Brussels Sprout and Bacon Risotto

Brussels Sprout and Bacon Risotto is a rich, beautifully marries the creamy texture of Italian risotto with the earthy, slightly bitter crunch of Brussels sprouts and the savory, salty notes of crispy bacon. It's a perfect meal for a cozy evening.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 30 mins

Japanese Curry Chicken Pot Pie

My daughter Grace made this delicious Japanese Curry Chicken Pot Pie. It’s a harmonious marriage of two beloved comfort food icons. The filling takes the soul-warming essence of a traditional pot pie—juicy shredded rotisserie chicken, potatoes, and carrots—and smothers it in a velvety, rich Japanese curry sauce. Using a store-bought Japanese curry mix, which gives a gravy-like thickness, deepened by warm spices and a bright hint of fresh ginger. The entire concoction is then sealed under a buttery, store-bought puff pastry crust, which bakes to a beautiful golden crispness, ready to soak up every drop of that savory, spicy-sweet sauce.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 30 mins
  • Cook: 1 hr 25 mins
  • Yields: 4 - 6 Servings

Salmon with Rosemary Sauce

This Salmon with Rosemary Sauce is an excellent and easy salmon recipe for all those times when you want a touch of luxury with minimal effort. The luscious, aromatic sauce is the perfect decadent partner for rich, flaky salmon. And the best part? It’s ready in 15 minutes.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 15 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings

Baked Spinach and Artichoke Mac and Cheese

The ultimate comfort food hybrid is here. Baked Spinach and Artichoke Mac and Cheese merges the irresistible richness of the classic dip with the hearty satisfaction of baked macaroni. This decadent, creamy casserole is guaranteed to please a crowd and instantly turns a simple dish into an indulgent, flavorful main course.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 50 mins
  • Yields: 8 Servings

Vesuvio Potatoes

Vesuvio Potatoes are a classic of Italian-American recipe, particularly associated with Chicago, Illinois, where it is believed to have originated in the 1930s. It's named after Mount Vesuvius, the volcano near Naples, Italy. They are garlicky, lemony wine-infused potato wedges. The original dish is Chicken Vesuvio. I went to Mount Vesuvius when I was 16 with my friend Alina. I have a pathological fear of heights. Hence, going to the top of Mount Vesuvius on the back of a mule was a bad idea..... Ditto Saint Paul's cathedral dome in London.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 40 mins
  • Yields: 4 - 6 Servings

Tuscan Chickpea and Pasta Soup

This recipe for Tuscan Chickpea and Pasta Soup (Pasta e Ceci) is from Trattoria Bel Mi' in Colle di Val d'Elsa, Italy. It's absolutely delicious, though not so soupy. Serve it with a crisp green salad and crusty bread. By the way, I would have been fired from any food magazine for publishing a photo without cleaning the plate!

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 50 mins
  • Yields: 4 - 6 Servings

French Onion Baked Ramen

I'm always drawn to anything that starts with French onion. I've made all sorts of French onion recipes, this French Onion Baked Ramen is cheating, but good it you don't have the time to cook. It's perfect for 2 people. It's a one-pan dish where uncooked ramen noodles are covered in a mixture of French onion soup, broth, and butter, then baked until tender and topped with cheese and broiled. You can add some cooked ground beef if you want to make it heartier. Alternatively, it can be made by cooking the ramen noodles separately and ladling them into oven-safe bowls with French onion soup and shredded cheese before broiling, similar to classic French onion soup.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 5 mins
  • Cook: 30 mins
  • Yields: 2 Servings

Air Fryer Crispy Parmesan Artichokes

These Air Fryer Crispy Parmesan Artichokes are a game-changer for your appetizer spread! They are incredibly delicious and crispy. The best part? They are wonderfully easy to make and cook in a flash thanks to the air fryer. This makes them the perfect last-minute addition to your menu. Serve them with a bright and creamy homemade Lemon Aioli for dipping. They're guaranteed to be the hit of your next gathering!

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 5 mins
  • Cook: 10 mins
  • Yields: 4 minutes

Apple Cider Risotto with Bacon and Butternut Squash

This Apple Cider Risotto with Bacon and Butternut Squash is the epitome of fall. The sweet butternut squash marries perfectly with tart granny smith apple and the bacon drippings coat the rice, which gives it a smokey flavor. Half the roasted butternut and apple mixture gets puréed and stirred into the risotto (the other half is reserved for topping). Finally, a hefty amount of Parmesan and a little butter at the end are stirred in for even more umami and to make the risotto nicely glossy and extra creamy. The dish is finished with the reserved chunks of roasted squash and apple, and the crumbled crisp bacon, making it a perfect, savory-sweet, and comforting fall meal.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 1 hr
  • Yields: 4 Servings

Beef and Tomato Pasta Soup

This deeply comforting and satisfying one-pot Beef and Tomato Pasta Soup is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. It’s simmered in beef broth, and a touch of cream cheese is added to create a luxurious, creamy texture that doesn't overpower the robust tomato and savory ground beef. Essentially, every spoonful combines the hearty meat, tangy tomato base, and tender short pasta (like elbow macaroni) for a full and utterly satisfying meal.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 20 mins
  • Yields: 6 Servings