

Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies
I have been making these cookies for well over 14 years. I found this recipe from Claire Robinson on the Food Network webpage. These cookies are so delicious, the perfect post-meal snack: sweet, savory, and fragrant. They are a staple in my house. Annotated Cooking Notes: Truth be told, I have made these for years and still struggle to roll the dough up into a perfect log. Nonetheless, they taste delicious, even if more often than not, mine are not perfectly round. Ingredie
Mike Kalustian
3 days ago1 min read


Coq Au Riesling
Coq au Vin is an iconic French dish, a simple farm pot of rooster and red wine. Coq Au Riesling is a variation on a recipe from the eastern parts of France, a region defined just as much by German influences on ingredients as by French techniques. This dish is bright, creamy, and acidic in a good way. Annotated Cook Notes : After cooking, you can enjoy the dish right away, but it's also an excellent option to prepare in advance. Allowing it to cool and rest in the fridge ov
Mike Kalustian
5 days ago2 min read


Caramelized Onion Jam
This sweet, savory caramelized onion jam recipe is a great way to spice up meat dishes and is a fantastic condiment that goes with almost anything, and will immediately make your dish insanely savory!! This is a jam that will elevate an ordinary dish into something spectacular. This delightful caramelized onion jam recipe adds a sweet and savory touch to meat dishes and serves as a versatile condiment that complements nearly any meal, instantly enhancing its savory flavor.
Mike Kalustian
Jan 251 min read


Chicken Piccata
This Chicken Piccata is a simple yet elegant dish that comes together fast for a satisfying weeknight meal. Annotated Cooking Notes: Don't have time to pound the chicken, use chicken cutlets. Ingredients For the Chicken Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (2 Large) All-Purpose Flour (1/2 Cup) Salt(1/2 tsp) Black Pepper(1/2 tsp) Olive Oil(3 Tbsp) For the Piccata Sauce Unsalted Butter, divided (4 Tbsp) Garlic, minced (2 Cloves) Dry White Wine (like Chardonnay) (1/2 Cup) Brined C
Mike Kalustian
Jan 222 min read


Exploring the Flavors of Soupe au Pistou: A Traditional French Recipe
This is Julia Child's traditional take on the simple yet aromatic Provencal vegetable soup. What distinguishes this soup from similar ones is the freshness of its vegetables and the incorporation of pistou, a sauce made with garlic, basil, tomato, and cheese. Each time I prepare this, I'm amazed by the flavor of the broth that this recipe produces. Annotated Cooknotes: This is a quick and straightforward soup. It's also perfect for using up leftovers from the fridge. If you
Mike Kalustian
Jan 182 min read


Hearty Weeknight Chicken Stew With Juicy Thighs and Flavorful Depth
This rich and comforting chicken stew is quick enough for a weeknight dinner but hearty enough for a leisurely Sunday meal. Boneless chicken thighs are preferred over breasts because they retain their juiciness longer. Cooking them in the stew with sweet paprika, chicken stock, and a hint of apple cider vinegar enhances the flavor remarkably, while dried herbs and a variety of vegetables add depth and texture. It comes from the New York Times Cooking App. Annotated Cooking No
Mike Kalustian
Jan 122 min read


Perfect Falafel.
This recipe is from Chef Steve at Vivaldi restaurant in Toronto, Canada, but it's a simple, straightforward falafel recipe. I adore falafel, and making it at home can be both delicious and enjoyable. Annotated Cooking Notes : Two things about making homemade falafel. You really want to keep the oil temperature low; it will keep your falafel tender. Secondly, it's worth getting a falafel press. Since you need to soak the chickpeas overnight, you can easily order one from Amaz
Mike Kalustian
Jan 92 min read


Tools of the Trade
Lessons I've learned as a food blogger. These are the tools I can't live without. Why? The smaller the size of a kitchen, the less space you have. Most professional kitchens don't have the space for one-use products, and a home kitchen is even more restricted with storage. I love tools that can multitask. And these four things are invaluable to me. A Good Pair of Kitchen Shears, preferably ones that can be disassembled for easy cleaning. From chopping vegetables and herbs to
Mike Kalustian
Jan 41 min read


Viral Million Dollar Crack Dip
This viral dip is making the rounds I have seen several variations, but I like this version of the recipe because it's clean and simple ( two words I live for in the kitchen.) Again, this is another great party dish. I have rushed out several recipes for New Year's. This is the last one. I hope some of these will help up your snack table. Enjoy! Ingredients 1 block of softened Cream Cheese 1/2 cup of Mayonnaise 3/4 sliced green onions 1/3 cup of Bacon Crumbles 1/4 cup slivere
Mike Kalustian
Dec 30, 20251 min read


