My best cooking ideas have often come from friends and family. Comparing notes on food habits, sharing traditions and exchanging recipes is not only a great way to improve your culinary skills, but it also can be very bonding.
Food is our common ground, a universal experience.
James Beard
Julia and I have collected a few of our go-to recipes to share with you. Please add your favorites in the comments!
Granola: I started making my own granola during the Covid pandemic and it was so tasty that we’ve continued the tradition. Here’s an easy recipe that I use, but I usually substitute the maple syrup for honey and add dried fruit and nuts.
Banana bread: This is a recipe I’ve been using for years for a no-fail banana bread that tastes delicious, even when I use half the sugar. I’ve also tried it with whole wheat and gluten-free flour, with or without the chocolate chips, and it always comes out great. And while blueberries are still in season, try Julia’s pick: lemon blueberry oatmeal muffins, a favorite from her time advertising Quaker Oatmeal.
Noodle Salad: I’ve bookmarked this delicious-looking recipe for Vegan Rainbow Peanut Noodles to try very soon, although I’d probably make it with rice noodles given our preferences.
Grilled salmon: If you’re grilling out and open to a healthy protein that might pair well with the noodle salad, try one of Julia’s go-to recipes, this tasty and simple grilled salmon with a make-ahead marinade.
Turkey chili: One of my friends told me her son keeps asking her for “my” chili, which is really just this recipe that I’ve been making for years. It’s an easy healthy meal that feels like comfort food.
This is Julia’s mom’s recipe for Bailey’s Irish Cream that her sister Monica had printed on potholders!
Language of Friendship 
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