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Pretty Delicious: Simple, Modern Mediterranean, Served with Style
The debut cookbook from social media sensations The Food Dolls, with more than 110 simply sophisticated, fresh, and vibrant Mediterranean dishes with a Middle Eastern twist.
Originally from Egypt and now living in the Midwest, sisters Alia and Radwa Elkaffas created their Food Dolls platform to answer the question of how to put an exciting and healthful meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. And that’s what Pretty Delicious is all flavor-packed, Mediterranean-inspired, and super simple recipes, all dolled up and plated with style.
Start with the How to Make Your Kitchen Your Happy Place chapter (life-bettering shortcuts! organizing and styling tips!) and then fall in love with dishes
Breakfast or Brunch Banana Bread-Baked Oats; Baklava Cinnamon RollsSo Good Mediterranean Cobb Salad; Lentil Salad with Veggies and Tahini VinaigretteJust Getting Hot Honey-Harissa Chicken Wings; Savory Phyllo RollsWhat’s for Dinner?: Egyptian Rice Kofta; Baked Pita Pockets with Spinach and Artichokes; Chicken Shwarma TacosDips Make a Whipped Feta Four Ways; Toom (Creamy Garlic Heaven)Mains (Just Kidding, Dessert!): Turkish Coffee Tiramisu; Sheet Pan Strawberry Shortcake
And since serving with style is what The Food Dolls perhaps love the most, they also share an entire chapter of menus and inspired ideas to zhush up the dinner table, with 120 beautifully styled photos throughout. Fresh, streamlined, healthful, and proven family-friendly, Pretty Delicious will inspire you with dozens of ingenious ways to level up dinner.
Originally from Egypt and now living in the Midwest, sisters Alia and Radwa Elkaffas created their Food Dolls platform to answer the question of how to put an exciting and healthful meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. And that’s what Pretty Delicious is all flavor-packed, Mediterranean-inspired, and super simple recipes, all dolled up and plated with style.
Start with the How to Make Your Kitchen Your Happy Place chapter (life-bettering shortcuts! organizing and styling tips!) and then fall in love with dishes
Breakfast or Brunch Banana Bread-Baked Oats; Baklava Cinnamon RollsSo Good Mediterranean Cobb Salad; Lentil Salad with Veggies and Tahini VinaigretteJust Getting Hot Honey-Harissa Chicken Wings; Savory Phyllo RollsWhat’s for Dinner?: Egyptian Rice Kofta; Baked Pita Pockets with Spinach and Artichokes; Chicken Shwarma TacosDips Make a Whipped Feta Four Ways; Toom (Creamy Garlic Heaven)Mains (Just Kidding, Dessert!): Turkish Coffee Tiramisu; Sheet Pan Strawberry Shortcake
And since serving with style is what The Food Dolls perhaps love the most, they also share an entire chapter of menus and inspired ideas to zhush up the dinner table, with 120 beautifully styled photos throughout. Fresh, streamlined, healthful, and proven family-friendly, Pretty Delicious will inspire you with dozens of ingenious ways to level up dinner.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published February 25, 2025
122 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 6, 2025
So many recipes that will work for our family. A lot of plant based too which we’re working to having more of.
February 25, 2025
Everything I wanted it to be and more. Received today and read cover to cover. I can't wait to try many of the recipes in this book!!! I am a huge fan of Food Dolls and visit their site or social media several times a week. Thanks for putting the fun back in cooking!!
March 11, 2025
Sisters Alia and Radwa Elkaffas are busy moms. They were raised in the Midwest in a tight-knit Egyptian family, and they both understand how important food is to that family connection. Now they both have families of their own, and their lives revolve around that same question that every busy family asks every day: “What’s for dinner?” And after years of blogging and developing recipes, these two sisters have answers.
Pretty Delicious is a collection of Mediterranean recipes, with a Minnesota flair. But more than that, it’s a way of thinking about cooking for your family differently. These sisters emphasize setting up your kitchen so that it’s organized, it’s calming, and it makes you feel happy. They feel like if you go into the kitchen after a stressful day and find yourself feeling good about being there, it’s easier to think of something delicious and nourishing to make. And with ideas like these, there are plenty of ideas for dinner or any other meal.
There are Mediterranean specialties like Mama’s Egyptian Falafel, Labneh, Spiced Red Lentil Soup, Chicken Shawarma Two Ways, Mama’s Best Kofta, and Egyptian Baked Rice. And then there are the dishes that blend those Mediterranean flavors and ingredients with their Midwestern lifestyles. There are Baklava Cinnamon Rolls, Sumac Chicken Wings, Pizza “Pie” (with phyllo as the crust), Greek Cowgirl Caviar, Spicy Aleppo Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Tahini Slaw, and No-Churn Salted Tahini Cookies ’n’ Cream Ice Cream.
