October 29, 2025 | Posted in:

[Thanks! You’re now entered to win “Chesnok” by Polina Chesnakova!] A Recipe for Penovani Khachapuri:

Published on: October 29th/2025
Author: Polina Chesnakova
Recipe origin: Georgia

GEORGIAN FLAKY CHEESE BREAD
“This sheet-pan version of penovani khachapuri — usually sold as a compact, hand-held street food — is made with shatteringly crisp puff pastry and is nonnegoatiable at our big family parties. As the platter hits the table, a bit of a flurry ensues over who gets the corners (or, as we call them, popuchki—”little butts”). Thankfully there’s always enough pieces to go around, corner or no corner, and eventually everyone gets their fill. It’s impossible to get tired of this khachapuri, so don’t be surprised if it becomes a staple in your family, too.”

Unsalted butter, for greasing
All-purpose flour, for dusting
One (17.3-ounce / 490 g) box frozen puff pastry, thawed but chilled
1 pound (450 g) low-moisture whole-milk mozzarella cheese, shredded
5 ounces (140 g) feta cheese, grated
5 ounces (140 g) whole-milk ricotta cheese
1 egg, lightly beaten with a pinch of kosher salt

SERVES 8 TO 10
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 10×15-inch (25×38 cm) jelly-roll pan or an 11×17-inch (28×43 cm) glass baking dish, or something similar in size. These sizes will give you the best pastry-to-cheese ratio.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one puff pastry sheet slightly larger than the size of your pan and transfer it to the pan. Sprinkle the mozzarella in an even layer over the dough, leaving a thin border all around. Evenly crumble the feta cheese over the top. Dollop the ricotta in small spoonfuls all over in an even layer.
Roll out the second piece of dough to the size of your pan and lay it over the cheese. Pinch the edges of the pastry layers together to tightly seal like you really mean it—I go over my pinches a couple of times to make sure there aren’t any gaps. We don’t want any precious cheese oozing out! Then roll the edges up and over the pie and pinch and flatten all over again. Generously brush the pastry with the beaten egg, making sure you get the edges, too. Poke the top of the pastry, save for the edges, all over with a fork—you can’t have too many pokes.
Bake the pie until crisp and golden brown and the bottom is firm, 30 to 35 minutes.
Let cool a bit for the cheese to set before cutting into squares and serving.

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September 12, 2025 | Posted in:

A loaf of French bread

Governor’s French Bread

Published on: September 11th/2025
Author: Suzana Oliveira & June Reeder McCarthy
Recipe origin: France

This is a Frannie Packard recipe, Executive Chef at the Governor’s Residence before me. Billy Graham told Frannie that it was the best bread he had ever eaten. My family now considers it the ‘Canada French Bread’.

2 cups warm water, 100-115 degrees
1 package active dry yeast
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon coarse salt
3 1/2 – 4 cups bread flour

1. Place the water, yeast, and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the beater bar. Allow the yeast to proof (dissolve) about 5 minutes. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add salt and 3 cups flour. When the flour is incorporated, turn the mixer up to medium-high and beat for about 2 minutes. Reduce speed to low and slowly add about 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough wraps around the beater and cleans the sides of the bowl. You may not use all the flour. The worst thing you can do to bread dough is to add too much flour.
2. Scrape the dough off the beater bar and leave the rough mass of dough in the mixing bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and a towel. Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 hours. Turn dough over itself in the bowl about 4 times. Cover, and allow to rise another 45 minutes.
3. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Place the dough on a lightly floured board, cut dough in thirds or half depending on your loaf pan. Roll into French loaf form. Place the dough onto a greased French loaf pan. Allow to rise with a covered towel. When the dough has doubled, make 3 slashes in each loaf with a sharp knife. Bake for 25 minutes or until a thermometer reads an internal temperature of 200 degrees. Remove from the pan immediately to cool.

Whole Wheat Variation
2 1/2 cups water for the 2 cups water
2 cups all-purpose flour & 4 cups whole wheat flour for the 3 1/2 cups bread flour
Method remains the same.

