My baka in the 70s grilling and probably telling my Deda da ćuti so she can take care of business (Cover photo).
Growing up, I watched the women who raised me cook up traditional dishes with all the love and passion they could give. They taught me the importance of being bold and humble. Today, it's what keeps me grounded and reminds me of who I am.
The Spicy Balkan is a tribute to the remarkable women who raised me, whose unwavering spirit and spicy attitude were passed down through generations. We love to love, and when we love, we love hard. This is our secret ingredient that we want to share with the world. Every bite is a testament to the love that was put into it, the same love that has been passed down from our family to yours.
The Spicy Balkan is a tribute to the remarkable women who raised me, whose unwavering spirit and spicy attitude were passed down through generations. We love to love, and when we love, we love hard. This is our secret ingredient that we want to share with the world. Every bite is a testament to the love that was put into it, the same love that has been passed down from our family to yours.
My baka used to say "our women are too good," and it was true. They really did it all and the men had to be ok with it because they knew! Only a Balkan Woman knew how to man the grill back then and these ladies were fearless. They took charge and everyone knew who was boss.
The boss sitting at the head of the table.
They cared, but probably never told you how much they did even though they'd probably die for you. That's just how it was, they were hard because times were hard and women didn't have it easy like we do today. But, they were also smart and knew what they were doing, what cards to play and when.
Oh yeah, she knew what she was doing.
Fast forward, the dinners never stopped, the family grew and so did our love for each other. The women in our family brought us together and they never missed a beat.
Just another family dinner in the early 2000s and Seka being a creeper in the corner.
My Tetka likely fighting with my Tata telling him how to do it right.
My Baka Dana who always knew how to bring everyone together and they loved her for it.
My Ujna in Bosna who never sits down until everyone else has eaten.
And my mama, who has always supported every single passion project I've ever had.
Each and everyone of them, spicy in their own way and I love them all.