As the year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the ingredients, moments, and magical connections that made 2025 truly unforgettable at The Balanced Plate—a year of seasonal Italian cooking in Amsterdam.
The Year in Ingredients
If you’d told me a year ago that beetroot would show up in my kitchen this often, I would have laughed! Honestly, I still don’t love them—but I’ve learned how to make them work for me and my guests, especially in autumn and winter. The magic is in finding combinations that balance their earthy flavor—like pairing with goat’s cheese or baking them with potatoes. Seeing my guests enjoy beets (and even me, sometimes!) reminds me that cooking is about staying open, experimenting, and surprising yourself.
This year, I was surprised not just by how to use certain ingredients, but also by how easy it can be to make great pasta and food from scratch. Sharing these discoveries in my workshops—watching people’s faces light up with pride when they create something delicious—is one of the most rewarding parts of my work. Cooking is not just about food—it’s about discovery, joy, and sometimes, changing your mind.
The Power of Cooking Rituals & Mindfulness
Cooking together is a mindful act. Whether you’re making pasta from scratch or simply scrambling eggs on sourdough, take a moment to use all your senses: the smell of bread toasting, the sizzle of eggs, the pop of green chives. Cooking can be a window of calm in a busy world—a way to unplug and reconnect, even if just for a little while.
Favorite Moments, Deep Gratitude, and Growth
There’s real magic in seeing strangers bond over a messy table and aprons dusted with flour. Laughter, new friendships, teams growing stronger—these are the moments I treasure most. To everyone I met this year who made the brief time we shared together special, to everyone who spent a few minutes writing wonderful (sometimes tear-inducing) reviews, and to everyone who believed in me and chose me for their special moments and events—thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I’m also deeply grateful that I kept pushing my boundaries this year—reaching new milestones I once thought were out of reach. From hosting my largest workshop ever with 21 guests (which we nailed!), to catering a 7-item menu with dishes from around the world for Netflix, to experimenting with new ingredients, I’ve grown so much as a cook and as a person.
What’s Next: Hopes for 2026
In 2026, expect workshops with seasonal twists—different shapes, new sauces—so you can keep coming back for something fresh. Catering menus will highlight local produce and the most flavorful ingredients I can find. And I’m excited to announce more collaborations with wonderful local businesses to bring you unique experiences.
My hope? To keep feeding people like a proper nonna. Whether it’s the joy of eating, a new friendship, or a bond strengthened over a bowl of pasta, I want to create many more unforgettable, grounded moments. For me, it’s about offering a window in time and space—outside our busy, technological lives—where things are simple and primordial. Just us, and food.
Wishing You a Delicious New Year
I’ll be taking a short break from posting over the holidays, but I’ll still be here in stories. Wishing you a season of delicious, meaningful moments. I can’t wait to meet new faces and see familiar ones again in 2026, and to share exciting new collaborations with you.
What ingredient or ritual made your year special? Or what are you hoping to learn or taste in 2026? I’d love to hear in the comments.