Good morning. Last week we covered all the essentials you need to keep by the stove when cooking. This week we’re taking a field trip to a Mediterranean grocery store, which will help you stock the pantry & stay inspired.

LIFESTYLE PROTOCOL 🤝

Mediterranean grocery field trip

If you’ve got a Mediterranean or Middle Eastern grocery nearby, it’s worth a trip a few times a year. Why?

1. Better value: Staples like spices, grains, and oils are often higher quality and far cheaper than what you’ll find in standard grocery stores.

2. Inspiration: You’ll come away with fresh ideas for mezze spreads, stews, salads, and breads — and get a feel for how these cuisines build flavor.

✅ Our recommendations

Pantry staples

• Olive oil (often great quality or prices)

• Tahini (essential for hummus, dressings, and sauces)

• Couscous, bulgur, or other grains

• Canned chickpeas and fava beans

• Pomegranate molasses

• Fresh pita and flatbreads

Spices & flavor boosters

• Za’atar, sumac, Aleppo pepper, baharat, ras el hanout

• Dried mint and oregano

• Preserved lemons

• Pickled turnips and peppers

Proteins & dairy

• Halloumi, labneh, feta

• Lentils (red, brown, green)

• Lamb cuts and merguez sausage

Fresh produce

• Fresh herbs (parsley, mint, cilantro, dill)

• Eggplant, zucchini, peppers

• Dates, figs, and seasonal stone fruits

💯 Bonus points — for fun!

• Baklava, halva, and regional sweets

• Specialty cookware: tagines, clay pots, and Turkish coffee sets

• Pre-made dips: hummus, baba ganoush, tzatziki, muhammarah, taboulleh

Not only will you stock up on better-quality staples at lower prices, you’ll also be inspired to try new flavors.

RECIPE RECOMMENDATIONS ✅

Mediterranean-inspired meals

Put the groceries to use by making something from our Mediterranean collection here:

FOOD TRENDS 🚀

McDonald's Snack Wrap

Why is everyone talking about the snack wrap?

The snack wrap is back at McDonald’s after a long hiatus, bringing excitement to fans who missed the crispy classic. This popular item features fried chicken, lettuce, cheese, and a creamy ranch sauce all wrapped in a warm tortilla.

People love it for its satisfying combination of textures and flavors—the crunch of the chicken and lettuce paired with the unctuous richness of cheese and ranch.

Surprisingly, it’s easy and cheap to make at home. All you need is tortillas, chicken & dredge staples, cheese, lettuce, and a few fridge staples for ranch.

• If you're interested in replicating it yourself, check out Ethan’s cook-along guide over on the Cook Well YouTube channel.

WINNING READER SUBMISSION 🏆

Chicken chop salad

This week’s dinner winner is Gruff W., who made Ethan’s chicken chop salad!

Reply with your best home-cooked food photos for a chance to win & be featured!

EXTRA HELPINGS 🍽️

A read: Tea houses over bars

In a minute or less: Frozen peas

What we’re watching: Pasta ramen

Food science: Flavor as sight

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