These garlicy mashed potatoes will melt in your mouth and warm your insides. They are great for a crowd or a side to a savory dinner. Leftovers are just as tasty. Serves: 6 guests Tools: Large stock pot hand blender or potato masher pairing knife cutting board Ingredients: 6 large russet potatoes, thoroughly washed…
sweet rolls
My grandmother served rolls similar to this at every holiday gathering. I have fond childhood memories of my grandfather throwing rolls across a long table to my big brother for Thanksgiving dinner. This version adapted from my friend Carol’s recipe is simple and sweet. The beauty is they are supposed to be made ahead, which…
chocolate chip cookies
Who doesn’t love a warm cookie hot out of the oven? These little numbers are a weekend favorite in our house. I make the whole recipe of dough and bake them in smaller batches for fresh cookies every time. Serves: 40 small cookies and 24 large cookies Tools: Mixing bowls Baking mat Cookie sheet Large brown…
dutch apple pie
My husband will tell you he didn’t like pie until he tasted this. I make it all year round. It is beautiful for hosting and just as good for breakfast as it is dessert. Pair it with warm caramel and ice cream and you’ve got yourself a real treat. Serves: 8 guests // one…
scratch pie crust
This recipe elicits all the feels from my childhood. My grandmother always mysteriously had “one more” scratch made crust in her freezer to make a fresh pie when my family would come for unannounced visits to their farm. It is simple and straightforward and uses ingredients readily available anywhere. Serves: one deep dish 9″…
meat balls
To my friend Carol who taught me how to make Sicilian pasta sauce again I say thank you for also schooling me on her meatballs. I have adapted the recipe to ingredients readily available where ever I may be. These are sure to please any appetite. I often make them in large batches and use…
bread sticks
My family loves a good bowl of pasta. These breadsticks are crusty on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect for lapping up the pasta sauce left in the bottom of the bowl. Serves: 8 large breadsticks, 8 guests Tools: mixing bowl baking pan baking mat measuring cups Ingredients: .25 oz or 1 1/2…
thai stir fry
I spent a summer in Thailand and came away with a love for the people and their cuisine. I took a cooking class there and this dish has been a staple in my menu ever since. It is as beautiful in presentation as it is healthy. Serves: 4-6 guests Tools: wok chef’s knife cutting board…
homemade pizza
Homemade pizza loaded with veggies is a crowd-pleaser, family-favorite and kid-friendly. Nearly every week this is requested in the meal plan. Take the basic pizza as your foundation and build on it what you like. Serves: 2 large rectangular pizzas if you use the pizza crust & pizza sauce recipes Tools: chef’s knife cutting board…
autumn in a pot
I love the smell of Autumn; unfortunately living in a crowded city perks the senses to pollution above all else. So when I am expecting company or just missing my mid-western Fall, I compile these ingredients and let them simmer away on the stovetop filling our flat with the senses of changing seasons. Serves: one…
pizza sauce
The jarred pizza sauces in our country have a funky aftertaste, so one day I embarked on my own and just added a little of this and a palmful of that and came up with a recipe for pizza sauce. I will never go back. It can be made ahead and frozen in pizza-sized batches….
candied carrots
One of my sister’s favorite side dishes growing up was candied carrots. I almost forgot about this sweet and savory side until I was stuck on a dinner menu and only had carrots in the cupboard. Sometimes necessity begets the best ideas. The response from the family was to keep it coming back. Serves: 4-6…
cairo eats 