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“If you are a chef, no matter how good a chef you are, it’s not good cooking for yourself; the joy is in cooking for others. It’s the same with music ...will.i.am

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Banana Pudding
Consider this: Banana Pudding might just be the ultimate summer dessert. No grill or BBQ gathering feels complete without it. After discovering and testing this recipe from MeatChurch.com, I was surprised by how little banana is actually used in the pudding, yet how much flavor is derived from that minimal amount. Annotated Cooking Notes: Yes, I put these in jars like Meat Church, but when I make this again, and I will, I will probably put it in a big bowl to serve family st
Mike Kalustian
Jun 102 min read


Italian Sashimi
This recipe is a mash-up of two separate recipes. Italian Style Sashimi from Swann's Oyster Depot in San Francisco and the Tuna Carpaccio recipe going around on social media. I just combined two great ideas. Annotated Cooking Notes: If the Tuna comes out of the tortilla press unevenly or not round, just move the excess around and re-smash it. Ingredients 6 oz Sushi-grade tuna 4 oz sushi-grade salmon 4 oz sushi-grade yellowtail ( hamachi) 1 avocado diced 1/2 shallot, finely
Mike Kalustian
May 111 min read


Smokehouse Cheese Bread
This recipe is incredibly easy and straightforward, and it tastes just like the authentic cheese bread from the renowned Smokehouse restaurant in Toluca Lake, CA. Annotated Cooking Notes: Allowing the garlic to rest overnight is crucial, but if that's not possible, let it rest as long as you can. The soaking process truly infuses the garlic flavor into the butter. Ingredients 1 loaf of sourdough bread sliced in half 1 stick of butter 2 teaspoons freshly chopped garlic 1 pkg.
Mike Kalustian
May 11 min read


Potaje de Garbanzos de Baza: Garbanzo Bean Stew
This simple stew is bursting with flavor. I discovered this recipe on Spainonafork.com. It was straightforward to prepare, and even those in my home who aren't fans of garbanzos finished their bowls. The key to this recipe is the thickener, which consists of garlic, a few slices of baguette, and a fried egg. All three ingredients are fried in olive oil and then mashed into a paste. Ensure the egg is fully cooked, including the yolk, when frying. Annotated Cooking Notes : Can
Mike Kalustian
Apr 203 min read


Chocolate Guinness Cake
This is another recipe from the Guinness cookbook. Although I'm not a baker, this recipe is so straightforward that even I can't mess it up. It was incredibly quick and easy, resulting in a creamy, moist, and rich chocolate cake. Annotated Cooking Notes. Always opt for dark Dutch cocoa powder; it makes a significant difference. I've tried it with regular cocoa powder, and the flavor isn't as intense. Ingredients For the Cake 250 millilitres Guinness 250 grams unsalted butter
Mike Kalustian
Apr 152 min read


Poached Salmon
This simple dish can be prepared in a single pan in just a few minutes. If you have a large sauté pan, doubling the recipe is straightforward. However, if you choose to double it, I recommend adjusting the liquid quantities by eye. Cooking Tips: The secret is to place the salmon on top of the vegetables, which will enhance the flavor of the veggies and prevent the fish from overcooking. Ingredients: 3 green onions sliced thin from whites to green half of a Leek, cleaned and c
Mike Kalustian
Apr 121 min read


Pineapple Cake
This recipe comes from the home-cooked magazine and was created by Great-Grandma Esther Deleske of Fruitridge, Michigan. This incredibly delicious cake is sweet from the pineapple and divinely soaked in the evaporated milk. When a recipe is passed down from generation to generation, you know it's fire. Annotated Notes : There isn't much I can add to Great Grandma Deleske's recipe, but I will stress ya gotta pour the topping over it when the cake is hot, so that it soaks al
Mike Kalustian
Mar 182 min read


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
Mar 71 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


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


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
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