalp vs traditional water-based shampoo and conditioner, resulting in less transepidermal water loss and less disruption to the scalp microbiome. 

Everist products are often described as “haircare meets skincare.” What are some of the hero ingredients or actives inside the formulas that really define that philosophy?It’s our ‘skincare base’ - more than 50% of our cream concentrate formula is glycerin and organic aloe vera (natural humectants that help hold moisture). Compare that with a traditional water-based shampoo ‘with glycerin’ that has maybe 1% glycerin in the formulation vs our 35%. 

The new serum, EverBoost™ combines a patented tri-peptide complex with postbiotics and caffeine. What role does each of those ingredients play within the formula, and why did you feel that combination was important specifically for scalp health and hair density? Peptides are very trendy right now, but our Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, has significant data behind it to support healthy hair growth in addition to caffeine which is a well-known DHT-blocker. The most interesting thing about EverBoost is that it’s also a concentrate, made in a fragrance-free aloe vera base to soothe, hydrate and reduce inflammation of the scalp in addition to delivering these concentrated active ingredients. The health of the scalp has a major role to play in hair quality. SHOP EVERBOOST HERE

Sustainability conversations in beauty often focus heavily on packaging because it’s easy to see and understand. What do you think consumers still aren’t fully seeing or understanding when it comes to the relationship between formulation, manufacturing, shipping, and environmental impact? Sustainability is so complex and has so many different layers. In addition to packaging, reducing the carbon impact of shipping heavy, water-filled formulas was part of the genesis of Everist. Our concentrates have a 77% smaller carbon impact and 64% smaller waste-impact than traditional water-based haircare in a plastic bottle. But beyond that, there’s ingredients (both sourcing and biodegradability), there’s manufacturing (the human impact and the waste impact) there’s lifecycle... We try to really think about these things 360 and it’s much easier to do in a company that was built with these values vs. trying to layer them on later. 

You both worked inside traditional beauty before building Everist. Were there industry norms or product conventions that started feeling increasingly outdated to you both personally? I think what really led to the creation of Everist was just the speed of change in these large organizations. It’s hard to really be experimental and think outside the box in those types of environments. We saw the world changing and the needs of the customer changing and we wanted to action it. We were ahead of the curve - and still are - but the world is catching up. 

Looking ahead, what conversations around formulation, sustainability, or scalp health do you hope become much more mainstream in beauty over the next few years? I think the connection between beauty and wellness (both for people and planet) will only grow stronger. What’s better for the planet is very often better for us as well. And what’s better for us leads to longevity, vitality and most importantly, results that get even better over time. 

Explore the whole routine here. 

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The 80/20 Guide to Living Less Toxic Without Becoming Obsessed

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Somewhere along the way, clean living went from a handful of healthy habits to what can feel like an endless checklist.

One expert tells you to filter your water. Another says to replace your cookware. Then there's the conversation around air quality, plastics, fragrances, cleaning products, and ingredients you've never heard of before. While much of the information is valuable, trying to optimize every corner of your life can quickly become overwhelming.

The good news is that most experts agree you don't need a perfectly toxin free lifestyle to support your health. In fact, focusing on a few high impact areas often delivers far greater benefits than obsessing over every product you bring into your home.

That's where the 80/20 approach comes in. Rather than attempting a complete lifestyle overhaul, it's about identifying the changes that can make the biggest difference in your daily environment and letting go of the pressure to do everything perfectly. Because wellness should help reduce stress, not create more of it.

Focus on What You Use Every Single Day

One of the simplest ways to approach clean living is to stop worrying about occasional exposures and start paying attention to the things you interact with every day.

The water you drink. The air you breathe. The products you clean your home with. The cookware you use to prepare meals. These daily touchpoints tend to have a much bigger impact over time than the occasional takeout container or vacation indulgence.

Instead of replacing everything overnight, consider making upgrades as products naturally need replacing. It's easier on your budget, more sustainable, and far more realistic to maintain.

Start With Water

If there's one place many wellness professionals suggest beginning, it's water.

After all, it's something most of us consume throughout the day, every day. While no filtration system is perfect, improving the quality of your drinking water can be one of the simplest foundational changes you make.

One system we've been using and genuinely enjoying is the Boroux water filter. The stainless steel gravity fed system has developed a strong following among wellness minded households thanks to its large capacity, minimal plastic contact, and extensive third party testing. Boroux's Foundation filters are certified to NSF/ANSI standards and independently tested for contaminants including chlorine, lead, microplastics, PFAS, and other common impurities while retaining beneficial minerals.

