top of page
Everything good, mostly food.
Welcome to The Balanced Foods Blog! I started this blog as a new mom navigating big life and body changes I didn’t expect. What began as a personal outlet has grown into a food and nutrition blog focused on balance, realistic wellness, and feeling good from the inside out. Here you’ll find simple recipes, practical nutrition tips, and honest conversations about nourishing your body through every season. Follow along and let’s keep food balanced, supportive, and real.
Home: Welcome
Search
Soft & Fluffy Sourdough Sandwich Bread (No Scale Required!)
If you’ve ever felt intimidated by sourdough because every recipe demands a kitchen scale and precise gram measurements, this recipe is for you. This easy sourdough sandwich bread is made entirely with measuring cups and spoons — no scale required. Yes, it’s an unpopular opinion in the sourdough world… but it works beautifully. You still get: A soft, fluffy crumb Light sourdough flavor Perfect sandwich slices Reliable results And you don’t need a single gram measurement. Why
marinashaker
Feb 182 min read
Classic Tiramisu Recipe (Easier Than You Think)
Tiramisu has a reputation for being one of those “fancy” desserts — the kind you order at restaurants but never attempt at home. But the truth? Tiramisu is surprisingly simple to make. There’s no baking, no complicated techniques, and no special equipment required. The hardest part of making tiramisu isn’t the mixing or layering, it’s waiting for it to chill in the fridge. This classic tiramisu recipe is rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced with coffee and cocoa. Once you rea
marinashaker
Jan 292 min read
Easy French Dip Sandwich Recipe (Classic, Hearty & Flavor-Packed)
There’s something deeply comforting about a classic French dip sandwich. From the tender, slow-simmered beef to the crusty baguette and melty cheese, every bite feels warm, satisfying, and nostalgic. And of course, no French dip is complete without a rich, savory au jus on the side for dunking. This homemade French dip sandwich recipe is made with simple, wholesome ingredients and delivers bold, restaurant-quality flavor without being complicated. It’s the perfect choice for
marinashaker
Jan 253 min read
Black Sesame Seed Paste (Clack Sesame) – A Nutty Superfood for Wellness & Flavor
Black sesame seed paste, sometimes referred to as clack sesame , is a deeply nutty, slightly sweet spread with a rich, earthy flavor. Think peanut butter — but darker, more complex, and rooted in centuries of traditional wellness practices. Made from toasted black sesame seeds, this simple paste is both nourishing and versatile. It can be enjoyed on its own, mixed into drinks, or used as a flavorful spread in both sweet and savory dishes. With just two ingredients, it’s an ea
marinashaker
Jan 212 min read
Pastina Soup (Italian “Penicillin Soup”) – A Comforting Classic
Pastina soup, often lovingly referred to as Italian penicillin soup , is a warm, nourishing dish that has been enjoyed for generations. While it’s traditionally made in Italian households, you don’t have to be Italian to fall in love with it. I certainly did. The first time I tried this simple yet comforting soup, I knew I had to recreate it at home. Ever since then, it’s been a staple in my kitchen — especially on chilly days, slow evenings, or anytime I’m craving something
marinashaker
Jan 182 min read
Egyptian Butter Cookies (Betefour)
These cookies remind me of my childhood and my maternal grandmother. We normally had them on special occasions and holidays like Eid. My happiest memories were dipping these cookies in chocolate and sprinkles as a kid. Ingredients: 1 cup room temp butter (16 tbsp) 1 cup powdered sugar 2 eggs 1 tsp vanilla 2 1/2 cup flour 2 tsp baking powder Toppings: Apricot Jam Chocolate Chips Sprinkles Pistachios Directions: In a mixer, mis butter and sugar until creamy and thick. Add eggs
marinashaker
Jan 81 min read
Spooky Smoothies 👻
Beware… this smoothie is frighteningly delicious ! Perfect for Halloween or anytime you want a sweet scare. Ingredients: 16 oz package Strawberries 2 Bananas 3 tbsp Chia seeds 1/4 cup agave syrup Marshmallow puff Clear cup Toss your strawberries, bananas, chia seeds, and agave syrup into your blender. Blend until smooth. Add marshmallow puff inside the clear cup using the back of a spoon. Add eyes and mouth using a black sharpie on top of the white figure created by the marsh
marinashaker
Oct 23, 20251 min read
French Onion Mac & Cheese
Two comfort foods together is better than one. This creamy goodness brings together French onion soup flavor to the creamy comfort of Mac...