Delicious Sour Cream and Onion Dip Recipe Inspired by Clinton Kelly from The Chew
I'm always a fan of natural ingredients over processed chemical ingredients. Could you make an Onion Dip by using a packet of stuff? Yes, will it taste as good as a Dip made from Onions? No. This recipe is easy and straightforward to make; it just takes a little time to caramelize the onions. Ingredients 2 tablespoon Olive Oil 1 large Yellow Onion (cut into even 1/4-inch thick rings) 1 clove Garlic (minced) 1 1/2 cup Sour Cream 3/4 cup Mayonnaise Kosher Salt Pepper Directions
Mike Kalustian
Dec 30, 20251 min read


Spicy Whipped Feta Dip
This recipe was posted on IG by chef Catie Randazzo, formerly of All Day Baby, and now at Bub and Grandma's. This quick, easy dip is a great way to spice up veggies and is great for a party. Annotated Cooking Notes: FYI, wanna adjust the heat increase or decrease the amount of Cayenne and Crushed Red Pepper. Ingredients 32 oz feta cheese 1/2 cup Water 1/3 cup lemon juice 1 tsp caraway seeds 2 tsp cayenne 2 tbsp. crushed red pepper various sliced veggies 1 tsp cumin seeds D
Mike Kalustian
Dec 29, 20251 min read


Delicious Tart Cherry and Garlic Herb Cheese Spread Perfect for Snack Tables
This is another family reciper that is a hit on our mezza table. And again it could not be easier to put together. Annotated Cooking Notes: I just pulled the cheese right out of the package, it's probably better if spread a little thinner, maybe use a spatula to press it down, but you're gonna up the mess factor. Ingredients 1 package Alouette Garlic Herb cheese spread 1 jar Dalmatia Spread Sour Cherry - 8.5 Oz 1 package of unsalted, already shelled pistachios. Baked Crack
Mike Kalustian
Dec 29, 20251 min read


Delicious Fried Dill Pickle Dip Recipe for New Year's Eve and Super Bowl Parties
I love, love, love this dip; it is savory, crunchy, and spicy. If you love pickles, you will love this. I found at offical_drew_cooks on Instagram. Not only does he do accessible recipes, but he also has a beard that is the envy of my eye. I made this for a Super Bowl party last year, and it was the dish that had everyone talking. Ingredients 1 block of Cream cheese 1 cup of sour cream 1 packet of ranch seasoning 3 cloves of garlic, minced 1 jar of dill relish 1/2 cup of p
Mike Kalustian
Dec 28, 20251 min read


Delicious and Simple Quick Artichoke Salad Recipe, Perfect for a Party
This recipe comes from my aunt and is always a big hit at our family gatherings. And it's as simple as opening a few jars and doing just a little chopping. My kids love this salad. FYI, if you have some left over, it makes filling for a quiche or frittata. Ingredients 1 33 oz can of Marinated Artichoke quarters ( or 4 cups) 1 cup pitted Kalamata Olives 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes sliced in half lengthwise 1 cup Bella Mushrooms stems removed, and sliced thin, Directions. This co
Mike Kalustian
Dec 28, 20251 min read


Collard Greens
There's a tradition that eating collard greens on New Year's Day brings wealth and prosperity for the coming year, as the green leaves represent paper money (like "greenbacks"). This is especially true when they are served with black-eyed peas (representing coins) and cornbread (symbolizing gold) for a prosperous meal. My mother brought these recipes from the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia and prepared them every year. Hearty Greens are ideal for cold winter nights. A
Mike Kalustian
Dec 24, 20253 min read


Norwegian Strata
I discovered a video on YouTube from "Kitchen in the Shire" in which she referred to a dish as "The Egg Thing," which she learned from a lady at the Norwegian Church. After some research and discussions with my Norwegian in-laws, I found out that the actual name is Strata, but "Egg Thing" is quite fitting too! In Norway, this dish is a traditional Christmas morning favorite. It's similar to a cheesy bread pudding and kind of like a quiche. Annotated Cooking Notes: You can def
Mike Kalustian
Dec 23, 20253 min read


Secra e Suriaca
This recipe is from Eva over at Pastagrammer.com . It takes a while to cook, but it can be made well in advance. You can cook this dish hours ahead of time, let the ingredients sit, and quickly toss them together for dinner. Secra e Suriaca literally translates to Swiss chard and beans. I find bean dishes really satisfying in the fall, and they perfectly highlight why meat isn't necessary for every meal. Annotated Cooking Notes: Yes, Canned beans can work, but dry beans tast
Mike Kalustian
Dec 22, 20252 min read