What we appreciate most is that it doesn't require installation, plumbing modifications, or a complete kitchen renovation. It simply sits on the counter and quietly becomes part of your daily routine.

If you're someone who prefers bottled water, that's okay too. The goal isn't perfection. It's making more intentional choices where you can. Looner Water has become one of our favorite options thanks to its mountain sourced water and infinitely recyclable aluminum bottles, offering an alternative to traditional plastic bottled water. It's the kind of product that fits naturally into everyday life, whether you're stocking the fridge, heading out for the day, or hosting friends at home. PS. They have sparkling water too.

In many ways, that's the sweet spot of the 80/20 philosophy: finding solutions that make healthy choices easier without adding unnecessary complexity.

Look at Your Kitchen Through a Different Lens

When people think about creating a healthier home, they often focus on what they're eating. Just as important, however, is how they're preparing it.

The good news is that you don't need to throw away every pan you own. A more practical approach is replacing cookware as pieces naturally wear out or need upgrading.

That's one reason brands like Caraway have become so popular in recent years. Their ceramic coated cookware is made without PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium, offering an alternative to traditional nonstick options. Recently, the brand expanded its core collection with a new 12" Fry Pan and 3 qt Sauté Pan designed to fill the gap between smaller everyday pans and larger cookware pieces, making them particularly useful for the kind of meals most people cook throughout the week.

That said, the biggest win isn't necessarily the cookware itself. It's cooking at home more often. The healthiest kitchens tend to be the ones that are actually being used, whether you're making a simple weeknight dinner or reheating leftovers for lunch the next day.

Small shifts can also make a difference. Swapping plastic food storage containers for glass, using reusable food storage bags when possible, and planning meals in advance can help reduce waste while making healthy eating feel more attainable during a busy week.

Don't Overlook What You're Cleaning With

Most of us spend far more time thinking about what goes into our bodies than what we're spraying around our homes.

Cleaning products are one of the most frequently used categories in any household, yet they're often overlooked in conversations around wellness. Fortunately, this is also one of the easiest areas to simplify.

We've long been fans of Koala Eco, a brand that creates plant based cleaning products made with naturally derived ingredients and essential oils. Their products manage to feel elevated enough to leave out on the countertop while still doing what cleaning products are supposed to do: clean effectively.

More importantly, they represent a broader shift toward being intentional about the products we use every day rather than reserving wellness for supplements and skincare alone. The best sustainable swaps are often the ones that seamlessly fit into routines you already have.

The Wellness Essential Nobody Talks About Enough

For all the conversations around nutrition and supplements, indoor air quality remains one of the most overlooked aspects of a healthy home.

Most of us spend the majority of our lives indoors. We sleep indoors. We work indoors. We exercise indoors. Yet many people rarely think about the quality of the air they're breathing throughout the day.

Sometimes the answer is surprisingly simple. Opening windows, improving ventilation, and bringing fresh air into your space can make a noticeable difference.

For those looking to go a step further, we've tested the Rabbit Air MinusA2 Ultra Quiet Air Purifier and the Blueair Blue Air Purifier and have been impressed by how seamlessly they fit into everyday life. Unlike many air purifiers that feel bulky or disruptive, they are remarkably quiet, thoughtfully designed, and easy to live with. The multi stage filtration system helps capture airborne particles, allergens, and pollutants, making it a worthwhile addition for anyone looking to create a healthier indoor environment.

As with most things in wellness, consistency matters more than perfection. The best products are often the ones you'll actually use every day.

The Most Important Rule: Don't Let Wellness Become Another Source of Stress

Perhaps the most important part of clean living has nothing to do with products at all.

It's recognizing that health is built on patterns, not perfection.

A dinner out isn't going to derail your well being. Neither is a coffee in a plastic cup, a vacation, or the occasional convenience purchase. The people who tend to maintain healthy habits long term aren't usually the ones chasing every trend. They're the ones who focus on the fundamentals and make thoughtful choices most of the time.

That's what the 80/20 approach is really about. Not fear. Not perfection. Not obsessing over every ingredient label or household item.

Just focusing on the handful of habits that move the needle most and giving yourself permission to let the rest go.

Because the goal of clean living isn't to create a perfect environment. It's to create a healthier one that still feels enjoyable to live in.

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In Conversation: Why XERF Is the Hottest Skin Tightening Treatment Right Now

If you've spent any time on beauty TikTok, Instagram, or in the waiting room of a med spa lately, chances are you've heard someone mention XERF. The Korean born radiofrequency treatment has quickly become one of the most talked about procedures in aesthetics, generating buzz for its ability to lift, tighten, and stimulate collagen with little to no downtime.

