Every recipe

Dinner

8

American · DinnerDifficulty: easy

Classic Chicken Parmesan

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

Spanish · MainDifficulty: intermediate

Puerto Rican Piñón

A Puerto Rican comfort-food classic that brings together the sweetness of perfectly ripe fried plantains, richly seasoned ground beef, and layers of melted, golden-brown cheese. Inspired by both traditional and modern Puerto Rican piñón versions, this recipe builds its savory picadillo with homemade sofrito, adobo, sazón, tomato sauce, and a touch of capers for a bright, briny contrast. Tender green beans pay homage to older island preparations, while a little mozzarella and beaten egg bring everything together into a beautifully layered casserole.

Total time:2 hrServings:serves 6

Comfort FoodMeal Prep

Russell Toris@russelltoris

American · DinnerDifficulty: intermediate

Sous Vide Tomahawk Pork Chop with Bacon-Apricot-Bourbon Glaze

Inspired by a pork chop I used to enjoy at Firehouse No. 1, a gastropub in San Jose, California. Their combination of a thick-cut pork chop, creamy polenta, bacon-apricot glaze, and broccolini was memorable enough that I wanted to recreate it at home. This version adds a few personal touches: a bone-in tomahawk pork chop cooked sous vide for a perfectly juicy interior, a hard cast-iron sear, and a rich bacon-apricot glaze with a splash of bourbon. Creamy Parmesan polenta provides the base, while lightly charred broccolini with garlic and lemon brings freshness and balances the richness of the dish. The result is an elevated, restaurant-inspired dinner that's surprisingly approachable to make at home.

Total time:4 hrServings:serves 2

Date Night

Russell Toris@russelltoris

Main

7

See all 7

Spanish · MainDifficulty: intermediate

Puerto Rican Piñón

A Puerto Rican comfort-food classic that brings together the sweetness of perfectly ripe fried plantains, richly seasoned ground beef, and layers of melted, golden-brown cheese. Inspired by both traditional and modern Puerto Rican piñón versions, this recipe builds its savory picadillo with homemade sofrito, adobo, sazón, tomato sauce, and a touch of capers for a bright, briny contrast. Tender green beans pay homage to older island preparations, while a little mozzarella and beaten egg bring everything together into a beautifully layered casserole.

Total time:2 hrServings:serves 6

Comfort FoodMeal Prep

Russell Toris@russelltoris

Spanish · MainDifficulty: intermediate

Puerto Rican Christmas Pernil

A traditional-style Puerto Rican Christmas pernil made with bone-in, skin-on pork shoulder seasoned with garlic, oregano, black pepper, olive oil, vinegar, and salt, then marinated overnight and slow-roasted until tender. The pork is finished at high heat so the exterior becomes deeply roasted and the cuerito turns crisp and blistered. This version stays close to an older Puerto Rican Pernil al Horno seasoning profile while adapting the preparation to the skin-on pork shoulder commonly served for Christmas.

Total time:1 day 6 hrServings:serves 8

HolidayRoastedWinter

Russell Toris@russelltoris

Spanish · MainDifficulty: intermediate

Puerto Rican Arroz con Pollo

A comforting, deeply seasoned Puerto Rican-style chicken and rice made in one pot with salt pork, cured ham, sweet peppers, culantro, olives, capers, tomato, and achiote. The chicken marinates in a garlicky oregano seasoning before slowly cooking with the rice, allowing every grain to absorb the savory flavors of the caldero. Peas and pimientos add the classic finishing touches to this generous, family-style meal.

Total time:1 day 1 hrServings:serves 8

One-Pot

Russell Toris@russelltoris

Sauce

3

Spanish · SauceDifficulty: intermediate

Puerto Rican Sofrito

Puerto Rican cooking became meaningful to me through my partner, who first got me interested in the dishes, flavors, and home-cooking traditions behind the food. Sofrito quickly became one of the staples I wanted to understand rather than simply reproduce, so I started comparing older Puerto Rican recipes with the fresh blended versions more common today and eventually landed on this one: onion, green pepper, ají dulce, garlic, cilantro, culantro, oregano, oil, and optional cured ham, cooked down before freezing for a deeper, more savory flavor. It is practical enough to portion into cubes and keep on hand, but still rooted in the kind of traditional cooking that made me want to learn Puerto Rican food in the first place.

Total time:45 minServings:serves 12

Meal Prep

Russell Toris@russelltoris

American · SauceDifficulty: easy

Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

This Buttermilk Ranch Dressing is a creamy, tangy, fridge-friendly version of classic restaurant-style ranch. Made with mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, dried herbs, garlic, onion, dill, and black pepper, it has the familiar ranch flavor people expect, but with a fresher, more balanced homemade taste. The dried herbs make it reliable and pantry-friendly, while a short chill gives them time to soften and bloom into the creamy base.

Total time:1 hr 5 minServings:serves 12

VegetarianNo-Cook

Russell Toris@russelltoris

American · SauceDifficulty: easy

Blue Cheese Dressing

Rich, tangy, and irresistibly creamy, this Blue Cheese Dressing is a bold companion to salads, wings, or veggie platters. With a base of sour cream, mayonnaise, and buttermilk, it’s perfectly balanced by the sharpness of crumbled blue cheese and bright notes of red wine vinegar and Worcestershire sauce. A touch of garlic salt and black pepper rounds out the flavor. After a quick mix and chill, it’s ready to serve or store—making it an easy, delicious staple for your fridge.