Black Eyed Peas
Every year growing up, my Mom made black eyed peas for New Year's Day, the legend is they bring good luck. The base of this recipe is from my mom's recipe, but of course I have chefed this up by adding some ingredients from Drew Cooks on Instagram. This has been my goto recipe for the last two years. Ingredients 1lb bag black eye peas 10 oz pork shoulder cubed 2 tbs oil 4 slices chopped bacon 1 diced Jalapeno pepper 1 diced onion 4 minced garlic cloves 1 1/2 tsp salt 1 tsp
Mike Kalustian
Dec 20, 20252 min read


Julia Child's Eggs Benedict
Yes, this recipe can intimidate people, but that is only because poaching eggs are scary; if you follow the process, it's not hard to master the technique. My suggestion, if you're new to poaching, double the amount of eggs so some will turn out to your liking. This recipe is divine and perfect for that Sunday Brunch w/ friends. it's easy to make this visually stunning and can be a show stopper to your table. Julia's Hollandaise sauce is a simple recipe that is perfect for p
Mike Kalustian
Dec 14, 20253 min read


Ricotta Gnudi
This recipe and I have an interesting history. I first tried gnudi at my all-time favorite restaurant, Animal. The moment I tasted it, I fell in love with the silky velvet texture. It took me several months and several conversations with several Chefs de Cuisine of Animal and head chef Vinny Dotolo. The word gnudi translates to nude and refers to a naked ravioli. So essentially, these are raviolis without the pasta dressing. Annotated Cooking Notes: A few things. 1) You need
Mike Kalustian
Dec 8, 20252 min read


Vodka Rigatoni with Crispy Prosciutto
This is a simple and fast one-pan pasta that can be prepared in just a few minutes. By starting to crisp the prosciutto and boil the water simultaneously, you can have this dish ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish. I adopted This recipe from the Youtuber Chris Red Hots Ingredients 3 Tbs Butter 1/2 white onion, diced 3 cloves garlic, chopped 1/2 cup vodka 3/4 cup heavy cream 1 cup red pasta sauce 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 package prosciutto Basil leaves 1 pa
Mike Kalustian
Dec 1, 20251 min read


Tabbouleh
Growing up in an Armenian family, tabbouleh was a frequent dish on our dinner table. It's a vibrant, refreshing burst of flavor, and for me, it embodies the taste of home, love, and tradition in every spoonful. Annotated Cooking Notes: This is almost identical to my mom's recipe, but it originates from feelgoodfoodie.net . Yumna, the cook, made some excellent choices. The first is soaking the bulgur in the dressing. While my mom used to soak the wheat in water and prepare th
Mike Kalustian
Nov 24, 20252 min read


Bourbon Turkey Brine
I'm pushing this recipe out quickly for Thanksgiving, moving it ahead of my scheduled recipes. This is a simple brine that doesn't need cooking and results in a juicy, flavorful turkey. Annotated Cooking Notes: It's best to use a sweet bourbon for this. My favorite is Blanton's, but it's over $70 a bottle. More affordable options include Buffalo Trace or Benchmark Full Proof, both priced around $25. Ingredients 1 gallon of water 3 garlic cloves, minced 1/2 cup coarse kosher
Mike Kalustian
Nov 20, 20251 min read


Lamb Loin Chops on Corn Hash
Loin chops are the most tender part of a lamb. Way more tender than chops from the rack of lamb. This Recipe comes from my friends at Animal, Jon and Vinny and taknig their advice lamb is best served medium rare. Annotated Cooking Notes: Making it all in one dish really does make the difference. Using the grease from the lamb really infuses the hash. Ingredients 5 tablespoons canola or grapeseed oil 1 large Yukon Gold or russet potato, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes 1½ t
Mike Kalustian
Nov 15, 20252 min read


Ground Beef, Zucchinin, and Sweet Potato Skillet.
A one-pan dish, with very few ingredients, that is not only easy to make but also filling and delicious, yes sign me up. This is one of my wife's favorite recipes. Ingredients 1 lb Ground Beef 2 Medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced 2 medium zucchini, sliced 1 onion, diced 2 cloves of garlic, minced 1 tablespoon of olive oil Salt and pepper to taste 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp dried oregano 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional) Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish Directions 1. Begin by
Mike Kalustian
Nov 12, 20251 min read