To learn more about what makes the treatment different, who it's best suited for, and whether it lives up to the hype, we spoke with the founders of Skin Select in Los Angeles. Co founders Jinli Wu, PA-C and Tiffany Wang, PA-C bring extensive experience in dermatology, facial plastic surgery, injectables, lasers, and advanced aesthetic treatments. Known for their natural looking results and thoughtful approach to patient care, they're often among the first to evaluate emerging technologies and determine which ones truly deliver for patients.

In Conversation with Jinli Wu, PA-C and Tiffany Wang, PA-C 

Before we dive into XERF, tell us a little about your backgrounds and how the two of you ultimately came together to launch Skin Select? We’re dermatology and plastic surgery trained physician assistants with a focus on facial balancing, lasers, and overall skin health. Our approach has always been centered around natural results that help patients feel confident and still look like themselves.

We actually became best friends while working together in dermatology and quickly realized we shared the same passion for aesthetics and patient care. That ultimately led us to create a space where patients could receive both high-quality treatments and a true concierge experience. We wanted to build an environment where we could spend more time with our patients, educate them thoroughly, and provide thoughtful, personalized care instead of a rushed experience.

You’ve both been trained across dermatology, facial plastic surgery, and medical aesthetics. How has that combination shaped the way you approach beauty and patient care today? Our medical training gave us a strong understanding of both the skin and facial anatomy, which is extremely important when it comes to patient safety. It also taught us to look at the face as a whole instead of focusing on just one feature or concern, allowing us to create more balanced and natural-looking results

A lot of patients today are looking for results that feel natural, refined, and still very much like themselves. How would you describe the overall aesthetic philosophy behind Skin Select? The philosophy behind Skin Select MedSpa is that aesthetic treatments should enhance, not erase, what makes each person unique. Our approach is rooted in natural results, individualized care, cutting-edge technology, scientific expertise, and long-term skin health. We focus on helping patients feel confident, refreshed, and empowered through honest guidance, safe treatments, and a personalized approach to beauty and wellness.

XERF originated in Korea, where aesthetic innovation tends to move incredibly fast. What stood out to you about the technology when you first encountered it? From your perspective, what’s driving the sudden surge in interest? What immediately stood out to us about XERF was how well it combined innovation, comfort, and results. We personally test every device before bringing it into our clinic, and XERF impressed us because patients can often see a noticeable lifting and tightening effect with little to no pain and virtually no downtime.

Skin tightening treatments are in especially high demand right now because patients want results that feel effective but still fit into their lifestyle. We believe the growing interest in XERF reflects a larger shift toward treatments that support long-term skin health, collagen stimulation, and natural-looking rejuvenation rather than dramatic or overdone results

For someone hearing about XERF for the first time, how would you explain what it is and what makes it stand apart from other popular skin tightening treatments like Sofwave, Thermage, Ultherapy, and Morpheus8? XERF is a non-invasive radiofrequency skin tightening treatment designed to firm, lift, and improve skin quality by stimulating your body’s natural collagen and elastin production without surgery or needles. What makes it unique is that it targets both superficial and deeper tissue layers, which helps support and anchor the face beneath the skin. Compared to other skin tightening lasers and devices, XERF is comfortable, has essentially no downtime, is safe for all skin types, and tightens the skin without melting facial fat. 

What is happening beneath the skin during a XERF treatment that leads to lifting, tightening, and collagen stimulation over time? What makes XERF so effective is that it heats the deeper layers of tissue while keeping the surface of the skin protected and comfortable. Beneath the skin, the heat causes existing collagen fibers to contract, which can create an early tightening effect, while also stimulating fibroblasts — the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin. Over the next few months, the body continues building new collagen and supportive tissue, which helps improve firmness and lift. That’s why results continue to gradually improve for about 2–6 months after treatment.

Who is the ideal candidate for XERF right now? Are you seeing younger patients become interested in treatments like this as more of a preventative approach? The ideal XERF candidate is someone starting to notice mild to moderate skin laxity who wants tightening and lifting without surgery or significant downtime. Common concerns include jawline definition, jowls, lower face heaviness, under-chin laxity, crepey skin, and early loss of firmness or elasticity.

In Korea, treatments like XERF are often done more preventatively rather than reactively. Many patients start collagen-stimulating treatments earlier, sometimes in their late 20s or 30s, to help maintain skin firmness and slow visible aging before significant laxity develops.

