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3 days ago | 
theperfectbite.bakedbymelissa.com | Melissa Ben-Ishay
I played hooky this morning and rode bikes with my oldest to the Weehawken Pool. We went on the waterslide at least 30 times, then got turkey sandwiches. It was the perfect day, even though now I’m a melted popsicle. 🥵Bookmark this email for the next heatwave. Or use it as inspiration for your dinner tonight. We are not adding any unnecessary heat to our houses and apartments right now—no stoves, ovens, or even toasters. These recipes will cool you off and make you feel great.
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1 week ago | 
theperfectbite.bakedbymelissa.com | Melissa Ben-Ishay
You can use whatever moisturizer you want, but eating food filled with nutrients will make your skin glow. People often ask me for my skincare tips (and I’ll share my favorites below), but eating nourishing ingredients is a huge part of it too. Condiment salads are a great way to add these nutrients to any meal—use them to top burgers, sandwiches, bowls, or even yogurt. These recipes are packed with flavor, make you look great, and best of all, make you feel great, too.
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1 week ago | 
theperfectbite.bakedbymelissa.com | Melissa Ben-Ishay
Today’s the last day of school! June is the craziest month and will continue to be crazy for at least another week, when my kids start camp. (If you’re last-minute shopping for camp or summer activities, here’s my list to help you out.)Whether you’re getting ready for the long July 4th weekend, end-of-school celebrations, or just craving a little vitamin D, now’s the time to fire up your grills (or grill pans) and make a summer feast.
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2 weeks ago | 
theperfectbite.bakedbymelissa.com | Melissa Ben-Ishay
Every Saturday when I was little, my dad and I would make pancakes together, often shaped like Mickey Mouse. For Father’s Day this year, he came over to make pancakes with me and printed out the recipe for us to use. He likes this one (it’s a gift article so you can access without a subscription). I swapped blueberries for chocolate chips. For everyone celebrating Father’s Day this weekend, I’m sharing two of my favorite pancake recipes below.
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3 weeks ago | 
theperfectbite.bakedbymelissa.com | Melissa Ben-Ishay
If you’ve seen any of my stories this week or last, you know I’ve been congested for what feels like forever (10 days and counting, but who’s counting). 😅 On Thursday I made a huge batch of juice and it was SO GOOD—just what I needed. Lots of fresh ginger, turmeric, citrus, carrots, and beets. It’s the perfect elixir if you aren’t feeling well or need a boost of energy. You don’t even need a juicer to make it. I’m sharing that recipe below today plus a yogurt cake to make with the pulp.
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3 weeks ago | 
theperfectbite.bakedbymelissa.com | Melissa Ben-Ishay
The first salads I loved were covered in crispy chicken. The honey chicken salad from American Joe’s, the crispy chicken salad at Friendly’s that was served in a torilla shell. We all have to start somewhere. (And if you loved the Honey Chicken Salad as much as I did, I made a copycat recipe in my book!)Even though it can take time, making salads at home is the best way to make sure you’re getting the highest quality produce, best-looking lettuce, and most delicious dressing on your plate.
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4 weeks ago | 
theperfectbite.bakedbymelissa.com | Melissa Ben-Ishay
June is when things start to get crazy. Moms, you know. There are field days and spirit weeks and half days. Before we went out of town over the weekend, I made a big batch of granola bars to take with us on the road. I love keeping them on hand during crazy weeks like these. Throw them in a bag (mine or my kids) and you have the perfect snack with only good-for-you ingredients when you need it. I’ll be making more this weekend and sharing inspo with you below.
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1 month ago | 
theperfectbite.bakedbymelissa.com | Melissa Ben-Ishay
Did you dust off your grill over the weekend? We didn’t. 😅 We went away to the Poconos, where other people cooked for us and I didn’t have to wash any dishes. It was incredible. We made the reservation so long ago we forgot about it until a few weeks ago—that’s how much we needed the break. The next few weeks are jam-packed with end-of-school events, camp prep, and getting ready for summer. I’ll be eating bowls on repeat; steamed broccoli makes them so much easier.
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1 month ago | 
theperfectbite.bakedbymelissa.com | Melissa Ben-Ishay
We love wings in my family. They’re the perfect snack for a party or while watching the game. Sometimes we order them for takeout, but they’re so easy to make. If you’re having people over this weekend (or even if you’re not), whip up a batch. They pair so well with the salads from Wednesday, plus I’m sharing a new dipping sauce to go with it (made with ramps!). If wings aren’t your thing, serve it with sliced veggies. I can’t think of anything I’d rather eat. Hope you all have the best long weekend.
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1 month ago | 
theperfectbite.bakedbymelissa.com | Melissa Ben-Ishay
We’re entering the season where I want to add asparagus and sugar snap peas to everything I make. Luckily these salads are all easy—and delicious—to make in advance, meaning you can bring them to your Memorial Day plans, pack them for lunch, or picnic with them. Pair with your favorite proteins, stuff in a pita, or serve with eggs. Anyway you eat it will be great.
