recipes

Tuna Casserole

My husband’s been home with the flu, and I wanted to cook something comforting for him, so I made his favorite tuna casserole. When he was a little boy his mother made tuna casserole in a yellow cast iron pan, a mix of tuna, Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup, and a sprinkle of crushed canned onion rings on top. (She wasn’t much of a cook, but he retains fond memories of her tuna casserole.) This casserole is made with fresh […]

Mustard Sage Pork Shoulder on Americas-Table.com
recipes

Mustard Sage Pork Shoulder

There’s something so satisfying about a tender cut of pork, redolent, juicy, and hot out of the oven. This recipe delivers on all the deep, rich flavors of fall – sage, mustard and a hint of marjoram to keep things interesting. Spoon these scrumptious morsels into a bowl over mashed potatoes or turnips, drizzle a little of the pan juices on top, and settle back on the couch to watch that favorite TV show you’ve been looking forward to all […]

BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND APPLE SOUP on Americas-Table.com
food

Butternut Squash and Apple Soup

Some of my best White House food memories are about soup. It made the perfect first course at so many meals, especially in the fall and winter, served in delicate two-handled soup bowls of White House china. It wasn’t meant to fill guests up; it was just enough of a delicious mélange of flavors to whet the appetite and let guests know that they were in for a genuine gastronomic experience. When the Bush’s hosted dinners in their family dining […]

LAURA BUSH’S WHOLE WHEAT PIZZA on Americas-Table.com
food

Laura Bush’s Whole Wheat Pizza

First of all, happy almost-birthday to former first lady Laura Bush. Here’s a recipe she gave me last year that I just love. One of my favorite things about working for Laura Bush was her genuine appreciation for good food, whether it was a perfectly-crusted filet mignon or a crispy, healthy pizza. Her whole wheat pizza is no exception: crunchy crust, classic vegetable toppings, and plenty of gooey cheese.  Whether you want the ultimate veggie pizza for a cozy night […]

recipes

Our Autumnal New Year

This fall is getting away from me, especially with the Jewish holidays falling (no pun intended!) so late this year. We celebrate both Jewish and Christian holidays in our family – as my daughters often say, we are equal-opportunity Holidayists. Here are two classic recipes that we pull out at this time of year – some of our favorite food, and some of our favorite days. I always appreciate the joy of Rosh Hashanah, and the feeling of a fresh […]