Culinary Journey at Vitalia North Olmsted

For numerous chefs, there exists a pivotal cookbook that served as the catalyst for their culinary journey. This single book ignited an idea, unlocking a passion for cooking they may not have realized they possessed. Cookbooks transcend mere collections of recipes; they serve as windows into cultures, histories, and personal narratives. With each page turn, a new adventure, tradition, or innovative technique unfolds.

Every recipe and cookbook, whether passed down through generations or reimagined, enriches our culinary culture at Vitalia North Olmsted. Exploring culinary resources nurtures and evolves our love for food and cooking.

When I was younger, I owned about 150 different cookbooks. Over the years, I’ve given them all away to young, up-and-coming cooks as inspiration. My all-time favorite cookbook series is Le Grande Diplome. The first ones I started reading were part of my mother’s collection.

I find a cookbook interesting if it includes simple recipes and explains the reasoning behind the dish’s conception.

One of my favorite recipes that I developed is a unique BBQ sauce, which I use in BBQ competitions.

This recipe holds a special place among my favorite dishes.

Crab Mornay

INGREDIENTS 

• 1 lb. crabmeat 
• ¹⁄₂ cup butter 
• 2 tablespoons flour 
• ¹⁄₂ cup fresh parsley 
• 1 bunch green onion (chopped) 
• 1 pint half-and-half 
• ¹⁄₂ lb. grated Swiss cheese 
• kosher salt 
• cayenne pepper (to garnish) 

DIRECTIONS 

1. Melt butter in large skillet. 
2. Add onions and sauté. 
3. Add parsley and flour, stir to dissolve flour. 
4. Add cream and cheese. 
5. Fold in crab meat. 
6. Add salt to taste and garnish with cayenne pepper. 
7. Serve warm in bread bowls with melba toast. 

Generational recipes or new culinary creations can spark nostalgia and inspire our cooking journey. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, we all have that one foolproof recipe. Don’t overlook the power of beloved cookbooks and their stories. Keep sharing and savoring the diverse flavors that await us.