Then, Issa will bring some desserts to pass out.
She hasnt made afinaldecision yet…as of now, shes thinking date and dark chocolate cookies.
But Issa, a writer and recipe developer, is a strong believer in fusion.
Photo: Graydon Herriott
She understands the jargon-y term might provoke some eye rolls.
Theres a lot of places doing fusion and it feels random, she says.
But its just how Issa cooks.
Photos: Graydon Herriott
And, as she became a recipe developer, she realized thats how she made food too.
My cultural upbringing at home and then my life in Americait results in this third culture.
That is what influences and inspires my cooking most regularly, she tellsVogue.
Photo: Graydon Herriott
Third Cultureis also the name of her debut cookbook, out April 1.
It includes family recipes, like her grandmothers Baklava or her sister in laws Biryani.
(Oh, and those date and dark chocolates cookies are in there too.)
Its inspired cooking that has a cultural context, Issa says.
Issa knows she is one of millions of people who fit into this often confusing, uncheckable category.
This cookbook is for them.
Third culture kids can struggle to find meaning in their identity.
I cant relate to one thing entirely ever, and thats okay, she says.
Its also just for anyone who likes exploring culture through cuisine.
Below, find Issas recipe for her date and dark chocolate cookies.
Theyre a perfect sweet treat for those celebrating Eidor for those who just want to celebrate an average day.
Oh, and finishing with flaky sea salt is a must.
Bittersweet chocolate, use semisweet chocolate
Light brown sugar, use dark brown sugar
1.
Whisk the flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and kosher salt in a medium bowl.
Stir in the dates and chocolate to evenly distribute.
Beat in the granulated sugar and brown sugar until combined, about 45 seconds.
Cover and chill for at least 3 hours and up to 72 hours.
Place a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 375F.
Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
Divide the dough balls between the prepared baking sheets spaced about 3 inches apart.
Sprinkle with flaky salt.
Bake thesecond sheet of cookies in the same way.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes before serving.
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Reheat in the microwave for 15 seconds.
Excerpted from the new bookThird Culture Cooking: Classic Recipes for a New Generationby Zaynab Issa.
Photos copyright 2025 by Graydon Herriott.
