Why am I passionate about this?

I'm an ex-pastry chef at Zuma London, current food blogger and creative director at Blondelish.com and YumCreative.com. I cook and shoot food photos and videos for 10 hours a day, almost every day of the week and I wouldn't have it any other way. I consider myself an artist and cooking is an expression of my inner self. I started cooking about 15 years ago as a hobby and within a year I took it to the next level by attending a 1-year class at Southgate College in London and getting my Chef Diploma. Right after that, I landed a job as a pastry chef at Zuma London which quickly transformed me into a pro. 


I wrote

30-Minute Keto: Low-Carb Cooking Made Fast, Easy & Delicious

By Mihaela Metaxa-Albu,

Book cover of 30-Minute Keto: Low-Carb Cooking Made Fast, Easy & Delicious

What is my book about?

The keto lifestyle is made simple and accessible with this game-changing collection. Trained chef and popular food blogger Mihaela Metaxa-Albu…

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking

Mihaela Metaxa-Albu Why did I love this book?

This book is essential for anybody that wants to become better at cooking. It's more like a cooking masterclass that will take you from an amateur home chef to a real pro. With helpful illustrations, this book not only features delicious recipes, but it feels like the author is actually there with you guiding and teaching you how to cook.

After reading it, you'll have a better understanding of different cooking techniques and how to make better use of the most important elements in cooking: Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat. 

By Samin Nosrat, Wendy Macnaughton (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

6 authors picked Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Now a major Netflix documentary
A Sunday Times Food Book of the Year and a New York Times bestseller
Winner of the Fortnum & Mason Best Debut Food Book 2018

While cooking at Chez Panisse at the start of her career, Samin Nosrat noticed that amid the chaos of the kitchen there were four key principles that her fellow chefs would always fall back on to make their food better: Salt, Fat, Acid and Heat.

By mastering these four variables, Samin found the confidence to trust her instincts in the kitchen and cook delicious meals with any ingredients. And with…


Book cover of Just Eat It: How intuitive eating can help you get your shit together around food

Mihaela Metaxa-Albu Why did I love this book?

Just Eat It will change the way you think about diets, especially restrictive ones. It covers the ins and outs of Intuitive Eating and goes in-depth about the toxic cycle of the diet culture. It's well-researched and insightful, and it helps you build a healthier relationship with your body.

By Laura Thomas,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Just Eat It as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'Truly life-changing' - Dolly Alderton

'The only 'diet' book worth reading this new year' - Alexandra Heminsley, Grazia

Just Eat It isn't just a book. It's part of a movement to help us take back control over our bodies. To free us from restrictive dieting, disordered eating and punishing exercise. To reject the guilt and anxiety associated with eating and, ultimately, to help us feel good about ourselves.

This anti-diet guide from registered nutritionist Laura Thomas PhD can help you sort out your attitude to food and ditch punishing exercise routines. As a qualified practitioner of Intuitive Eating - a…


Book cover of Carpathia: Food from the Heart of Romania

Mihaela Metaxa-Albu Why did I love this book?

This book holds a dear place in my heart as it features delicious traditional recipes from my home country, Romania. It brings to life old recipes that embody Romania's historical multicultural influences. It includes unique and original recipes which you'll have a hard time finding elsewhere.

By Irina Georgescu,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Carpathia as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"Imbued with generosity, the spirit of community, and the flavours of a rich and varied culture" -NIGELLA LAWSON

Carpathia invites you to explore Romania's unique, bold and delicious cuisine: an exciting and unexpected amalgamation of all its diverse influences.

As a cultural melting pot its character is rooted in many traditions from Greek, Turkish and Slavic in the south and east, to Austrian, Hungarian and Saxon in the north and west.

From chargrilled aubergines, polenta fritters and butterbean hummus, to tangy bors, stuffed breads and Viennese-style layer cakes, Irina Georgescu has created over 100 mouth-watering dishes that are easy to…


Book cover of How to Photograph Food: Compose, Shoot, and Edit Appetizing Images

Mihaela Metaxa-Albu Why did I love this book?

I'm sure all foodies like to take pictures of their food, and often share them on social media. If you are passionate about food and want to learn how to share that passion with the world through the art of photography, then this book is for you. Beata is a wonderful teacher who knows how to cover all the necessary steps for becoming a food photographer.

