In every kitchen where meals are made with love, you’ll often find more than just ingredients, you’ll find intention, joy, and a deep sense of connection. For Lebanese food creator and home cook Dana Hamad, the kitchen is just that kind of space: a place to nourish, to bond, and to share. With a loyal and growing audience across the Gulf, Dana is known for her family-friendly recipes, warm personality, and beautifully balanced approach to food.
At Casa Rinaldi, we were thrilled to collaborate with Dana, someone who shares our belief that quality ingredients are the soul of good cooking.
Where Italy tastes like home
Dana’s cooking blends everyday comfort with rich, homemade flavors. She describes her style as simple, warm, and family-focused, where taste never takes a back seat to convenience. “I love dishes that feel homemade yet flavorful.” she says. “Simple to prepare, but rich in taste.”
Italian cuisine plays a meaningful role in Dana’s kitchen, especially for weeknight meals and dishes her children enjoy. Whether it’s a steaming bowl of spaghetti or a fresh, vibrant tomato sauce, these flavors have found a welcome place at her table, alongside the traditional recipes of her own culture. “I try to create a balance between exploring new cuisines and preserving the flavors of home,” Dana explains.
Casa Rinaldi in Dana’s kitchen
So what makes a Casa Rinaldi product stand out to someone like Dana, who cooks daily and shares her food with thousands? “The richness and authenticity of the flavors,” she says. Casa Rinaldi’s balsamic vinegar is one of her favorites, praised for its perfect balance between sweet and tangy. “It adds depth to salads, meats, and even roasted vegetables,” she says.
Our classic pasta and tomato sauces have also earned a permanent place in her pantry, especially because they’re dishes her children adore. Dana even incorporates the tomato sauce into traditional Middle Eastern recipes, showing its versatility beyond Italian cuisine.
A Few of Dana’s favorites
Among the many recipes Dana shares, some stand out as audience favorites. A comforting dish she often prepares is stuffed shell pasta with ricotta, spinach, and Casa Rinaldi’s tomato sauce, a hearty, oven-baked classic that’s equal parts nutritious and satisfying.
When it comes to dessert, she leans on elegance and ease. Her Tiramisu and Lemon Tiramisu, both made with Casa Rinaldi Ladyfingers, are beloved for their delicate texture and beautiful presentation. “These desserts are always a hit because they look elegant but are easy to prepare,” she shares.
Why Italian staples are universally loved
Dana believes the global appeal of Italian staples, like extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and sun-dried tomatoes, comes down to their honesty and impact. “A drizzle of good balsamic or a spoon of sun-dried tomatoes can completely transform a dish, ” she explains. “These ingredients are rooted in history and tradition, and their quality speaks for itself.”
They also fit perfectly into her own culinary philosophy: start with the best ingredients, and everything else will follow. As an influencer, Dana sees it as a responsibility to recommend only the products she truly uses and trusts. “My audience trusts what I share, so I only collaborate with brands I genuinely use and believe in,” she says. “Casa Rinaldi is one of those brands that reflects my values—quality, tradition, and real flavor.”
Discover the ingredients Dana loves:
At Casa Rinaldi, we’re proud to partner with voices like Dana’s, home cooks who bring flavor to life with creativity, care, and ingredients that speak for themselves.
Buon appetito!