Recipe of the Day - Cure Your Dinner Indecision

I know what you want. A classic, sliceable meatloaf that’s rich and never mushy, right? You’ve found it! I tested this recipe over 20 times to get the texture and structure exactly right. This is the true old-school loaf pan version, made with higher-fat ground beef for real flavor and just enough added ingredients to highlight the meat, not hide it. Recipe: Old Fashioned Meatloaf from TheCookful. Here are the links mentioned in this episode: #adOld Fashioned MeatloafOne Pound MeatloafPork and Beef Meatloaf RecipeJuicy Chicken MeatloafTurkey Meatloaf RecipeAir Fryer MeatloafMeatloaf Seasoning MixThe All New Chicken Cookbook Here's the Recipe Of The Day podcast episode page with all of our recipe links, and you can subscribe to the show there too. Join my COOKforTWO Community here! Follow me on social media TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest Newsletter: CookTheStory.com Websites: COOKtheSTORY.com and TheCookful.com Have a great day! -Christine xo

I grew up making these in my parents’ deli, and the secret to a great Reuben is simple: warm up the filling, dry out the kraut, and lightly toast the inside of the bread so it never turns soggy. Recipe: Classic Reuben Sandwich from COOKtheSTORY. Here are the links mentioned in this episode: #adClassic Reuben SandwichChristine on The Takeout giving advice about making Reuben SandwichesThousand Island Dressing RecipeSkirt Steak (Showing how to cut skirt steak against the grain. Look at the video where the concept of the grain is shown very clearly and you'll be able to apply that to slicing corned beef).The All New Chicken Cookbook Here's the Recipe Of The Day podcast episode page with all of our recipe links, and you can subscribe to the show there too. Join my COOKforTWO Community here! Follow me on social media TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest Newsletter: CookTheStory.com Websites: COOKtheSTORY.com and TheCookful.com Have a great day! -Christine xo

This dish became a house favorite before it ever had a name. In this episode, I’m sharing the story behind it and why I’m finally writing it down after years of making it from memory. I talk about how the idea started with something Marty ate constantly during a summer in Israel and how he asked me to recreate it at home. From there, it blended with one specific version of pan con tomate that we fell in love with in Barcelona, and over time it evolved into something somewhere in between that I call Tomato Water Salad.   This is part of a bigger trend for me right now, paying attention to the things that I make without a written recipe and capturing them so other people can cook them too, especially my teenagers as they learn their way around the kitchen. Tomato Water Salad is simple, fresh, deeply tomato-forward, and still the best tomato dish I make to this day. Links from this episode:Baked HamBoneless HamChili RecipeBeef Stew RecipeWhite ChiliBaked Chicken ThighsInstant Pot Chicken Thighs The recipe in the picture, which isn't my not-written-down Tomato Water Salad, is here Grilled Fish with Tomato Salsa Connect with me:COOKforTWO.us And if you're a member, check out the upcoming live events here. Email Me! CookTheStory@gmail.com Subscribe to the Podcast Join the ROTD Facebook Group, the COOKforTWO Facebook Group, and here's COOKtheSTORY on Facebook and on TikTok and Instagram Websites: CookTheStory.com and TheCookful.comChristine’s Newsletter

Looking for beef stew with meat that’s actually tender, not just cooked through? This is one of those recipes where patience pays off. Recipe: Beef Stew Recipe from TheCookful. Here are the links mentioned in this episode: #adBeef Stew RecipeMy Favorite Chili RecipeInstant Pot Pot RoastThe All New Chicken Cookbook Here's the Recipe Of The Day podcast episode page with all of our recipe links, and you can subscribe to the show there too. Join my COOKforTWO Community here! Follow me on social media TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest Newsletter: CookTheStory.com Websites: COOKtheSTORY.com and TheCookful.com Have a great day! -Christine xo

This white chicken chili recipe brings big flavor in about 35 minutes with chicken breasts, white beans, and green chilis. Recipe: White Chicken Chili from COOKtheSTORY. Here are the links mentioned in this episode: #adWhite Chicken ChiliClassic Chili RecipeThe All New Chicken Cookbook Here's the Recipe Of The Day podcast episode page with all of our recipe links, and you can subscribe to the show there too. Join my COOKforTWO Community here! Follow me on social media TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest Newsletter: CookTheStory.com Websites: COOKtheSTORY.com and TheCookful.com Have a great day! -Christine xo