What areas of the face or body tend to respond best to XERF? The areas that tend to respond best to XERF are the jawline, jowls, under the chin, lower cheeks, and neck, where patients often notice firmer skin, better definition, and a more lifted appearance over time. It can also improve crepey skin texture, overall skin quality, and mild brow lifting.

On the body, common treatment areas include the abdomen, upper arms, inner thighs, above the knees, and bra-line area. Results are typically best in patients with mild to moderate skin laxity and good underlying skin quality.

One of the biggest concerns people always have with med spa treatments is downtime. XERF is known for having little to no downtime, but what can someone realistically expect right after treatment and how long does it usually take to start seeing results? One of the biggest reasons patients love XERF is because it gives tightening and collagen-stimulating results without the downtime that comes with more aggressive treatments. After treatment, some patients may have some mild redness or warmth that usually goes away within a few hours. Some people notice a subtle tightening effect early on, but the more noticeable lifting and firming happens gradually over the next 2–3 months as collagen continues to build. Results can keep improving for up to 6 months after treatment.

Is XERF more of a one time treatment or something people maintain over time? XERF is best thought of as a collagen maintenance and remodeling treatment rather than a permanent one-time fix. XERF helps stimulate your body’s own collagen production, but we continue losing collagen as we age. Maintenance treatments help support and preserve those results over time

Does it matter who performs a treatment like XERF, or is the technology itself doing most of the work? What should people look for when choosing a provider for RF based treatments? The technology matters, but the person performing the treatment matters just as much. Devices like XERF are powerful tools, but good results really come down to the provider’s experience, understanding of facial anatomy, and ability to customize the treatment safely for each patient. Patients should look for a provider with experience using energy-based devices, a focus on natural-looking results, and a personalized approach. It’s also important to choose a clinic that prioritizes patient safety, education, and honest consultations about what treatments are truly appropriate for you.

If someone is curious about XERF but overwhelmed by all the information online, what’s the one thing you’d want them to understand before booking a treatment? The best thing you can do is schedule a consultation with an experienced XERF provider to discuss your anatomy, concerns, and goals. A good provider will help determine whether XERF is actually the right fit for you and create a treatment plan that’s personalized specifically to your needs.

To learn more about XERF or connect with the team at Skin Select, visit https://ift.tt/MboV2fd or schedule a consultation.

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How to Cook Better at Home, According to James Beard Winning Chef J. Kenji López-Alt

Some of the links in this story are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you choose to purchase—helping us continue to share mindful, inspiring content.

Few people have taught more home cooks how to make dinner with confidence than J. Kenji López Alt.The James Beard Award winning chef, bestselling author, and food science enthusiast has spent years helping people cook smarter, stress less, and have a little more fun in the kitchen.

We caught up with Kenji to talk about the habits that make someone a better home cook, the kitchen tools he can't live without, and why making mistakes might actually be the secret ingredient to getting better in the kitchen.

In Conversation with Kenji

You’ve spent years teaching people how to cook better at home. What are the simple techniques you think instantly make someone a better home cook? More than any specific technique, I think the best way to become a better cook is to realize that cooking is a lifelong skill that you’ll continue to refine and get better at, while making plenty of mistakes along the way. I make mistakes at home, especially when I’m trying out a new idea, but the great thing about mistakes you make in the kitchen is that you get another chance to learn from that mistake, refine your process, and make it better the next time around. I think if you can find joy in that process, you’ve started down a successful path towards more joyful cooking.

If someone wants to become a better home cook this year, what are the first three things you’d recommend focusing on? First, try and go deep on a single subject that fascinates you. It could be a specific dish and all its variations, or a cuisine, or a culture. Just read, learn about the cuisine or the dish, then start cooking and get really good at that thing.

From there, you can start to draw connections between techniques or flavors you used in that dish and how they may be analogous to something in a new dish you’re trying to learn. Finding these connections and figuring out where skills or concepts can overlap goes a really long way to making me feel more comfortable and fluid in the kitchen.

Speaking of fluid in the kitchen, the last thing I’d recommend is to focus on your kitchen itself. Do you move through it in a way that feels natural? Do you find yourself getting frustrated by the placement of various tools? Do you find joy and pleasure using the tools that you own? Is your kitchen a calming or a frantic space?

I think really taking some time to make sure your kitchen feels comfortable and suited for your specific needs can make cooking so much more joyful and calming. If you make the kitchen into a place you want to be, you’ll naturally spend more time there.