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August 25, 2025 | Posted in:

Nonna Carmela’s Tiramisu – From ‘Mediterranea’

Published on: August 28th/2025
Author: Recipe by Nonna Carmela; from Mediterranea by Anastasia Miari (Quadrille, £28), photography © Marco ArgÜello
Recipe origin: Italy

Note from Anastasia: The dessert to beat all desserts, tiramisu needs little introduction. It has always been my favourite sweet ending to a meal, but when I moved to Sicily a few years ago to learn Italian and realised that tiramisù quite literally means ‘pick me up’, I fell in love with this dolce all over again.

Carmela’s tiramisù is light and creamy. It’s less saccharine than others I’ve tasted across Italy and strikes just the right balance between creamy, sweet and kicky (from the coffee). It’s also damn easy to whip up. Don’t think about adding alcohol to this one. It isn’t traditional tiramisù etiquette and Nonna Carmela would be very upset. She also advises you make it the day before to ensure a tidier slice. She served hers right after her Pasta alla Norma.

5 cups water
4 large eggs, separated
150 g (51/2 oz/scant 2/3 cup) caster (superfine) sugar
500 g (1 lb 2 oz) mascarpone, at room temperature
800 ml (27 fl oz/ 31/3 cups) brewed espresso (Carmela used 4 coffee pods), cooled
400 g (14 oz) sponge fingers (savoiardi/ ladyfingers; ideally thin ones)
2 tablespoons cocoa (unsweetened) powder

Using a hand mixer, whisk the egg whites in a large, clean bowl until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overmix them.

Put the egg yolks into a large bowl, add the sugar and whisk until pale and thickened.

Gradually add the mascarpone to the yolk and sugar mixture, whisking until combined. Add the egg whites and whisk again briefly until combined.

Now make the first layer of sponge fingers. Pour the coffee into a large Tupperware box or small baking dish. Place the dish you will use for your tiramisu next to the dish of coffee – Carmela used a 39 x 17 cm (15 x 7 inch) glass dish, but use any medium-sized deep dish you have. One at a time, dip half the sponge fingers into the dish of cooled coffee very quickly. Make sure this action is in and out in a flash – just as long as it takes to submerge the finger. They should not be soggy at all. Once you’ve submerged one finger, place it into the tiramisu dish immediately and then repeat the process until half the sponge fingers have been dipped and arranged.

Next, spread half the mascarpone mixture onto the sponger fingers. Now repeat the process with the sponge fingers to create another layer of soaked sponge fingers on top of the mascarpone layer. Finally, add the remaining mascarpone mixture and smooth out the top.

Place the dish in the refrigerator and chill overnight.

Before serving add a thick dusting of sifted cocoa.

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August 12, 2025 | Posted in:

Tomates à la Provençale

Published on: August 7th/2025
Author: Suzana Oliveira & Abeille S.
Recipe origin: France

Tomates à la Provençale is a rustic French dish, especially popular in the summer when tomatoes are at their peak. Simple yet full of flavor, it celebrates the freshness of seasonal produce. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of tomatoes with the aromatic blend of garlic, parsley, and olive oil, creating a taste that captures the essence of the Mediterranean.

This recipe was contributed by Abeille, whose family moved from France to the United States when she was a child. She recently collected a number of her mother and grandmother’s favorite seasonal recipes, and her family especially loves this one served with lamb.

4 market-fresh tomatoes
A large bunch of parsley
1 garlic clove
Olive oil
Salt
Pepper
2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs

Cut each tomato in half horizontally (around the equator).
Heat a generous tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet.
When the oil is hot, place the tomatoes cut-side down in the pan.
Sear them on high heat until lightly browned (about 2 minutes), then flip them over.
Lower the heat to low/medium and cover with a lid.
Finely chop the parsley and the peeled garlic clove.
In a bowl, combine the parsley and garlic.
Add one or two tablespoons of breadcrumbs and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
Spoon a generous amount of this mixture onto each tomato half.
Continue cooking on low heat until done.
Delicious served with lamb chops.

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March 17, 2025 | Posted in:

Pastitsio II (Baked Macaroni with Meat)


Submitted by: The Ladies Philoptochos Society of Saint Sophia
Recipe origin: Greece

“The Ladies Philoptochos Society of Saint Sophia would like to share with you our Pastitsio II (Baked Macaroni with Meat) recipe that appears on page 117 of our cookbook. The recipe was introduced by renowned Greek Chef Nicholas Tselementes in the mid-1930’s who converted a very old recipe of a pasta and meat pie wrapped in phylo into a hearty, delicious casserole of layers of pasta, meat, cheeses and bechamel sauce. This is a version of his recipe. Since it’s publication, pastitsio has graced countless family dinners, party buffets, Greek festival and restaurant menus. You will enjoy making this tasty yet simple to make dish.”