Total time:35 minServings:serves 12

VegetarianPartyNo-Cook

Russell Toris@russelltoris

Side

3

American · SideDifficulty: intermediate

Butternut Squash & Vanilla Risotto

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 6

VegetarianFallWinter+2 more

Russell Toris@russelltoris

American · SideDifficulty: easy

Hawaiian Style Mac Salad

Creamy, tangy, and irresistibly simple, this Hawaiian-Style Mac Salad is a staple side dish that embodies the essence of island comfort food. With its rich mayonnaise base, a hint of sweetness, and a subtle tang from apple cider vinegar, this unpretentious dish pairs perfectly with Hawaiian barbecue or as a refreshing standalone treat. The tender elbow macaroni absorbs all the flavors, while shredded carrots and onions add a light crunch. Best when chilled overnight, this mac salad is a must-have for any Hawaiian-inspired feast!

Total time:1 dayServings:serves 10

VegetarianPartySummer+1 more

Russell Toris@russelltoris

American · SideDifficulty: easy

Swan Family Texas Caviar

This unforgettable dip was first introduced to me by a friend, and it quickly became a staple at every gathering. Bursting with bold, tangy flavor and fresh ingredients, this Texas Caviar is the kind of dish that keeps everyone coming back for “just one more bite.” With a vibrant mix of black-eyed peas, hominy, tomatoes, peppers, and parsley all tossed in zesty Italian dressing, it’s the perfect balance of texture and taste. Serve it chilled with tortilla or pita chips and watch it disappear—this crowd-pleaser is always a hit.

Total time:2 hr 10 minServings:serves 10

VegetarianPartyNo-Cook+1 more

Russell Toris@russelltoris

Soup

3

American · SoupDifficulty: easy

Avocado & Cucumber Soup

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

VegetarianNo-CookSummer+1 more

Russell Toris@russelltoris

American · SoupDifficulty: easy

Grandma’s Beef and Vegetable Soup

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 · SoupDifficulty: easy

Longworth Family Pumpkin Soup

Handed down through the Longworth family, this treasured recipe was introduced to us by my brother’s former roommate and quickly became a beloved staple in ours. This pumpkin soup is everything you could want in a fall dish: rich, creamy, and packed with bold flavor. A subtle kick from the curry powder blends beautifully with the earthy sweetness of pumpkin, creating a comforting and indulgent bowl. Pair it with a crispy grilled cheese for the ultimate meal on a cold fall afternoon or rainy evening. It’s a true seasonal gem that highlights warmth, tradition, and flavor.

Total time:30 minServings:serves 6

FallComfort Food

Russell Toris@russelltoris

Appetizer

2

American · AppetizerDifficulty: easy

Grandma’s Famous Mini Cocktail Meatballs

These mini cocktail meatballs have been the star of our holiday gatherings for as long as I can remember. Guests would often ask for—and secretly hope for—this classic appetizer at every family get-together. These tender, bite-sized meatballs are coated in a perfect, slightly tangy sauce that captures the essence of 1970s-style entertaining. Served with toothpicks for easy snacking, these meatballs are simple to prepare yet deliver unforgettable flavor. The kind of dish that effortlessly bridges nostalgia and timeless joy, it’s perfect for any occasion, from celebrations to casual gatherings.

Total time:30 minServings:serves 6

HolidayPartyOne-Pot+1 more

Russell Toris@russelltoris

American · SoupDifficulty: easy

Avocado & Cucumber Soup

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

VegetarianNo-CookSummer+1 more

Russell Toris@russelltoris

Beverage

1

American · BeverageDifficulty: easy

Homemade Apple Cider

After moving back to New England, the first stretch of crisp fall weather had me craving homemade apple cider—the kind that fills the kitchen with the smell of apples, oranges, cinnamon, and cloves while it slowly simmers on the stove. I eventually made a big batch for Thanksgiving, and it quickly became one of those recipes friends and family started asking for every fall. Made with a mix of sweet and tart apples, fresh citrus, warm spices, and just enough sweetness to bring everything together, it has become a simple seasonal tradition and one of my favorite things to make when autumn settles in.

Total time:3 hr 15 minServings:serves 12

HolidayOne-PotFall+1 more

Russell Toris@russelltoris

Snack

1

American · SideDifficulty: easy

Swan Family Texas Caviar

This unforgettable dip was first introduced to me by a friend, and it quickly became a staple at every gathering. Bursting with bold, tangy flavor and fresh ingredients, this Texas Caviar is the kind of dish that keeps everyone coming back for “just one more bite.” With a vibrant mix of black-eyed peas, hominy, tomatoes, peppers, and parsley all tossed in zesty Italian dressing, it’s the perfect balance of texture and taste. Serve it chilled with tortilla or pita chips and watch it disappear—this crowd-pleaser is always a hit.

Total time:2 hr 10 minServings:serves 10

VegetarianPartyNo-Cook+1 more

Russell Toris@russelltoris

Everything else

1

AmericanDifficulty: intermediate

Rich Roasted Beef Stock

A deeply flavored beef stock built almost entirely in the oven rather than simmered all day on the stovetop. The bones are roasted until deeply browned, followed by onions, carrots, celery, optional leek tops, and tomato paste before water and aromatics are added directly to the roasting pan. Several hours of slow roasting concentrate the stock while gelatin-rich bones give it body, producing about a gallon of rich, savory stock well suited to soups, braises, gravies, and sauces.

Total time:6 hr 30 minServings:serves 8

Russell Toris@russelltoris

All 22 recipes

Dinner

Main

Sauce

Side

Soup

Appetizer

Beverage

Snack

Everything else

Every recipe

All 22 recipes

Dinner

Main

Sauce

Side

Soup

Appetizer

Beverage

Snack

Everything else