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.
27
1
4
204
Latest additions
The most recently written recipes, freshest first.
Italian · SauceDifficulty: intermediate
An old-fashioned Italian tomato sauce made by slowly braising chicken in San Marzano tomatoes, red wine, and fresh herbs. As the chicken cooks, it enriches the sauce with deep, savory flavor, creating a rich, velvety marinara. Traditionally, the chicken is removed and served separately as a second course, while the finished sauce is used for pasta, gnocchi, or other Italian dishes.
Total time:1 hr 50 minServings:serves 4
Russell TorisThe cooks
The recipes here are written by the people who actually make them.
27 published recipes
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
This mac & cheese recipe takes me back to countless childhood evenings and family meals. Originally from a mail-in magazine offer decades ago, this dish has stood the test of time as a family favorite. The sauce is reminiscent of a silky, decadent béchamel, elevated by sharp cheddar for a tangy, rich flavor that coats every bite. Perfectly cooked pasta is lovingly mixed in, creating a dish that's creamy, cheesy, and utterly soul-warming. Whether it's for a kid-friendly get-together, a quick weeknight meal, or a special occasion, this timeless classic never fails to bring joy to the table.
Total time:45 minServings:serves 6
VegetarianWeeknightBaked+2 more
Russell Toris@russelltoris
ItalianDifficulty: easy
A rich, deeply flavorful homemade chicken broth made with chicken wings, necks, drumsticks, fresh vegetables, mushrooms, and aromatic herbs. Slowly simmered for several hours, the combination of chicken bones, connective tissue, and meat produces a beautifully balanced broth with plenty of body and natural gelatin. This recipe emphasizes fresh ingredients, careful skimming, and a gentle simmer to extract maximum flavor while maintaining clarity. A touch of juniper adds subtle aromatic complexity, making this broth an excellent foundation for risottos, soups, sauces, braises, and homemade pasta dishes.
Total time:5 hr 30 minServings:serves 20
One-Pot
Russell Toris@russelltoris
ItalianDifficulty: easy
A light, aromatic vegetable stock made with fresh onions, leeks, celery, carrots, fennel, and tomatoes. Perfect for risottos, soups, sauces, and other dishes where chicken or veal stock might overpower the delicate flavors of the ingredients. This stock emphasizes fresh, high-quality vegetables rather than scraps. Starting with cold water allows the vegetables to gradually release their flavors, while keeping the tomatoes whole helps produce a clean, clear stock.
Total time:1 hr 5 minServings:serves 20
VegetarianOne-Pot
Russell Toris@russelltoris
Italian · SideDifficulty: intermediate
A traditional Venetian risotto combining the earthy sweetness of pumpkin, the pleasantly bitter flavor of radicchio di Treviso, and the rich, tangy creaminess of Gorgonzola cheese. Slowly cooked with shallots, vegetable stock, and a touch of turmeric, the rice develops a beautifully creamy texture while remaining al dente. The contrasting flavors of sweet pumpkin, bitter radicchio, and savory blue cheese create a comforting yet elegant dish that celebrates the ingredients and culinary traditions of northern Italy.
Total time:1 hr 10 minServings:serves 8
Comfort FoodFallWinter
Russell Toris@russelltoris
French · DinnerDifficulty: intermediate
A rustic, farmhouse-style rabbit dish featuring tender, golden-browned rabbit slowly braised in a rich, velvety mustard cream sauce. Smoked bacon, aromatic vegetables, fresh herbs, and mushrooms build layers of savory flavor, while a combination of Louisiana Creole and French Dijon mustards adds a distinctive tangy richness. Finished with white wine and cream, this comforting dish is best served with mashed potatoes or steamed rice and crusty French bread to soak up every bit of sauce.
Total time:2 hr 30 minServings:serves 4
Date Night
Russell Toris@russelltoris
American · DinnerDifficulty: easy
A classic Italian-American favorite featuring golden, crispy chicken cutlets coated in a Parmesan and panko crust, topped with melted mozzarella and fontina cheeses, and finished with rich tomato sauce and fresh basil. Broiling the cheese before adding the sauce keeps the breading wonderfully crisp while delivering all the comforting flavors of traditional chicken Parmesan. Serve alongside pasta with your favorite homemade tomato sauce and a simple green salad for a restaurant-quality meal.
Total time:50 minServings:serves 4
WeeknightComfort FoodKid-Friendly
Russell Toris@russelltoris