Meat Mixture:
2 lb ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
1 stick (½ cup) butter
2 Tbsp tomato paste
1 Tbsp allspice
Salt and pepper to taste
Macaroni:
1 lb (No. 4) macaroni
1 stick (½ cup) melted butter
¾ lb grated Romano cheese
Crema Sauce:
5 cups milk
5 eggs, beaten
1 cup milk, mixed with 5 Tbsp cornstarch
2 Tbsp butter

Prepare the Meat Mixture:
In a pan, sauté the onion in 1 stick of butter until softened.
Add the ground beef and brown well.
Stir in the tomato paste, allspice, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for about 20 minutes until thickened. Set aside.

Prepare the Crema Sauce:
In a saucepan, bring 5 cups of milk to a simmer, stirring constantly.
Before it reaches a boil, slowly stir in the milk-cornstarch mixture.
As the sauce thickens, gradually add the beaten eggs while stirring continuously.
Once thickened, remove from heat and set aside.

Cook the Macaroni:
Boil the macaroni according to package directions, making sure not to overcook. Drain.
Mix the drained macaroni with ½ pound of grated cheese, 1 stick of melted butter, and 1 cup of the prepared Crema Sauce.

Assemble the Pastitsio:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Butter a 10″ x 15″ baking dish.
Spread half of the macaroni mixture in the dish and sprinkle with cheese.
Evenly distribute the meat mixture over the first macaroni layer, then sprinkle with more cheese.
Add the remaining macaroni mixture and sprinkle with more cheese.
Pour the remaining Crema Sauce over the top.

Bake:
Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes or until golden brown.
Let cool slightly, cut into portions, and serve.
Enjoy! 🍽️

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March 13, 2025 | Posted in:

David’s Seafood Gumbo


Submitted by: David J.
Recipe origin: Louisiana / West Virginia

In Louisiana, we often say “There are as many recipes for gumbo as cooks that make it.” There are many recipes for gumbo that mix seafood and meat (e.g. shrimp and andouille). I would never tell someone else that they were doing it wrong, but I strongly believe that meats overpower the delicate flavors of seafood and am adamant that the best gumbos are pure seafood.

1 pound (35-count) shrimp, peeled
1 pound jumbo lump crabmeat
2 dozen shucked oysters, reserve liquid
4 jumbo crabs
3 quarts shrimp or crab stock
1 stick of butter
1 cup flour
4 cups frozen okra
2 cups chopped onions
1 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
1/4 cup diced garlic
2 cups sliced green onions
1/2 cup chopped parsley
salt and cayenne pepper
Crystal Hot Sauce

In an 8-quart Dutch oven, heat butter over medium-high heat. Sprinkle in
flour and, using a wire whisk or roux spoon, stir constantly until brown Creole
roux is achieved. Do not allow roux to scorch. When golden brown, reduce
heat to simmer and sauté okra approximately fifteen minutes. Add onions,
celery, bell pepper and garlic and sauté approximately 3-5 minutes until
vegetables are wilted. Add claw crabmeat and stir into roux. Slowly add
shellfish stock, a little at a time, stirring constantly until it is incorporated. Add
the gumbo crabs and bring to a low boil, reduce to simmer, and cook
approximately 30-45 minutes to cook the vegetables. Add additional stock if
necessary to retain volume. Add green onions and parsley. Season to taste
using salt, pepper and Crystal. Fold shrimp, lump crabmeat, oysters and
reserved oyster liquid into soup. Return to a low boil and cook approximately 5
minutes. Adjust seasonings and serve with cooked rice.

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March 12, 2025 | Posted in:

A large pot of chicken and sausage gumbo.

David’s Chicken & Sausage Gumbo


Submitted by: David J.
Recipe origin: Louisiana / West Virginia

Until my daughters went away to college, we had family dinner almost every night. Cooking brought us all together.