What are the kitchen tools you genuinely think are worth owning and using regularly? Well aside from the obvious great knife and cutting board, I have a few things I can’t do without.

A bench scraper. Such a simple and useful tool. I use it for moving things around my cutting board, or for picking up a big pile of diced onions, or to clear a space to work, or to scrape my griddle clean, or to divide dough. I use OXO’s bench scraper, which also has a built-in ruler along the blade which has come in handy at times I least expected.

What spices or seasonings do you think every home cook should own? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer for this. The only ones that I’d say are essential are salt (I use kosher salt for cooking and various chunky sea salts for finishing), and maaaaaybe MSG. Sugar, if you count it. But for everything else, it really depends on what you’re into and what kind of cuisines you want to explore.

In my pantry, the most commonly used spices are cumin, various chilies, star anise, black and white pepper, sichuan peppercorns, fennel, sumac, sesame seeds, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Can you guess what kinds of foods I like to cook at home based on that list?

The most important thing is that unless you’re going to go through a batch within 6 months or so, it is virtually always better to buy whole spices and grind them just before use. It’s a night and day difference in flavor.

What are your best tips for making vegetables taste genuinely exciting at home? Get good vegetables! I know that it’s not always practical to shop locally at a farmstand or farmer’s market, but as much as you are able to, eat vegetables that are seasonal and local to you. Part of it is that they’ll simply taste better. But I also find that by cooking that way, we really mark the seasons and have the next thing to look forward to. I love that I’d rather eat incredible asparagus for two months of the year than mediocre asparagus year-round.

You recently collaborated with Our Place on a collection and designed their rice cooker. You’ve described this as the “grain cooker” you always wanted but couldn’t find. What specifically felt missing from most rice cookers on the market? It’s not so much that there was anything missing from other cookers, but what I really wanted was just the right balance of all the features I look for in a grain cooker, with an aesthetic that fits my kitchen. Having a fuzzy logic chip that dynamically adjusts cooking temperature results in perfectly cooked rice every time. I wanted a cooker that has tactile buttons and a simple interface. I wanted a cooker that was exactly the right size for my family (and we did the market research to find that it’s the right size for most families). I wanted a cooker that could keep my rice (and other foods) safely warm for a full day so it’s hot and ready when we’re ready to eat. I wanted a rice cooker that is easy to clean with no forever chemicals. I also wanted something aesthetically pleasing. I spend a lot of time in my kitchen, and I like it to look nice while I work.

SHOP THE OUR PLACE RICE COOKER HERE

For a lot of Asian families, rice cookers have always just been part of everyday life, while many American households are only now starting to embrace them more. Why do you think people are finally catching on? Once you get in the habit of using a rice cooker and start noticing its convenience, it’s just a natural tool for anyone who regularly cooks rice or grains. I’m sure a lot of rice’s current popularity has to do with better understanding of Celiac and gluten intolerances. It only makes sense that as more folks eat rice at home, more folks will want a rice cooker.

You prioritized a ceramic nonstick inner pot made without PFAS and other forever chemicals. Why do you think it’s important for people to pay closer attention to the materials their food comes into contact with every day? People think a lot about ingredients, but cookware is part of the cooking environment too. I’m not interested in fearmongering, but if we can make products that perform well while avoiding materials people have concerns about, that feels like the right direction to head. Good cooking tools should inspire confidence and be pleasant to use every day.

You included fuzzy logic technology in the cooker, which sounds very technical, but what does that actually change for someone using it at home? Fuzzy logic basically lets the cooker behave more like a good cook than a simple on/off machine. Instead of blasting heat until the water is gone, it continuously adjusts temperature throughout the cooking process. That means more evenly cooked rice, better texture, and more consistency with no extra effort from the user.

What are some of your favorite things to make in the Our Place rice cooker besides rice? I recently made a caramel apple bread pudding that was excellent. I cooked diced apples with butter, brown sugar, and a few spices directly in the cooker until they were lightly caramelized, then topped them with stale croissant chunks soaked in a rich custard. I cooked the whole thing for 30 minutes, then let it stay warm until dinnertime. It was the most tender bread pudding I’d ever made. SHOP THE OUR PLACE RICE COOKER HERE

What’s one cooking shortcut you fully support and use yourself all the time? Ordering in an emergency pizza.

What’s your personal definition of “good” home cooking now? Good home cooking is cooking that fits into your real life and brings people joy. Sometimes that’s an elaborate weekend project, and sometimes it’s rice, eggs, and leftovers eaten at the kitchen counter. If it nourishes people and makes your life and their lives better, it counts.

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