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“If you really want to make a friend, go to someone’s house and eat with them… The people who give you their food give you their heart.” – Cesar Chavez

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The Original Pantry's Coleslaw
For nearly a century, the Original Pantry was a beloved restaurant in downtown Los Angeles. During my time working for the Metro, it became my regular late-night spot for buckwheat pancakes before heading home. Every meal at the Pantry included two reliable staples: sourdough bread and their coleslaw. This straightforward recipe makes an excellent side for any beef dish, offering a sweet and acidic flavor that pairs perfectly with steak. This recipe from food.com may have th
Mike Kalustian
3 days ago1 min read


Creamy Parmesan Cabbage
This recipe was given to me by a chef friend, John. I have since seen a similar version on several Instagram posts, but I think this one is superior because of the spice the canjun seasoning brings to the table Annotated Cooking Notes : Look for a cabbage with a sizable core, as it's crucial for maintaining the structure of the wedges. Opt for larger wedges to ensure they're securely attached to the core, since without it, the cabbage will fall apart. 1 medium head of green
Mike Kalustian
Mar 12 min read


Hamburger Gravy, AKA S.O.S
Anyone who has served in the military knows this recipe, often referred to as Shit on a Shingle. There are numerous variations depending on the choice of protein. Using pork breakfast sausage results in biscuits and gravy, the Army used chipped beef, while in the Marines, we used hamburger. This recipe is an excellent way to make ingredients go further and offers a warm, satisfying meal. Annotated Cooking Notes: Traditionally served on toast, I enhanced the dish by baking bis
Mike Kalustian
Feb 222 min read


Garlic Steak Fries
These garlic fries, accompanied by garlic steak, boast an ideal cheese sauce and a pepper-onion relish. If you're a fan of any type of cheese fries, cheese steak, garlic fries, or garlic steak, you're definitely going to adore this. Annotated Cooking Notes: This recipe is delicious; the only drawback right now is the current price of beef. Even cheaper cuts like skirt or flank steak are expensive. 1 1/4 pound skirt steak 6 cloves garlic, crushed or finely minced 1 teaspoon
Mike Kalustian
Feb 163 min read


Shrimp and Cod in Creamy Garlic Sauce
Although this recipe is straightforward, it exudes opulent luxury. The dish's origins are a tribute to coastal France. My family quickly finished the entire pot. Annotated Cook's Notes : This recipe becomes even quicker if you purchase shrimp that are already shelled and deveined. The original recipe specified fresh shrimp, but I opted for frozen ones and simply soaked them in cool water for 5 minutes to defrost. Ingredients hrimp (peeled and deveined): 300 g (about 10 oz) Co
Mike Kalustian
Feb 92 min read


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
Feb 11 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
Jan 302 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 232 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
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