Loaf Pan Basque Cheesecake
This isn’t the best Basque cheesecake recipe but it is the easiest and most accessible. A quick easy delicious version of a simple cheese cake. Annotated Cooking Notes: You really do want to fold those whites and get as little air into the batter as possible. Also, for a topping, I just drizzled the syrup from the marinated cherries. Ingredients. 360 g softened cream cheese 70 g confectioners’ sugar 10 g cornstarch 3 eggs 1 egg yolk 100 g heavy cream/whipping cream Marinate
Mike Kalustian
Nov 9, 20251 min read


Caramelized Onion and Bacon Quiche
Here's another quiche. I enjoy making them because quiches are perfect for using up leftovers from your fridge or for creating a more refined dish. This particular quiche is both sweet and savory, featuring a delightful mix of bacon, caramelized onions, and Gruyere cheese. Annotated Cooking Notes: Preparing a quiche is more like baking than cooking, so it's important to be precise with your measurements. Ingredients - 1 pre-made pie crust (store-bought or homemade) - 4 large
Mike Kalustian
Nov 6, 20251 min read


Herb Roasted Chicken with Root Vegetables
Chicken is a staple, especially now with beef prices skyrocketing, and everyone should know how to roast a whole chicken. If you think it only serves one meal, you'd be mistaken. A roasted chicken today can also be transformed into chicken salad sandwiches and chicken soup for tomorrow. Ingredients 1 whole chicken (about 4–5 lbs) 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for drizzling) Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 lemon, halved 1 small bunch of fresh thyme (plus a few sprig
Mike Kalustian
Nov 3, 20252 min read


Pasta Gigi
This straightforward pasta recipe is shared by Chef Steve from the Vivaldi Way channel on YouTube. The dish, named possibly after his wife, features mushrooms in a cream sauce. It's ideal for serving two people and pairs wonderfully with a nice Sauvignon Blanc, making it perfect for a cozy date night at home. Annotated Cooking Notes: This dish comes together quickly. Everything in the pan cooks in less than 10 minutes. Ingredients 1 cup oyster mushrooms, chopped 1 shallot,
Mike Kalustian
Oct 31, 20251 min read


Stuffed Roasted Pumpkin.
This recipe is my white whale. I want to make this awesome pumpkin work, but honestly, it's more work than it's worth. But diminishing returns aside, this recipe can be a grand spectacle for a holiday table, and it's delicious. Annotated Cooking Notes:: There was a lot of preparation and effort involved... I'll be honest and straightforward. It took me two tries to get this recipe right. The first attempt was a French recipe, and it was, frankly, unusual. I created the seco
Mike Kalustian
Oct 29, 20252 min read


Candied Bacon.
Bacon, Brown Sugar, Maple syrup—what’s not to love? Candied bacon is a treat that belongs on every table. This dish elevates your party table, goes well with a charcuterie board, and will delight your guests. Annotated Cooking Notes: Don’t skip spraying the rack, as the sugar and syrup will make the bacon stick to the grate. Ingredients 1-pound thick-cut bacon 1/2 Cup quality maple syrup 1 teaspoon prepared mustard 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper 1 tablespoon brown sugar Directio
Mike Kalustian
Oct 25, 20251 min read


Moroccan Coconut Pork Stew
I found this recipe on Chef Stephanie Izard's Instagram. It featured her Little Goat Went to Morocco spice blend. Unfortunately, her line of spices has been discontinued, but now I make it with a traditional Moroccan Ras el Hanout spice, which you can either buy or find a recipe for online. This dish is bright, creamy, warm, and delicious. It's equally enjoyable in warm or cold weather, and the preparation isn't that hard. The Cooking Experience: I've prepared this dish many
Mike Kalustian
Oct 21, 20252 min read


Orange Julius
If you're of a certain age, you know it, you loved it, and you miss it. Yes, you can still get them at Dairy Queens, but on the West Coast, DQs are few and far between. This is the frothy orange drink that we loved as kids, and BONUS, I'm including some boozey alternatives. Annotated Cooking Notes: This was quick and easy, and the best thing is that it all happens in one blender, so that makes for an easy cleanup, which is essential to me. The one drawback is that Xanthan
Mike Kalustian
Oct 18, 20252 min read


Persimmon Salad with Shallot Vinaigrette
This is one of those dishes I tried at a restaurant, Kismet, Los Angeles, which was featured in their cookbook, Kismet. I generally shy away from restaurant recipes, but chefs Sara Kramer and Sarah Hymanson have this wonderful way of using great produce paired with amazing spices to produce accessible recipes. Persimmons are a fall fruit, and this salad is simple and understated. I would only advise you to be light-handed on the dressing. The first time I made it, I went way
Mike Kalustian
Oct 15, 20252 min read


