This filet mignon dinner feels steakhouse-special but stays weeknight-doable. Pan-seared steaks are finished in the oven, then topped with a bold cacio e pepe Mornay and served alongside charred broccolini with lemon and chile flakes. It’s rich, peppery, and perfect for Valentine’s Day or any Friday night in.
My Recipes
A Cozy Skillet Pork Belly Pot Pie with Mushrooms and Puff Pastry
Inspired by the classic pork pot pie at Gage & Tollner, this skillet version uses rich pork belly, mushrooms, and a savory sherry-spiked gravy. Finished with flaky, store-bought puff pastry baked separately, it delivers big flavor with less fuss and more reliable results – perfect comfort food for a cozy night in.
Creamy Hummus with Warm Spiced Farro
Inspired by Michael Solomonov’s famously rich hummus, this weeknight version leans on canned chickpeas and extra tahini for fast, creamy results. Warm spiced farro adds a toasty, chewy topping that turns a simple bowl into a hearty, spoon-worthy vegetarian meal – no soaking, no peeling.
Creamy Harissa White Bean Soup With Bright Sumac
A luxuriously creamy white bean soup featuring aromatic Middle Eastern flavors. Cannellini beans and coconut milk create a velvety base, while harissa adds warmth and sumac brings citrusy brightness. Half-pureed for perfect texture, this comforting vegan dish balances rich, spicy, and bright flavors beautifully.
Sausage & Mushroom Strata with Crispy Shallots
If you’ve never had strata, it’s the perfect Christmas morning treat as most of the work is done ahead of time, and it’s a hearty, warming dish ideal for a cold winter morning. This spin on a family favorite ups the flavor with a homemade mushroom cream sauce and crispy shallots!
A Modern Take on Grandma’s Swirl Coffee Cake
This swirl coffee cake started as a half-written family recipe and evolved into a babka-inspired showstopper. Soft yeasted dough, bold cinnamon-sugar swirls, and a tangy sour cream-lemon icing honor my grandma’s original while turning up the flavor, structure, and drama – without making it fussy.
Dark Chocolate Buckeyes with Reese’s-Style Peanut Butter Filling
Traditional Ohio Buckeye candy gets an upgrade with reduced sugar, and ground peanuts, graham crackers and a hint of vanilla added. These dark chocolate coated peanut butter balls are a nostalgic treat that I can’t stop eating!
Chewy Molasses Cookie Sandwiches with Lemon Buttercream
These perfectly spiced molasses cookies with crisp edges and soft centers, paired with a light lemon buttercream are a new take on my grandma’s recipe. These holiday cookie sandwiches balance warm spices and bright citrus for an unforgettable seasonal treat.