Welcome to LittleMiddleKitchen: Our Story, Our Food, Our Life

Hey there! We’re Can (Jon), Jasemin, and Ece, and Sibel the team behind LittleMiddleKitchen—a space where we share our love for good food, simple joys, and finding balance in life.

For us, food is more than just what’s on the plate—it’s about moments, memories, and the connections we build around the table.

Whether it’s a quick, nourishing meal, a slow Sunday breakfast, or a comforting dish after a long day, every meal tells a story.

And this is ours.

We’re originally from Turkey, where food isn’t just nourishment—it’s a way of life. From long family breakfasts to tables filled with mezes, olives, and warm, crusty bread, we grew up in a culture where meals were slow, conversations were rich, and food was always meant to be shared.

Recently, we moved to Canada to start a new chapter—one filled with new experiences, opportunities, and a fresh perspective on life.

With every big change comes its challenges, but food has always been our constant—a way to stay connected to our roots while embracing new traditions.

For years, we were both caught up in corporate careers, fast-paced routines, and long hours. But deep down, we longed for a life with more creativity, freedom, and time for the things that truly matter.

So, we made a big decision.

We left behind our corporate careers to create something of our own, where we could focus on what we love: cooking, sharing good food, and embracing a balanced lifestyle.

LittleMiddleKitchen is our way of doing just that—a place to share real, nourishing meals without the pressure of being "perfect" all the time.

Yasemin’s Journey: A New Perspective on Life & Food

A few years ago, our world shifted when Yasemin was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was a tough journey—physically, emotionally, and mentally—but it also changed the way we look at life.

Throughout her treatment, we found comfort in the simplest things: warm, nourishing meals, the act of cooking together, and the joy of sitting down as a family. Even on the hardest days, food remained a reminder that life moves forward, and small moments of joy can still be found.

One of our most memorable nights was celebrating Yasemin’s last chemo session. We made a beautiful meze spread—grilled halloumi, homemade hummus, and a fresh salad.

Ece set the table with so much pride, arranging everything perfectly.

That night, as we raised our glasses to Yasemin’s health, we realized that life had changed—but in many ways, it had also become clearer.

At the beginning of her treatment, we set a goal: when this was all over, we’d take a 4,000-kilometer motorcycle camping trip—just the two of us, out on the open road.

T

hat dream became our motivation, something to hold onto during the hardest moments. And when Yasemin recovered, we made it happen.

For weeks, we rode through mountains, forests, and open roads, sleeping under the stars, cooking simple meals over a campfire, and just enjoying the freedom of the journey.

It wasn’t about ticking places off a list—it was about proving to ourselves that life after illness could be full, vibrant, and ours to define.

That trip, and everything leading up to it, shaped the way we see food and balance today.

Meet Sibel: Our Bakery Expert in Turkey

We’re lucky to have Sibel as part of our LittleMiddleKitchen crew!

While we bring Mediterranean-inspired dishes from our home in Canada, Sibel is based in Turkey, where she creates beautiful, handcrafted bakery products.

From crispy pastries to soft, golden breads and rich, traditional desserts, Sibel is a true artist in the kitchen.

She helps us bring authentic, homemade baking recipes to our community, sharing the joy of Turkish and Mediterranean baked goods.

Whenever you see a warm, flaky borek, a golden sesame-sprinkled simit, or a perfectly layered baklava on our page, chances are, Sibel had a hand in it.

Why We Love the Mediterranean Way of Eating

Our roots in Turkey shaped the way we cook and eat today. In the Mediterranean way of life, food is meant to be shared, meals are slow, and fresh ingredients are everything.

We love mezes—those small, flavorful dishes that bring people together. Hummus, tzatziki, roasted vegetables, grilled fish, and warm, crusty bread—it’s all about balance, variety, and enjoying food without overcomplicating it.

And of course, we love a good pairing—whether it’s a glass of wine, a cup of strong Turkish coffee, or the occasional toast with raki. Food, to us, isn’t just about fuel—it’s about pleasure, connection, and the moments that bring people together.

Now that we’re living in Canada, we’re excited to bring the flavors of our Mediterranean roots into our new home, blending tradition with new experiences.

Balance: Eating Well, Living Well

We’re not about strict diets, calorie counting, or food guilt. After everything we’ve been through, we’ve learned that food should be nourishing, joyful, and never stressful.

Some days, that means a fresh, wholesome Mediterranean dish—grilled vegetables, olive oil, and wholesome grains. Other days, it means treating ourselves to baklava and coffee.

And that’s what balance looks like for us—real food, made with love, enjoyed without guilt

Join Us at LittleMiddleKitchen

This space is for everyone who loves good food and simple joys. Whether you’re here for new recipes, kitchen inspiration, or just a reminder that balance is possible, we’re happy to have you.

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