Born in a small fishing village in Lebanon, Edy Massih grew up eating and cooking alongside his Teitas (grandmothers), Odette and Jacquo, who taught him the secrets to preparing delicious Lebanese food, including how to roll labneh balls and bind homemade kibbeh by hand. When Edy moved to the United States with his family at age ten, cooking soon became his solace, and from eighteen onward, Edy steadily built his career as a chef and caterer, specializing in these dishes and many others from his native land. Then Covid-19 struck, and Edy’s dreams, like those of many other culinary professionals, were nearly derailed by the pandemic. But when his adopted Teita Maria decided to retire ownership of her beloved neighborhood deli, Edy knew what he had to do. In only a few short months, the new sign, Edy’s Grocer, went up, and the Lemony Corner of Brooklyn was born. In Keep It Zesty, Edy shares his personal story as well as more than 115 easy-to-follow recipes for some of his favorite dishes–traditional Lebanese fare with a modern twist. Infused with the zest and positivity he brings to everyday life, Keep It Zesty offers everything adventurous home cooks need to whip up delicious weeknight meals and entertain friends. Edy shows you how to build your own Brown Paper Board (the supersize charcuterie board of your dreams), alongside recipes for mouthwatering starters such as Orangey Date Carrot Dip and Spicy Fig Jam; showstopping breakfasts such as Rosewater Raspberry Dutch Baby and Tomato Halloumi Skillet; Za’atar Chicken Thighs and Everything Sumac Salmon with Sweetie Tahini Eggplant; Pistachio-Crusted Lamb Chops and Shawarma Chicken Taco Night to wow even the most demanding guests; and sweets and drinks, from Pistachio Halva Rice Krispies to Jallab Rosey Iced Tea. Plus, you’ll find easy tips and tricks from a one-man catering (and grocer-owning) powerhouse. In addition to his amazing dishes, Edy includes helpful recipe charts for easy customization–accompanied by odes to Middle Eastern pantry staples, more than 100 truly stunning photographs of food and lovingly preserved family pictures, and heartwarming essays dedicated to the women who shaped him along the way. Delightful, accessible, bursting with flavor, and full of the joy of life, this rich cookbook introduces a rising young culinary star and inspires home cooks everywhere to keep it zesty!