These women lean into breakfast, with recipes for Coconut Chia Pudding Three Ways, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Oven-Baked Shakshuka, Strawberry-Mascarpone Stuffed-Croissant French Bread, and Egyptian Fava Bean Salad, just to name a few. They also go big for desserts, with recipes for Turkish Coffee Tiramisu, Mama’s Kunafa, Mango and Cream Tres Leches Cake, Banoffee Pie Parfaits, and Triple-Chocolate Hazelnut Skillet Brownies.
But in between, these women believe in grazing. They list several dips that can also be turned into a sauce for dinner, like Spicy Zhoug Sauce, Roasted-Tomato Baba G, Silky-Smooth Hummus, Middle Eastern Pico, and Baba’s Tahina Sauce. These can be paired with veggies or Homemade Pita Chips, Middle Eastern Pickled Cucumbers or No-Knead Za’atar Focaccia. And then there are the tips to make perfect, flavorful rice and menu ideas for throwing a party for brunch, dinner, or even dessert.
The years that the Elkaffas sisters have spent working on their blog Food Dolls has paid off, with over 100 recipes and engaging ideas for making dinnertime more delicious and less stressful. Personally, I thought this was a lovely cookbook. I love the idea of making the kitchen your happy place, making it easier to relax and enjoy yourself as you cook, especially cooking for family. And there were several of these recipes that had my mouth watering at the descriptions and photos.
If you’re a fan of Mediterranean foods or wanting to learn more, this would be a perfect cookbook to start with. If you’re a fan of their Food Dolls blog, then choosing this is probably an easy choice. But I think it’s also a great cookbook for anyone who struggles with dinner or feels guilty about not doing enough for dinner, because their system for organizing the kitchen could help anyone who feels overwhelmed just walking into their kitchen.
A copy of Pretty Delicious was provided by Clarkson Potter, with many thanks, but the opinions are my own.
Pretty Delicious is a collection of Mediterranean recipes, with a Minnesota flair. But more than that, it’s a way of thinking about cooking for your family differently. These sisters emphasize setting up your kitchen so that it’s organized, it’s calming, and it makes you feel happy. They feel like if you go into the kitchen after a stressful day and find yourself feeling good about being there, it’s easier to think of something delicious and nourishing to make. And with ideas like these, there are plenty of ideas for dinner or any other meal.
There are Mediterranean specialties like Mama’s Egyptian Falafel, Labneh, Spiced Red Lentil Soup, Chicken Shawarma Two Ways, Mama’s Best Kofta, and Egyptian Baked Rice. And then there are the dishes that blend those Mediterranean flavors and ingredients with their Midwestern lifestyles. There are Baklava Cinnamon Rolls, Sumac Chicken Wings, Pizza “Pie” (with phyllo as the crust), Greek Cowgirl Caviar, Spicy Aleppo Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Tahini Slaw, and No-Churn Salted Tahini Cookies ’n’ Cream Ice Cream.
These women lean into breakfast, with recipes for Coconut Chia Pudding Three Ways, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Oven-Baked Shakshuka, Strawberry-Mascarpone Stuffed-Croissant French Bread, and Egyptian Fava Bean Salad, just to name a few. They also go big for desserts, with recipes for Turkish Coffee Tiramisu, Mama’s Kunafa, Mango and Cream Tres Leches Cake, Banoffee Pie Parfaits, and Triple-Chocolate Hazelnut Skillet Brownies.
But in between, these women believe in grazing. They list several dips that can also be turned into a sauce for dinner, like Spicy Zhoug Sauce, Roasted-Tomato Baba G, Silky-Smooth Hummus, Middle Eastern Pico, and Baba’s Tahina Sauce. These can be paired with veggies or Homemade Pita Chips, Middle Eastern Pickled Cucumbers or No-Knead Za’atar Focaccia. And then there are the tips to make perfect, flavorful rice and menu ideas for throwing a party for brunch, dinner, or even dessert.
The years that the Elkaffas sisters have spent working on their blog Food Dolls has paid off, with over 100 recipes and engaging ideas for making dinnertime more delicious and less stressful. Personally, I thought this was a lovely cookbook. I love the idea of making the kitchen your happy place, making it easier to relax and enjoy yourself as you cook, especially cooking for family. And there were several of these recipes that had my mouth watering at the descriptions and photos.
If you’re a fan of Mediterranean foods or wanting to learn more, this would be a perfect cookbook to start with. If you’re a fan of their Food Dolls blog, then choosing this is probably an easy choice. But I think it’s also a great cookbook for anyone who struggles with dinner or feels guilty about not doing enough for dinner, because their system for organizing the kitchen could help anyone who feels overwhelmed just walking into their kitchen.