Pickled Summer Fruits
I'm a big fan of Alton Brown, and I consider him one of my top chefs, alongside Julia Child and Anthony Bourdain. Given my interest in pickling, this recipe is an obvious choice for me. It’s a sweet pickling method. You can use the pickled fruits to enhance desserts, top pork chops, or simply enjoy them by themselves. I doubled the recipe. Annotated Cooking Notes: Since there is no salt, there is no need to go to a full boil on the liquid, just simmer until the sugar dissolve
Mike Kalustian
Oct 11, 20251 min read


Boeuf Bourguignon.
This recipe from Julia Child is undoubtedly one of the tastiest dishes you can offer for dinner. While it's not difficult, it is intricate and requires some time to prepare. The stew is savory, rich, and layered with tender pieces of braised beef, caramelized pearl onions, and sautéed mushrooms, all enveloped in a wonderfully silky red wine sauce. Tips If you can find pre-peeled pearl onions, use them. If not, simmer your onions in boiling water for 20 seconds, then strain, c
Mike Kalustian
Oct 9, 20253 min read


Cheeseburger Quiche
This cheeseburger quiche tastes just like the hamburger we all crave. Packed with protein from ground beef and bacon, this quiche is a quick and easy dinner solution I’ve made countless times. You’ll be surprised how much it tastes like a real bacon cheeseburger. You can make it with a crust, which I did/ ( I actually stretched 2 premade crust in a large quiche pan. ) Annotated Cooking Notes: Don't hesitate to use those premade crusts—utilize them fully to ensure the entire
Mike Kalustian
Oct 6, 20252 min read


Mom's GS Chili
Growing up, my mom ran a Girl Scout troop. And while this recipe isn't officially endorsed, it came to be known in our house as "Girl Scout" chili. It's one of those home recipes that uses common ingredients like tomato juice and kidney beans to deliver flavor. I have kicked it up from my mom's version; she definitely wouldn't have added all the spices I have. Annotated Cooking Notes: I didn't include it in the recipe, but anytime I'm stewing meat in tomato sauce, I always ad
Mike Kalustian
Sep 30, 20251 min read


Chicken Piccata
This classic comes from Oldscool Kev. It's quick, easy, and delicious. This is dinner in less than 20 minutes from start to serve. ...
Mike Kalustian
Sep 29, 20251 min read


Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas
This Tex-Mex recipe is from Joanna Gaines of Magnolia Table. It's a simple recipe that makes use of many store-bought ingredients which...
Mike Kalustian
Sep 27, 20252 min read


Chicken Chili Verde
This easy recipe comes from oldschoolkevmo, who is easily the biggest social media chef on Instagram and TikTok. It's quick, easy, and...
Mike Kalustian
Sep 16, 20252 min read


Salsa Macha
This rich, smoky, and nutty salsa is ideal for enhancing the flavor of any meat dish. There are numerous variations of this salsa, and...
Mike Kalustian
Sep 10, 20252 min read


Cilantro Lime Rice
We love this rice; it's a simple, easy way to upgrade simple rice for a meal at home. It comes from Joanna Gaines' Magnolia Cookbook. I...
Mike Kalustian
Sep 6, 20251 min read


Easy Avocado Salad.
Here's a quick and easy salad that's perfect for summer or whenever you're in the mood for something fast and tasty. This recipe comes...
Mike Kalustian
Sep 1, 20251 min read


Prosciutto Wrapped Figs
Here is another quick and easy summer recipe. I love that the author of this recipe says its a none recipe it makes sense since it is so...
Mike Kalustian
Aug 28, 20251 min read


Balsamic BBQ Sauce
This has been my go-to BBQ sauce for over ten years. It was the first restaurant recipe I learned to make, featured on the menu at my...
Mike Kalustian
Aug 24, 20251 min read


Tzatziki Sauce
This is a recipe for a quick and simple summer treat. This versatile sauce can enhance the flavor of any dish, from lamb and homemade...
Mike Kalustian
Aug 22, 20251 min read


Creamy Mushroom Soup.
I love this recipe, it's really easy, and carmalized mushrooms are delicious. It's also a great example of a recipe where you can stray...
Mike Kalustian
Aug 22, 20252 min read


Pear Bread
What surprised me most about this bread was how moist the pears made it, even more so than banana bread. I discovered this recipe in...
Mike Kalustian
Aug 16, 20252 min read


Clams and Chorizo steamed in Sherry
This recipe is one of my favorites because it was inspired by my late friend, the talented chef Jonathan Whitener. His incredible clam...
Mike Kalustian
Aug 13, 20251 min read


















