Today's cover · American · Side
A creamy risotto with tender butternut squash, Parmesan, and the subtle warmth of vanilla. Crisp sage adds a savory, aromatic note that pairs naturally with the squash while keeping the vanilla restrained and balanced.
Total time:35 minServings:serves 6Difficulty:intermediate
Cook tonight
The recipes that get food on the table fastest — weeknight favourites first, then whatever cooks quickest.
American · SoupDifficulty: easy
Cool, creamy, and refreshing, this Avocado & Cucumber Soup is the perfect appetizer or light summer lunch. Ripe avocados and chilled cucumbers blend into a silky base with yogurt, lemon, and a hint of Worcestershire sauce for depth. Finished with a fresh garnish of diced cucumber, avocado, tomato, and basil, this vibrant soup is best served ice-cold with a drizzle of olive oil and crusty bread on the side.
Total time:20 minServings:serves 4
Vegetarian
The collection at a glance
Every number below is a published recipe, a cook who wrote one, or something in the pantry — nothing padded.
40
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6
234
Latest additions
The most recently written recipes, freshest first.
Difficulty: easy
Rich, savory, umami-packed egg yolks cured in a mixture of kosher salt and sugar, then gently dried until firm enough to grate. Use them like a hard cheese to add concentrated flavor and a delicate, golden finish to pasta, soups, salads, and vegetables.
Total time:4 days 2 hrServings:serves 4
Russell Toris@russelltorisThe cooks
The recipes here are written by the people who actually make them.
40 published recipes
Indian · MainDifficulty: intermediate
A bold Italian pasta dish featuring spaghettini finished in reduced Zinfandel wine, giving the pasta a deep purple color and rich, complex flavor. Tender rapini (broccoli rabe), golden garlic, and Calabrian chile bring a balance of bitterness, heat, and savory depth. Finished with freshly grated Pecorino Romano, this is a simple yet elegant dish that lets a handful of ingredients shine.
Total time:40 minServings:serves 4
VegetarianDate NightWeeknight
Russell Toris@russelltoris
American · SoupDifficulty: easy
This recipe has been a cherished part of our family for generations, passed down by word-of-mouth from my Grandma. As a child, during the cold winter months, I eagerly awaited her visits during Christmas. I used to beg her to make this simple yet flavorful dish, perfected with hearty chunks of tender beef, fresh vegetables, and warming stock. It’s an ultimate comfort meal, reminding you of cozy family gatherings during frosty evenings. Ideal for enjoying on a cold rainy night or curled up by the fire during the winter season, this soup embodies love, tradition, and a taste of home.
Total time:45 minServings:serves 5
WeeknightOne-PotWinter+2 more
Russell Toris@russelltoris
American · MainDifficulty: easy
Cajun Chicken Alfredo is a bold twist on a classic comfort dish, combining rich, creamy Alfredo sauce with the smoky heat of blackened Cajun chicken. Perfectly seasoned chicken breasts are seared to create a flavorful crust, then baked to juicy perfection. Meanwhile, a velvety sauce made with heavy cream, garlic, and a touch of dry white wine is simmered to enhance its depth. Sun-dried tomatoes add a subtle sweetness, while freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano ties it all together. Tossed with tender fettuccine and finished with a sprinkle of scallions, this dish delivers the perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and heartiness—ideal for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.
Total time:1 hr 5 minServings:serves 4
Comfort Food
Russell Toris@russelltoris
American · BreakfastDifficulty: intermediate
This homemade smoked bacon is built for thick-cut slices, diced bacon lardons, and especially pasta carbonara. Pork belly is cured with kosher salt, pink curing salt, black pepper, garlic powder, bay leaf, and crushed juniper berries, then lightly smoked until savory, aromatic, and pork-forward without becoming overly sweet or barbecue-like. The result is a clean, peppery, lightly smoky slab bacon that renders beautifully and gives pasta, eggs, cheese, and black pepper plenty of room to shine.
Total time:1 week 1 dayServings:serves 20
Russell Toris@russelltoris
French · MainDifficulty: intermediate
Picture a luxurious and refined twist on the classic beef Wellington—this Salmon en Croûte is that and so much more. Delicate, flaky salmon halves are seasoned with a tangy mustard spread and an herbaceous compound butter that melts into the tender fish while cooking. These are then lovingly encased in golden, buttery puff pastry and baked to perfection. The fresh herb blend harmonizes beautifully with the warmth of the pastry, making this dish a showstopper for any occasion. Elegantly versatile, it’s perfect for intimate dinners, special celebrations, or even an impressive brunch centerpiece.
Total time:40 minServings:serves 4
SeafoodDate NightBaked
Russell Toris@russelltoris
American · MainDifficulty: intermediate
This Filet Mignon with Goat Cheese and Balsamic Glaze is an elegant, restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare at home. Tender, juicy steaks are seasoned and seared to perfection, then crowned with creamy goat cheese and finished under the broiler for a toasty, tangy topping. A rich balsamic glaze—sweet, savory, and deeply flavorful—ties everything together with a luxurious finish. Ideal for intimate dinner parties or special occasions, this dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp glass of red wine. It's a showstopper that delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.
Total time:30 minServings:serves 6
Date NightPan-Seared
Russell Toris@russelltoris
AmericanDifficulty: easy
A bold and flavorful spice rub perfect for any grilled or fried dish. This Cajun Blackening Spice Blend adds a smoky heat and deep, rich flavor to chicken, shrimp, fish, or steak. Packed with a balance of paprika, garlic, cayenne, and aromatic herbs, it creates a crispy, charred crust when seared over high heat. Whether you're pan-blackening or firing up the grill, this rub delivers that signature Cajun kick—spicy, savory, and irresistibly delicious. Perfect for those who love a little heat and a lot of flavor!
Total time:2 minServings:serves 6
Russell Toris@russelltoris