A copy of Pretty Delicious was provided by Clarkson Potter, with many thanks, but the opinions are my own.
March 1, 2025
Pretty Delicious
By Alia Elkaffas & Radwa Elkaffas
Creators of Food Dolls
I would call this cookbook Pretty Delicious, Pretty Simple and Pretty Different !
First off, this cookbook is beautiful with a lovely, easy to use layout, tantalizing photos, enticing descriptions and easy to follow recipes. It is just a joy to peruse and to cook from.
It has the expected chapters on breakfast, dinner, dessert but it features a chapter on “Double Duty Dips’ that are meal worthy, a chapter “Just Getting Started” for grazing, “Pretty Delicious Salads” which goes well beyond a side dish to one dish meals.
The recipes are laid out in an easy-to-follow style, instructions are clear, and the notations on assembly and the “Tips for Real Life” are helpful. The ingredients were either on hand or easy to find at the supermarket.
The Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Egyptian influence, for me, made these recipes feel fresh and new. And yet, the Parmesan Crusted Tilapia with Mango Avocado Salsa felt very familiar but different when I made it. Same with the Spicy Aleppo Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Tahini Slaw. Familiar but new ! New flavors to try and incorporate into my regular lineup of meals.
Clarkson Potter provided me with a free copy of this book; the opinions are my own.
When I’m not cooking from Pretty Delicious, I am enjoying just reading it and will be following the authors’ Food Blog !
By Alia Elkaffas & Radwa Elkaffas
Creators of Food Dolls
I would call this cookbook Pretty Delicious, Pretty Simple and Pretty Different !
First off, this cookbook is beautiful with a lovely, easy to use layout, tantalizing photos, enticing descriptions and easy to follow recipes. It is just a joy to peruse and to cook from.
It has the expected chapters on breakfast, dinner, dessert but it features a chapter on “Double Duty Dips’ that are meal worthy, a chapter “Just Getting Started” for grazing, “Pretty Delicious Salads” which goes well beyond a side dish to one dish meals.
The recipes are laid out in an easy-to-follow style, instructions are clear, and the notations on assembly and the “Tips for Real Life” are helpful. The ingredients were either on hand or easy to find at the supermarket.
The Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Egyptian influence, for me, made these recipes feel fresh and new. And yet, the Parmesan Crusted Tilapia with Mango Avocado Salsa felt very familiar but different when I made it. Same with the Spicy Aleppo Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Tahini Slaw. Familiar but new ! New flavors to try and incorporate into my regular lineup of meals.
Clarkson Potter provided me with a free copy of this book; the opinions are my own.
When I’m not cooking from Pretty Delicious, I am enjoying just reading it and will be following the authors’ Food Blog !
October 31, 2025
5.0 / 5.0
As a lover of Mediterranean food and all the flavor profiles therein, I adore this cookbook. There is something for every meal of the day, plenty of variety, and good balance. I made the whipped feta first and then proceeded to have it everyday with granola on top in the morning, with fresh veggies and some balsamic for lunch, and as a dipping sauce for pita chips as a snack, until it was gone. The salads at the end of the book and all the flavorful chicken receipts are fantastic.
Overall, this is excellent and I highly recommend.
Until Next Time,
MC
As a lover of Mediterranean food and all the flavor profiles therein, I adore this cookbook. There is something for every meal of the day, plenty of variety, and good balance. I made the whipped feta first and then proceeded to have it everyday with granola on top in the morning, with fresh veggies and some balsamic for lunch, and as a dipping sauce for pita chips as a snack, until it was gone. The salads at the end of the book and all the flavorful chicken receipts are fantastic.
Overall, this is excellent and I highly recommend.
Until Next Time,
MC
March 4, 2025
New and Exciting!
Foods and ingredients I have never had before. I will now! Delicious! And easy to recreate with the easy to follow directions. I think my favorites are the fusion eats. There is something for everyone.
Foods and ingredients I have never had before. I will now! Delicious! And easy to recreate with the easy to follow directions. I think my favorites are the fusion eats. There is something for everyone.
March 8, 2025
Pretty Delicious is a great addition to any kitchen, especially those who are looking for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern recipes. The book is filled with beautiful pictures that make each dish look even more enticing!
March 23, 2025
I am a fan of their IG posts so I tried the cookbook. I’ve gotten sick of everything we eat here and got new cookbooks the past few months. This one has some really good recipes for breakfast and dinner that I will make again.
March 9, 2025
Beautiful book with great recipes!
March 9, 2025
Love this book! Beautifully illustrated, with a variety of great recipes.
April 2, 2025
My family loves Mediterranean food! I found several recipes that I can't wait to make for them.
June 10, 2025
Beautiful modern Mediterranean eats that look good and taste good as well!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews