Mexican Street Corn Brats

These Mexican Street Corn Brats are a must-have for your next summer barbecue!  It brings the vibrant flavors of elote (Mexican street corn) to the classic American bratwurst. Each brat is generously slathered with a tangy mayo sauce and piled high with fresh corn, crumbled cotija cheese, and a sprinkle of green onions. They're bursting with flavor and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

By Leslie Blythe

Woolworth’s Frito Pie

A Cult Classic
I was watching The Best Thing I Ever Ate on the Food Network last night with my daughter, Zoe. One of the chef’s favorite things is Frito Pie. She was very intrigued. I remember eating it as a child. One of the best ways to eat it, however, is to pour the chili right into a mini bag of Fritos and top with cheese. This is a great thing to eat if you are out at a football game somewhere cold.

As to the origin, some say Frito Pie was invented at Woolworth’s in Sante Fe, New Mexico. Corporate lore at Frito-Lay, however, say that Daisy Dean Doolin, mother of the guy who first bought the rights to market Fritos in 1932, not only perfected her son’s product, but also made it into a dish as a way to help market the crispy fried corn chips.

By Leslie Blythe

Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

Forget everything you thought you knew about potato salad. This Crispy Smashed Potato Salad is here to revolutionize your summer cookouts and potlucks. It's an incredible combination of textures and flavors, combining the irresistible crunch of roasted smashed potatoes with a vibrant, pickley salad and a cool, creamy ranch dressing. Imagine tender-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside smashed potatoes, caramelized and golden, providing an incredible textural contrast to every bite.

By Leslie Blythe

Danish Puff Pork Chops

I'd never heard of this dish, but it sounded so interesting that I simply had to make it. Danish Puff Pork Chops use boneless pork chops and topped with a thick sauce made of butter, flour, milk, egg, sharp cheddar cheese and finely minced onion. It’s then spooned over seared pork chops and then baked. As it bakes, it sets and creates a slightly puffed, flavorful crust. Despite their name, Danish Puff Pork Chops are not a traditional Danish recipe. They are considered a comfort food classic that originated in the midwest of the United States. It's unique and absolutely delicious!

By Leslie Blythe

Dump and Bake French Onion Meatballs and Rice

Taking the timeless appeal of classic French onion soup, this casserole is an incredibly easy, weeknight-friendly dish. All the delicious flavors you love are here: buttery caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and savory Gruyère cheese. It's the perfect way to enjoy this iconic 18th-century Parisian creation as a comforting and quick meal on even your busiest evenings.

By Leslie Blythe

Neiman Marcus Cake

The Neiman Marcus Cake is widely believed to be a variation of the St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake. This Midwestern dessert, reputedly created by accident during the Great Depression by a baker who added too much butter, sugar, or shortening to a standard cake, has a distinct gooey center and a crisp crust. The "Neiman Marcus" moniker is that the dessert is simply seen as being as "rich" and "luxurious" as the department store itself. This recipes uses a yellow cake mix for the base, combined with melted butter and eggs, and then topped with a sweet cream cheese mixture. I had never had it or heard of it before and when I served it, I cut the pieces too big. It's SO rich and luxurious that a little goes a long way!

By Leslie Blythe

Cheese Slaw

In the United States, the story of Cheese Slaw largely begins in Roanoke, Virginia. The recipe is attributed to caterer Lib Wilhelm, whose famous cheese slaw appeared in the Roanoke Junior League cookbook "Oh My Stars!Recipes That Shine," published in 2000. Lib Wilhelm was a well-known figure in Roanoke's social scene, and her cheese slaw was a signature dish, even mentioned in her obituary. This version of cheese slaw often features Swiss cheese, banana peppers, jalapeño, and green onions, bound with mayonnaise. It's often described as the of cousin of pimento cheese.

By Leslie Blythe

Classic Patty Melt

The Classic Patty Melt…
When a grilled cheese meets a hamburger.
The Bread should be sliced rye (seeded or seedless, depending on preference) is traditional and provides a subtle tang that balances the richness of the other ingredients. Some might opt for sourdough or even Texas toast, but classic rye offers a unique and essential flavor profile.
The Beef patty should be made from freshly ground chuck, ideally an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio. This ensures juiciness and flavor. They should be seasoned simply with salt and pepper, cooked on a hot griddle or cast-iron skillet to develop a beautiful sear and crust, while remaining juicy on the inside.
The Onions should be deeply caramelized. This is where the magic truly happens.
The Cheese must be melty and flavorful. The classic choice for a patty melt is Swiss cheese. I prefer a sharp cheddar. And then there are those people that like American cheese… Well, they are not invited to this party!
The Classic Patty Melt is stacked with meat, onions and cheese and then cooked until golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is fully melted and oozy.

By Leslie Blythe

Slow Roasted Feta-Dill Pistachio Crusted Salmon with Creamy Tzatziki

Slow-Roasted Feta, Dill, and Pistachio-Crusted Salmon is an easy weeknight upgrade that boasts incredible flavor and texture. Experience perfectly moist salmon topped with a crispy, salty, and tangy crust, beautifully nestled on a bed of arugula and creamy tzatziki. It's truly the most delicious way to enjoy salmon! Truth be told, I bought ready-made tzatziki!

By Leslie Blythe

Marry Me Butter Beans

Ever heard of Marry Me Chicken? It's an incredible Tuscan-inspired dish, bursting with the flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, cream, and basil. Here is a delicious vegetarian recipe for Marry Me Butter Beans. You'll be amazed at the depth of flavor this recipe delivers in just 15 minutes! Featuring butter beans enveloped in a creamy Tuscan-style sauce, these Marry Me Butter Beans are the ultimate quick comfort food. It comes together in one skillet. It's so delicious, it's rumored to make anyone who tastes it want to marry the chef!

By Leslie Blythe