No guest this week. Just me in my kitchen. My interview laptop is still broken, so instead of talking to someone else, I’m talking to you. In this episode, I share the meal I make all the time but have never written down. It’s not on my sites. There’s no official recipe. It’s just something I do when I want a treat of a dinner and don’t feel like overthinking it. It’s a pan-fried chuck eye steak on a bed of garlicky salad, and the salad gets tossed with the steak juices right from the pan. That’s basically the whole trick. It’s simple, really good, and exactly the kind of thing I make for just me or for me and Marty. I also talk a bit about the random kitchen wisdom that sticks with you, like how my grandmother always kept canned milk around, what I realized about shelf-stable milk when I was living in Belgium, and why UHT or evaporated milk just works better for me right now. It’s a very me-centered episode. A little rambling, a little practical, and all about making dinner in a way that fits real life. Links:This is not the exact salad I make, but it's sort of close. I actually put red wine vinegar and a bit of olive oil in a bowl, use a rasp (micro plane) to grate in a clove of garlic, whisk, add spring mix, toss, taste, add more vinegar or more oil or more spring mix, toss, add coarse kosher salt, toss, taste. This is how I cook chuck eye steaks, sort of. I don't put butter in the skillet. Instead, I put grapeseed oil on the steaks themselves. I also try to season the steaks with kosher salt and a good sprinkle of garlic powder at least an hour before cooking them. If it's less than an hour, I skip the garlic powder because it won't have time to hydrate and tends to burn. Other recipes I mentioned:Classic Potato SoupChicken Salad Sandwiches COOKforTWO.us And if you're a member, check out the upcoming live events here. Email Me! CookTheStory@gmail.com Subscribe to the Podcast Join the ROTD Facebook Group, the COOKforTWO Facebook Group, and here's COOKtheSTORY on Facebook and on TikTok and Instagram Websites: CookTheStory.com and TheCookful.comChristine’s Newsletter

The best chicken salad sandwiches have simple ingredients, perfect bite-sized pieces of chicken, and not too much fuss. Recipe: The Best Chicken Salad Sandwich from TheCookful.Here are the links mentioned in this episode: #adThe Best Chicken Salad SandwichBasic Chicken Salad RecipeAir Fryer Chicken BreastBaked Chicken BreastsPoached Chicken BreastsThe All New Chicken CookbookHere's the Recipe Of The Day podcast episode page with all of our recipe links, and you can subscribe to the show there too.Join my COOKforTWO Community here!Follow me on social media TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, or PinterestNewsletter: CookTheStory.comWebsites: COOKtheSTORY.com and TheCookful.comHave a great day! -Christine xo

This homemade potato soup is a budget-friendly recipe that only needs a few ingredients. And since it’s ready in 30 minutes, it’s perfect comfort food for busy weeknights. Recipe: Classic Potato Soup from COOKtheSTORY.Here are the links mentioned in this episode: #adClassic Potato SoupEasy Loaded Potato SoupThe All New Chicken CookbookHere's the Recipe Of The Day podcast episode page with all of our recipe links, and you can subscribe to the show there too.Join my COOKforTWO Community here!Follow me on social media TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, or PinterestNewsletter: CookTheStory.comWebsites: COOKtheSTORY.com and TheCookful.comHave a great day! -Christine xo

What if the most romantic dinner of the year didn’t require a reservation, a prix fixe menu, or a sink full of dishes?It’s Valentine’s Day, and in this episode I’m sharing the simple but extravagant menu that Marty and I are making as part of our relaxed weekend at home. We’re cooking a dinner that feels special without being fussy, the kind of dinner that will let us sit and chat at the table chatting, without spending tons of time making it first.My guest today is Ashley Covelli from Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen. She cooks delicious, vibrant meals in a small space, and she joins me to talk about managing a pantry so it actually works for you and building bold flavor from everyday ingredients.Ashley also shares her Broiler Kebab Sheet Pan Dinner. It’s straightforward, packed with flavor, and designed for real small-house life. Big taste, minimal space, and no complicated techniques required!Ashley's Links:Broiler Kebab Sheet Pan Mealhttps://bigflavorstinykitchen.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigflavors/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bigflavors/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/bigflavors/Christine's Links:Valentines Day RecipesHow to Make a Perfect Shrimp CocktailGarlic Butter Argentine Red Shrimp RecipeHow to Cook Filet Mignon PerfectlyHow to Make the Best Tossed SaladHow to Bake Potatoes in the MicrowaveVanilla CustardChili RecipeChicken Salad RecipeEmail Me! CookTheStory@gmail.comSubscribe to the PodcastJoin the ROTD Facebook Group, TikTok, or InstagramWebsites: CookTheStory.com and TheCookful.comChristine’s Newsletter

This classic chicken salad proves that you don’t need fancy add-ins or complicated steps to get incredible flavor and texture. Recipe: Chicken Salad Recipe from TheCookful.Here are the links mentioned in this episode: #adChicken Salad RecipeThermoworks Chicken Temperature-Time GuideThe All New Chicken CookbookHere's the Recipe Of The Day podcast episode page with all of our recipe links, and you can subscribe to the show there too.Join my COOKforTWO Community here!Follow me on social media TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, or PinterestNewsletter: CookTheStory.comWebsites: COOKtheSTORY.com and TheCookful.comHave a great day! -Christine xo

