Cooking Method: Sautéing

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

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

One-Pan Ditalini and Peas

When I made this my husband said it was a 10 out of a 10 (greater than the sum of its parts). This One-Pan Ditalini and Peas will become your savior on busy weeknights. Ditalini, meaning "little thimbles" in Italian, is a small, tube-shaped pasta. The key to this dish is that the pasta cooks directly in the broth, absorbing all the flavors as it simmers. This delicious, quick meal comes together in one pot, meaning minimal cleanup. Yet, it tastes surprisingly complex and elegant. Sweet, perfectly cooked peas are the ideal complement to the ditalini, and the sauce is wonderfully silky without being heavy. It’s topped off with crispy salami, lemon zest, fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese.

By Leslie Blythe

Cheesy Chile Crisp White Beans

Cheesy Chile Crisp White Beans are a simple, comforting, and flavorful dish that combines the creaminess of white beans with the spicy, textural kick of chili crisp and the richness of melted cheese. If you are looking for something quick, satisfying, and vegetarian-friendly, this is the answer! You can serve it with warm tortillas or tortilla chips for scooping, or or spoon it over rice to soak up all the flavorful sauce.

By Leslie Blythe

Spinach Quiche (Gluten-Free)

This Crustless Spinach Quiche is naturally gluten-free! It's an elegant yet easy dish, ideal for brunch, a light lunch, or even a simple dinner, offering all the flavor without the fuss of a crust. This recipe proves that going gluten-free doesn't mean compromising on deliciousness. It's also lower in carbohydrates, making it a versatile and healthy option.

By Leslie Blythe

Burger Bowls with House Sauce and Ranch Fries

My husband usually orders a burger and takes off the top of the bun. He loves this Hamburger Chopped Salad that they serve at Little Pub in Greenwich, CT. So when I saw this recipe for Burger Bowls with House Sauce and Ranch Fries, I knew I had to make it. It’s the ultimate burger bowl with crispy, ranch-seasoned waffle fries piled high with a juicy burger chunks and all your favorite fixings, finished with a signature house sauce drizzle. Oh, I also have made Pittsburgh Salad, with involves sliced steak, hard boiled eggs and fries.

By Leslie Blythe

Ragu Bianco (White Bolognese Sauce)

Unlike the classic red Bolognese, Ragu Bianco, or white Bolognese sauce, is a rich and flavorful Italian creation distinguished by the absence of tomatoes. Originating most likely in northern Italy, its three-hour simmer on the stovetop allows the subtle and nuanced flavors of the meat and other ingredients to truly meld and shine.

By Leslie Blythe

Sheet Pan Chicken Tacos with Chipotle Crema

These aren't your average tacos! Craving a flavorful and fast weeknight dinner? These Sheet Pan Chicken Tacos with Chipotle Crema deliver! Juicy, tender chicken thighs, boldly spiced and quickly cooked, mingle with melty cheese in warm tortillas. The real magic? A smoky chipotle crema drizzled on top. Ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights.

By Leslie Blythe

Skillet Gnocchi With Miso Butter and Asparagus

This vibrant Skillet Gnocchi with Miso Butter and Asparagus delivers a burst of spring flavor in just 10 minutes. Sweet asparagus and fresh baby greens mingle with seared gnocchi, all coated in a rich and silky miso-butter-vinegar sauce. I added a can of butter beans to add more protein.

By Leslie Blythe

Polish Hunter’s Stew (Bigos)

Bigos is a traditional Polish hunter's stew, known for its hearty combination of wild mushrooms and tomato-sauerkraut base. This stew is originally made with game meats like venison or wild boar, but this version uses kielbasa, which is a bit easier to obtain!

By Leslie Blythe