Ingredients:
2 pounds boneless chicken thighs
1 pound smoked sausage
1 cup butter
1 cup flour
2 cups diced onion
1 cup diced celery
1 cup diced bell peppers
¼ cup minced garlic
3 quarts chicken stock
2 cups sliced green onions
½ cup chopped parsley
2 bay leaves
1 tbsp dried thyme
Salt and cracked pepper (this gumbo is pepper with lots of pepper)
Louisiana hot sauce to taste
Filé

Cut the chicken into ½” cubes and the sausage into ½” slices. In an 8-quart Dutch oven, heat butter over medium-high heat. Sprinkle in flour and, using a wire whisk or roux spoon, stir constantly until brown (or dark brown) Cajun roux is achieved. Do not allow roux to scorch. Add onions, celery, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté 3-5 minutes or until vegetables are wilted. Add chicken stock, a little at a time, stirring constantly until all is incorporated. Add in the chicken and sausage. Bring to a rolling coil, reduce to simmer, and cook approximately 1 hour. Skim any fat or oil that rises to the top of the pot. Add green onions, bay leaves, and thyme. Season to taste using salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Cook an additional 30 minutes or longer if necessary, until chicken is tender and falling apart. Add parsley and adjust seasonings if necessary. Stir in some filé to taste. Serve over hot, steamed white rice.

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January 14, 2022 | Posted in:

Chili spiced braised beef

Here is a warm and cozy family favorite recipe that’s been updated with a spicy twist. Enjoy it on a cool winter night with corn bread or rice.

Ingredients

8 to 10 dried ancho chilis (2 tbsp ground if you can’t find them)
4 cloves garlic
3 tablespoons olive oil
One 4- to 5-pound chuck roast or tri-tip roast, cut into 1-inch cubes, or try short ribs for richer, but fattier version
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon paprika
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 large onion, sliced
2 cups beef stock
1 tablespoons sugar
2 bay leaves

Preparation instructions

Add the chilis and garlic to a saucepan, cover with water and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat and steep for 20 to 30 minutes. Pour off half the cooking liquid. Using an immersion blender, puree the peppers, garlic and remaining liquid until smooth. You can skip this step if you are using ground chilis.
Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F.
Heat the oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the meat with the salt, pepper and spices. When the oil is hot, add the meat to the Dutch oven and brown on all side. Set aside.
Add the tomato paste and onion to the pot and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the stock, sugar, bay leaves and pepper puree to the pot and stir to combine. Return the beef to the pot and cover. Cook in the oven until the meat is fall-apart tender, 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
Remove the bay leaves. You can serve this as is as a stew, or pull it apart and serve it in tortillas as you would carnitas. Garnish with cilantro.

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May 13, 2019 | Posted in:

Mom’s Cabbage Rolls

cabage rolls hor
Ingredient list

1 large head green cabbage
1 lb lean ground beef
2 C cooked rice
1 t minced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 apple, peeled, cored, and chopped
1 can tomato sauce
2 onions, chopped
3/4 C brown sugar, packed
1-28 oz can tomatoes
1 can tomato paste
1/2 C honey
Juice of 3 lemons
Salt, pepper, paprika
Instructions

Boil whole cabbage in water for 10 minutes. Remove as many leaves as possible. Combine beef, rice, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Place a large spoonful on each cabbage leaf. Roll up tightly. Secure with a toothpick. Cut up the rest of cabbage, add 2 onions and apple. Mix together and spread half of the mixture in two 9 x 13 pans. Arrange cabbage rolls on top. Combine brown sugar, tomatoes, tomato paste, honey, and lemon juice. Pour over all. Cover pans with foil and bake at 300 for 30 minutes. Bake at 325 for 2 1/2 hours. Baste with juices.

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April 29, 2019 | Posted in:

Taco soup, or spiced beef soup

Beans_dried-2
Ingredient list

1 lb lean ground beef(or turkey)
1 onion
1 pkg taco seasoning
1 pkg dry Ranch dressing
2 large cans diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can Rotel tomatoes, undrained
1 can of black beans
1 can of pinto beans
1 can of whole kernel corn
Instructions

Brown meat and onion. Drain. Put all tomatoes, ranch dressing and taco season into blender and blend till mixed..my kids did not like tomato pieces so I always blended them so they were smooth. Pour into a stovetop pan, add beans and corn and meat and simmer until well blended and hot. Eat and enjoy…Add grated cheese and fritos or sour cream for toppings.

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