This simple chili recipe tastes exactly like chili is supposed to: rich, beefy, and perfectly balanced, with no extra ingredients. It’s not too smoky, not too spicy, not too acidic, and not too sweet. It’s just right, and it’s ready in about 45 minutes. Recipe: Classic Chili Recipe from COOKtheSTORY.Here are the links mentioned in this episode: #adClassic Chili RecipeToasted Panko BreadcrumbsSausage Chili (the one Jeremy made using the wrong chili powder)The All New Chicken CookbookHere's the Recipe Of The Day podcast episode page with all of our recipe links, and you can subscribe to the show there too.Join my COOKforTWO Community here!Follow me on social media TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, or PinterestNewsletter: CookTheStory.comWebsites: COOKtheSTORY.com and TheCookful.comHave a great day! -Christine xo

Forget step by step instructions and perfectly measured teaspoons. Paula Montenegro is here to take us back to a time when recipes assumed you already knew how to cook.Paula is the voice behind the blog Vintage Kitchen Notes and is a lifelong home baker from Argentina. In this episode, we talk about how people used to cook, how recipes were written more like reminders than instructions, and what that says about cooking knowledge then versus now.She also shares the recipe for classic Argentinian alfajores, tender cornstarch cookies filled with dulce de leche, and why they are such a beloved treat. We also dig into how dulce de leche is made and why it's simpler than many people think.Paulas links:Vintage Kitchen NotesHomemade Dulce de LecheAlfajores RecipePaula on Instagram: @vintagekitchennotesPaul on Facebook: VintageKitchenNotesPaula on Pinterest: @vintagekitchennotesChristine's Links:COOKforTWO Live Cooking Demo on YouTubeStovetop Mac n CheeseBaked Macaroni and CheeseChicken Wing RecipesHow to cut whole wings at homeBaked frozen wingsAir fryer frozen wingsCrispy baked wingsDry rub wingsLemon pepper wingsBBQ wingsChicken wing marinadeBrine with baking powderDeep fried wingsDill pickle brined wingsEasy boneless breaded wingsSuper Bowl Recipes You'll Actually Make:Nacho DipEasiest GuacamoleFish Taco ColeslawClassic Pulled PorkTaco DipPulled Chicken SandwichesBroccoli Cheddar Pickle DipMac & Cheese CupsTurkey ChiliCountry Style RibsCocktail SauceAir Fryer Shishito Peppers Email Me! CookTheStory@gmail.comSubscribe to the PodcastJoin the ROTD Facebook Group, TikTok, or InstagramWebsites: CookTheStory.com and TheCookful.comChristine’s NewsletterThe All New Chicken Cookbook (#ad) 

Classic creamy baked mac and cheese, with a shortcut you’ll use over and over again! The base is just 5 ingredients and there’s no roux or separate sauce. Finish it off with some extra cheese and panko, then a quick bake to melt the top and toast the crumbs. Recipe: Baked Mac and Cheese from TheCookful.Here are the links mentioned in this episode: #adBaked Mac and CheeseHomemade Mac and Cheese (Stovetop)Evaporated Milk Mac and CheeseThe All New Chicken CookbookHere's the Recipe Of The Day podcast episode page with all of our recipe links, and you can subscribe to the show there too.Join my COOKforTWO Community here!Follow me on social media TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, or PinterestNewsletter: CookTheStory.comWebsites: COOKtheSTORY.com and TheCookful.comHave a great day! -Christine xo

This easy one-pan ground beef and zucchini skillet is fast and full of flavor. The Italian seasoning, red wine vinegar, and Parmesan make it more delicious than you’d ever expect for such an easy 20-minute dinner. Recipe: Ground Beef and Zucchini from COOKtheSTORY.Here are the links mentioned in this episode: #adGround Beef and ZucchiniBeef and Rice RecipeShrimp and Rice RecipeChicken and Rice RecipeInstant Pot RiceThe All New Chicken CookbookHere's the Recipe Of The Day podcast episode page with all of our recipe links, and you can subscribe to the show there too.Join my COOKforTWO Community here!Follow me on social media TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, or PinterestNewsletter: CookTheStory.comWebsites: COOKtheSTORY.com and TheCookful.comHave a great day! -Christine xo