marinashaker
Jan 29, 20241 min read
The Perfect Valentines Day Gift
If you are like me and always find it challenging to get your partner the perfect valentines days gift. After 10 years together, and two...
marinashaker
Jan 21, 20241 min read
Fried Burrata Salad
If you already live burrata, you gotta try this fried burrata salad. Ingredients: 2 Burrata balls 1 Egg 1/2 cup Flour 1 cup Breadcrumbs 6...
marinashaker
Jan 3, 20241 min read
Rose Latte
If you like roses flavored foods and drinks, you have got to give this latte a try. The key ingredients: 1. Rose simple syrup - this...
marinashaker
Dec 29, 20231 min read
Za’atar Manaeesh
A flatbread topped with a mixture of olive oil and zaatar. You can eat it as is or add topping inside it and eat it. I love adding eggs...
marinashaker
Dec 7, 20231 min read
Creamy Miso Mushroom Sauce
The perfect sauce for any meal! This creamy miso mushroom sauce is so simple to make and elevates any dish. Ingredients: 1 yellow onion 8...
marinashaker
Nov 28, 20231 min read
Corn Souffle
Everyone knows that the holidays are all about the sides. I adore easy side dishes that are simple and delicious. This easy corn souffle...
marinashaker
Nov 3, 20231 min read
Garlic Mushrooms
I am all about simple side dishes to go with my main protein of choice. These garlic mushrooms go great with any protein of choice. These...
marinashaker
Oct 10, 20231 min read
2023 Birthday Freebies
If you have followed for a little while, you know it is tradition for me to get all my birthday freebies in one day. I love doing this...
marinashaker
Oct 4, 20233 min read
Shrimp & Pancetta Pasta
This combo is perfect if you like a little salt and sweet. The saltiness from the pancetta pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the...
marinashaker
Sep 26, 20231 min read
Lemon Scallops & Orzo
Scallops are one of my favorite seafoods to cook. Not only are they delicious but they are so fast to prepare. So naturally this is one...
marinashaker
Sep 13, 20231 min read
Easy Small Batch Brownies
These brownies are simple and perfect to prep for a sweet treat after dinner. Brownies are one of those desserts I never really fell in...
marinashaker
Sep 12, 20231 min read
marinashaker
Sep 5, 20230 min read
Home: Blog2
Contact
Home: Contact
Home: Instagram
Home: Subscribe
Soft & Fluffy Sourdough Sandwich Bread (No Scale Required!)
If you’ve ever felt intimidated by sourdough because every recipe demands a kitchen scale and precise gram measurements, this recipe is for you. This easy sourdough sandwich bread is made entirely with measuring cups and spoons — no scale required. Yes, it’s an unpopular opinion in the sourdough world… but it works beautifully. You still get: A soft, fluffy crumb Light sourdough flavor Perfect sandwich slices Reliable results And you don’t need a single gram measurement. Why
Feb 182 min read
Classic Tiramisu Recipe (Easier Than You Think)
Tiramisu has a reputation for being one of those “fancy” desserts — the kind you order at restaurants but never attempt at home. But the truth? Tiramisu is surprisingly simple to make. There’s no baking, no complicated techniques, and no special equipment required. The hardest part of making tiramisu isn’t the mixing or layering, it’s waiting for it to chill in the fridge. This classic tiramisu recipe is rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced with coffee and cocoa. Once you rea
Jan 292 min read
Home: Blog Post Gallery
bottom of page