Hana Zoghby and her 4-year-old daughter Alaia's pancakes

For 8 pancakes

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and vanilla.
2. In another bowl, beat the eggs and then add the milk, melted butter, and coconut sugar. Mix until fully combined.
3. Gradually pour the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients, gently stirring until you have a smooth batter. Do not overmix.
4. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes.
5. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it.
6. Ladle small amounts of batter into the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until bubbles begin to form on the surface.
7. Flip the pancakes and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
8. Serve hot with a variety of toppings, such as fresh fruit, maple syrup, honey, or nut butter.
   
   

Cooking and family memories

In Zoghby's family, cooking has always played an important role. "I grew up in a family where food was very important. Meals were true moments of sharing, when everyone gathered around the table," said the mother of Malek, 7, and Alaia, 4.

"My grandmother was an exceptional cook, and she passed down her love of cooking to me. I loved watching her prepare dishes and seeing how food brought the whole family together. Later, my mom carried on that tradition with the same passion and generosity. I think that's where my love of cooking comes from: family memories, recipes passed down through generations and the joy of seeing people gather around a good meal."

The founder of Sippycup also recalled taking cooking classes in New York "just for fun." Since returning to Lebanon and opening Sippycup, she has had less time to cook. "But I try to keep that connection through my children. With Malek and Alaia, we love to bake together. They like to get hands-on, mix, decorate... and I think we enjoy making the cakes almost as much as we enjoy eating them."

Among her childhood memories, Zoghby especially remembers Sunday lunches at her grandmother's house. "Every week, she prepared a real feast and the whole family gathered around the table. These lunches were simple, warm moments where food brought everyone together."

Another meal also left a lasting impression. "My uncle Alfred took me to dinner at Marcel restaurant in Washington. I remember leaving completely fascinated by the food, the service, the ambiance and the attention to detail. That evening, I realized I wanted to work in the restaurant business. I think that dinner planted the seed for everything that followed."

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