Food with a Story

Chicken à la King

This refreshed Chicken à la King keeps the soul of the classic while updating it with fresh mushrooms, red peppers, and a splash of white wine. Finished in buttery puff pastry cups, it’s nostalgic comfort with a little extra elegance.

Stuffed Cabbage | “Piggies in the Blanket”

A recipe that takes me back to winter dinners and family gatherings—cabbage leaves filled with seasoned beef and rice, simmered in a tangy tomato sauce. In my Pennsylvania hometown, we lovingly called them “Piggies in the Blanket.” Comfort food that’s as comforting as the memories behind it.

Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Parmesan Dinner

Meet the “Chicken Parm Tray” — tender, parmesan-coated chicken with a jammy roasted tomato sauce, garlicky golden fingerlings, and roasted broccoli, all cooked together on one sheet pan for the ultimate easy dinner. Then, a mini tiramisu adds a sweet, perfectly portioned finale. Check out this next delicious meal in the “Tray Chic” series.

Scrippelle ‘Mbusse (Italian Crepes in Broth)

This elegant Italian soup features thin scrippelle — delicate crepes rolled with Pecorino Romano — floating in golden chicken broth. An heirloom recipe passed down through generations, it’s simple, comforting, and perfect for holidays or cozy gatherings. Learn more about the story behind this treasured family tradition.

Italian Wedding Soup with Turkey Meatballs

This Italian Wedding Soup with Turkey Meatballs combines herby meatballs, tiny pasta, and a fragrant broth kissed with white wine. A cozy, family-friendly favorite that’s easy enough for weeknights and special enough for Sunday.

Hot Dog Sauce Recipe: Grandpa Bob’s Famous Summer Sauce

A sweet, tangy, slow-simmered hot dog sauce recipe that turns any dog (or burger, or grilled sausage) into something special. Built on buttery onions and peppers, this homemade sauce simmers with ketchup, a little sugar, mustard powder, and Worcestershire sauce. It’s savory, a little sweet, a little tangy—and surprisingly versatile. I add a splash of cider…

How to Make Chilled Hungarian Sour Cherry Soup

Discover the bright, refreshing flavors of Hungarian Sour Cherry Soup—tart, sweet, and spiced, perfectly chilled for summer. Inspired by family stories and rediscovered on a trip to Budapest, this scrumptious soup is steeped in tradition and flavor.

Hungarian Apricot Ruffled Tart: How to Make Maria’s Recipe

This delightful Hungarian apricot ruffled tart recipe is a true family treasure, discovered tucked away in a file of old recipes belonging to my husband’s grandmother from Budapest. Lovingly typed in Hungarian, it offers a special glimpse into the past, making every bite deeply meaningful. Known as “Borzás Kati” in Hungarian-which roughly translates to “shaggy…

Raspberry Pastry Cream and Cake Filling

Raspberry Pastry Cream is a velvety, vibrant filling that can elevate almost anything. Whether you’re using it to fill cream puffs, eclairs, cakes or cupcakes, or just serving it in a dish with fresh berries and whipped cream, it’s the perfect embodiment of spring in a bite. My personal favorite way to enjoy it is…

Tender Raspberry Coconut Cakes with a Hidden Raspberry Heart

These tender Raspberry Coconut Cakes are inspired by a beloved childhood treat from our family bakery, Sugar & Spice, where we called them Lafayettes. I haven’t tasted them in years, but the memory of their irresistible flavor-coconut, vanilla, and bright raspberry-stayed with me, sparking a desire to recreate and gently elevate the version I remember.…