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From the beloved chef and owner of Edy's Grocer, a deeply personal celebration of Lebanese flavors adopted for the modern home cook.

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!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Edy Massih is a chef, a caterer, and the owner of Edy's Grocer in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Born in Anfeh, Lebanon, he moved at the age of ten to Boston with his family. In 2016, he graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and started a successful catering business, which soon became well known for its signature Brown Paper Boards. In August 2020, Edy opened his first storefront, Edy's Grocer, which quickly turned into a neighborhood staple and gathering place, serving great food and hosting various pop-ups, cookbook clubs, and dinner parties. Edy hopes to inspire others with his modern twist on the Lebanese flavors that captivated him as a child.

REVIEWS

"In his debut cookbook, Edy's bright smile and ambitious personality shine through on every page, with mouthwatering recipes that are both forward-thinking and lovingly nostalgic. He shares endless advice like how to build easy-peasy spice blends, stock your freezer like a true teita, and prep fresh lemon juice to have on hand--the types of tips that elevate your kitchen and your spirit. But my favorite part of Edy's book is his love letter to Oprah Winfrey, whose daily talk show changed Edy's life when he needed it most. By sharing his food, Edy shares every beautiful part of himself, and it just may change your life, too." -- Dan Pelosi, New York Times bestselling author of Let's Eat

"Keep it Zesty is beautiful--it's bright, colorful, and brings light and joy into my kitchen. Edy is an amazing teacher, and you can feel his love and passion for Lebanese cuisine on every page. Plus, the thoughtful design makes it incredibly easy and fun to cook your way through the book." -- Rick Martínez, New York Times bestselling author of Mi Cocina

"These recipes are as vibrant as Edy himself. Simple, dynamic, and with just a hint of humor, these recipes transported me from the Greenpoint Grocer all the way to his family's lunch table in Lebanon. And yes, I'll be making the mujadara on repeat." -- Justine Doiron, @justine_snacks

"Keep it Zesty showcases [Edy's] modern riffs on traditional Lebanese cuisine. . . . [with] crave-worthy dips and spreads. . . [and] clever recipe charts so you can easily customize dishes alongside anecdotes about Middle Eastern pantry staples."
-- Food Network, 16 Third-Culture Cookbooks That Will Change the Way You Cook

"Edy Massih's deeply personal debut cookbook, Keep it Zesty, immerses you in his charming and delicious world, making you wish his beloved Brooklyn shop was right around the corner from you. Fortunately, the book's collection of bright, vegetable-forward recipes will inspire and allow you to bring those flavors to your own home." -- Andy Baraghani, New York Times bestselling author of The Cook You Want to Be

"[A] splendid collection of 115 tempting recipes . . . Threaded throughout are moving essays by Massih on topics such as his beloved grandmothers and how they shaped his cooking, as well as how Oprah became a lifeline for Massih when he immigrated to the U.S. from Lebanon. Written with a wonderful sense of humor and a great deal of heart, this cookbook debut is a first-rate introduction to the vibrant and appetizing world of Lebanese cuisine." -- Library Journal (starred review)

"A brilliant ode to the spirit of Lebanese hospitality--vibrant, lavish, and playful--packed with abundant meals and celebration. Edy beautifully pays tribute to the matriarchs in his life who've helped him find the truest expression of self through his nationally acclaimed corner store, a place for gathering and celebrating Arab foodways."
-- Reem Assil, IACP award-winning author of Arabiyya