Cuisine: Cheese

Spaghetti with Garlic, Herbs, and Parmesan

A friend of mine recently took cooking classes in Tuscany and brought back some of this fantastic dried herb mix. I used to buy Ducros herb blend in France. Spaghetti with Garlic, Herbs, and Parmesan is one of my all-time favorite ways to eat pasta, especially when you are on a student budget. It was my equivalent of ramen noodles. It is so simple, yet so satisfying.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 20 mins
  • Yields: 4 - 6 Servings

King Ranch Chicken

This from-scratch version of King Ranch Casserole gets rid of the cans and is destined to become a modern-day classic. After one bite of this creamy, cheesy casserole you'll be hooked. It also travels well, making it a great choice to take to a potluck.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 50 mins
  • Yields: 12 Servings

Spaghetti Pie

Spaghetti Pie is an old family favorite of our friend Carol Stephens—sadly now gone but NOT forgotten—who served this to her large family in their farmhouse in the English countryside. It is traditionally cooked in a casserole dish (we always use a large soufflé dish) and served with ketchup, as there is no tomato sauce in this—it is spaghetti, minced beef, onions, parsley and cheese bound together with milk and egg (a twist of nutmeg is a must, and a bit of garlic and sautéed mushrooms are great in it, too. Cooking it in a bundt pan and cutting slices of it is a great improvement (we hope Carol would think so!).

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 20 mins
  • Cook: 45 mins
  • Yields: 6 - 8 Servings

Japanese Cheesecake

This light Japanese Cheesecake originated in Hakada, Japan in 1948 with the name "Uncle Tetsu". It’s very different from standard cheesecake, it is made with 3 ingredients - cream cheese, white chocolate and eggs.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 20 mins
  • Cook: 45 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings

Green Chile Frito Pie

Frito pie is traditionally chili meat, cheese poured into a snack-sized sack of Frito chips cut open sideways. This recipe is more of a bowl. I had it at the Plaza Café in Santa Fe, New Mexico. It was probably one of the best things I eaten in a long time. I have always been a fan of green Hatch chilies. This Green Chili Frito Pie was so good and VERY spicy, just they way I like it!

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 1 hr 15 mins
  • Yields: 6 - 8 Servings

Chicken Gismonda

Chicken Gismonda is a recipe from the Rangoon Racquet Club in Beverly Hills, which opened in 1975 and closed in the early 1990's. It is chicken that is smothered in mushrooms and served on cooked spinach and covered with melted mozzarella cheese.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 35 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings

Caramelized Onion Cranberry Compote Cream Cheese Crackers

Hosting a party is stressful, whether it's a small get-together or a holiday fête for a crowd. The key is making as much food ahead of time as possible, so all you have to do day-of is reheat and do a little last-minute prep. These Caramelized Onion Cranberry Compote Cream Cheese Crackers can be made ahead and will be a crowd pleaser.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 25 mins
  • Yields: Makes 1 cup

Butternut Squash & Bacon Mac n’ Cheese

This Butternut Squash & Bacon Mac n’ Cheese is perfect for a fall meal. It's super cheesy and delicious. Serve it will a mixed green salad and crusty bread.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 45 mins
  • Yields: 6 servings

Parmesan Roasted Zucchini

This recipe for Parmesan Roasted Zucchini from Ina Garten's new cookbook, Cooking for Jeffrey, she says that "You can serve it hot out of the oven or at room temperature as part of a buffet, where a big platter of roasted zucchini looks gorgeous."

By Leslie Blythe

  • Yields: 6 - 8 Servings

Potatoes au Gratin

This Potatoes au Gratin is a fabulously cheesy and satisfying delish side dish. There really isn't anything more to say but to make this now!

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 1 hr
  • Yields: 8 Servings