By Beata Lubas,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked How to Photograph Food as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

For amateurs and pros looking to add to their portfolios, How to Photograph Food makes food photography a piece of cake!
How to Photograph Food is the gorgeous, informative photography book you didn't know you needed. For budding photographers and social media personalities, the perfect image has never been easier to capture, and How to Photograph Foodputs it all within reach. Chapters include: Gear Lighting Frame and Balance Food Styling Photo Editing Thinking like a Pro
You'll learn the essential equipment, how to keep food looking good on a shoot, how to work with props, managing lighting, and much more,…


Book cover of Ottolenghi Simple: A Cookbook

Mihaela Metaxa-Albu Why did I love this book?

If you want to up your weeknight meal with delicious Middle-Eastern flavors and if you want to learn how to combine veggies in so many delicious ways, then you must read Yotam Ottolenghi's cookbook. He's a true genius of the Middle-Eastern cuisine and probably no other chef can mix unique flavors and simple ingredients as well as he does. While the recipes are truly unique, you'll find that they’re made with simple ingredients in under 30 minutes.

By Yotam Ottolenghi,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Ottolenghi Simple as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

JAMES BEARD AWARD FINALIST • The New York Times bestselling collection of 130 easy, flavor-forward recipes from beloved chef Yotam Ottolenghi.

In Ottolenghi Simple, powerhouse author and chef Yotam Ottolenghi presents 130 streamlined recipes packed with his signature Middle Eastern–inspired flavors, all simple in at least (and often more than) one way: made in 30 minutes or less, with 10 or fewer ingredients, in a single pot, using pantry staples, or prepared ahead of time for brilliantly, deliciously simple meals. Brunch gets a make-over with Braised Eggs with Leeks and Za’atar; Cauliflower, Pomegranate, and Pistachio Salad refreshes the side-dish rotation;…


Explore my book 😀

30-Minute Keto: Low-Carb Cooking Made Fast, Easy & Delicious

By Mihaela Metaxa-Albu,

Book cover of 30-Minute Keto: Low-Carb Cooking Made Fast, Easy & Delicious

What is my book about?

The keto lifestyle is made simple and accessible with this game-changing collection. Trained chef and popular food blogger Mihaela Metaxa-Albu brings big, bold flavors and fast cooking methods to low-carb eating. By combining time-saving hacks, smart shortcuts, and culinary expertise, she creates standout dishes in 30 minutes or less. With these recipes on hand, readers will have no problem staying keto morning, noon and night, even on their busiest days. Snacks like Low Carb Pizza, Cheeseburger Casserole, and Pesto Fried Chicken are easy to cook fast and keep on hand anytime you need to boost your fat macros. No matter how pressed your schedule is, Mihaela's detailed guidance, encouraging voice, and efficient tips ensure a healthy, delicious dish on the table in no time.

Book cover of Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking
Book cover of Just Eat It: How intuitive eating can help you get your shit together around food
Book cover of Carpathia: Food from the Heart of Romania

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By Lyle Greenfield,

Book cover of Uniting the States of America: A Self-Care Plan for a Wounded Nation

Lyle Greenfield Author Of Uniting the States of America: A Self-Care Plan for a Wounded Nation

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve always been fascinated by group dynamics, large and small. Why things functioned well, why they didn’t. It’s possible my ability to empathize and use humor as a consensus-builder is the reason I was elected president of a homeowners association, a music production association, and even an agricultural group. Books were not particularly involved in this fascination! But in recent years, experiencing the breakdown of civility and trust in our political and cultural discourse, I’ve taken a more analytical view of the dynamics. These books, in their very different ways, have taught me lessons about life, understanding those with different beliefs, and finding ways to connect and move forward. 

Lyle's book list on restoring your belief in human possibility

What is my book about?

We’ve all experienced the overwhelming level of political and social divisiveness in our country. This invisible “virus” of negativity is, in part, the result of the name-calling and heated rhetoric that has become commonplace among commentators and elected leaders alike. 

My book provides a clear perspective on the historical and modern-day causes of our nation's divisive state. It then proposes easy-to-understand solutions—an action plan for our elected leaders and citizens as well. Rather than a scholarly treatment of a complex topic, the book challenges us to take the obvious steps required of those living in a free democracy. And it…

Uniting the States of America: A Self-Care Plan for a Wounded Nation

By Lyle Greenfield,

What is this book about?

Lyle Greenfield's "Uniting the States of America―A Self-Care Plan for a Wounded Nation" is a work of nonfiction and opinion. Incorporating the lessons of history and the ideas and wisdom of many, it is intended as both an educational resource and a call-to-action for citizens concerned about the politically and culturally divided state of our Union. A situation that has raised alarm for the very future of our democracy.

First, the book clearly identifies the causes of what has become a national crisis of belief in and love for our country. How the divisiveness and hostility rampant in our political…


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