Today’s episode feels extra special because later today Marty and I are going live on YouTube for the very first time, and it all traces back to a conversation I had over a year ago. I’m talking with Sharla Kostelyk from FreezerMeals101.com, whose live cooking demos and her Freezer Meal community really got me thinking about what you, my listeners, are actually looking for.  So yes, Sharla was one of the inspirations for our new COOKforTWO.us community and I am so grateful to her. Today I'm sharing our conversation about how Sharla came to adopt freezer meals as a lifestyle and started her blog. Honestly, this conversation was a revelation for me. I thought I knew what freezer meals were, but it turns out I really did not. There’s a good chance you’ll be surprised too. We talk about what freezer meals actually are, why they're different from leftovers, and how this way of cooking can save time without sacrificing flavor.She also walks us through one of her favorite recipes, a Mediterranean chicken sheet pan freezer meal that is incredibly easy and packed with flavor.And be sure to come see me and Marty live on YouTube at 2:00pm EST today, Saturday, January 31st. Go to the COOKtheSTORY youtube channel @cookthestory1059 or TheCookful.com/c42live to watch.Sharla's Links:Blog: FreezerMeals101.comMembership to Freezer Meals 101 ClubYouTube: @FreezerMeals101Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken Sheet Pan DinnerChristine's links:Marty's Favorite: Kotlety Mielone (Polish Meat Patties)Easy Homemade Mac and CheeseEmail Me! CookTheStory@gmail.comSubscribe to the PodcastJoin the ROTD Facebook Group, TikTok, or InstagramWebsites: CookTheStory.com and TheCookful.comChristine’s NewsletterThe All New Chicken Cookbook (#ad)

Looking for an easy homemade mac and cheese that’s creamy and comforting without extra steps? This 5-ingredient stovetop version skips the roux and comes together right in the pasta pot. And, it’s all ready in 20 minutes. Recipe: Easy Homemade Mac and Cheese from TheCookful.Here are the links mentioned in this episode: #adEasy Homemade Mac and CheeseEvaporated Milk Mac and CheeseCreamy Cream Cheese Mac and CheeseLive Cooking Demo, all are welcome! Saturday, January 31st at 2:00pm EST over hereThe All New Chicken CookbookHere's the Recipe Of The Day podcast episode page with all of our recipe links, and you can subscribe to the show there too.Join my COOKforTWO Community here!Follow me on social media TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, or PinterestNewsletter: CookTheStory.comWebsites: COOKtheSTORY.com and TheCookful.comHave a great day! -Christine xo

This classic Polish comfort food is like mini meatloaves. They’re pan-fried and have a crisp dark crust, but are tender and moist inside. I learned to make these the way my boyfriend Marty grew up eating them in Poland. Recipe: Traditional Polish Kotlety Mielone from COOKtheSTORY.Here are the links mentioned in this episode: #adTraditional Polish Kotlety MieloneThe COOKforTWO Live Cooking Demo!Creamy Cucumber Salad with DillThe All New Chicken CookbookHere's the Recipe Of The Day podcast episode page with all of our recipe links, and you can subscribe to the show there too.Join my COOKforTWO Community here!Follow me on social media TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, or PinterestNewsletter: CookTheStory.comWebsites: COOKtheSTORY.com and TheCookful.comHave a great day! -Christine xo

Super Bowl snacks just got a lot more interesting. Chef JRob, the "rockstar chef" who's been on Ciao House, Food Network’s Chopped, Food Network’s Iron Chef Showdown, and Fox’s Master Chef, is here to share fun, crowd-pleasing ways to turn duck into game-day favorites.In this episode, we talk about why duck is far more versatile than most people think, how to make it feel approachable even if you have never cooked it before, and which flavors and formats make the most sense for Super Bowl-style food.And before we get into all of that, I have a quick announcement at the top of the episode about something exciting happening next week, including how you can join in and ask me your cooking questions live.Chef JRob's Website@chef.jrob on Instagram@tastyduck on InstagramChef Justin Robinson on FacebookRockstarKitchen on Pinterest@chefjrob on TikTokYoutubeTasty DuckKosher Duck Italian SausageDuck Burger Recipe (but use ground duck instead of the sausage)Duck CarnitasDuck Gumbo Recipe VideoChef JRob on Ciao HouseChristine's Links:Christine on Youtube (this is where the live cooking demo will be on Saturday January 31st, 2026!Easy Spaghetti and MeatballsCOOKforTWO!Email Me! CookTheStory@gmail.comSubscribe to the PodcastJoin the ROTD Facebook Group, TikTok, or InstagramWebsites: CookTheStory.com and TheCookful.comChristine’s NewsletterThe All New Chicken Cookbook (#ad)

Slow cooked with 13 types of beans, this bean soup recipe makes a filling bowl of healthy and comfort. Recipe: Delicious Bean Soup from COOKtheSTORY.Here are the links mentioned in this episode: #adDelicious Bean SoupThe All New Chicken CookbookHere's the Recipe Of The Day podcast episode page with all of our recipe links, and you can subscribe to the show there too.Join my COOKforTWO Community here!Follow me on social media TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, or PinterestNewsletter: CookTheStory.comWebsites: COOKtheSTORY.com and TheCookful.comHave a great day! -Christine xo

Looking for an easy spaghetti and meatballs recipe with big flavor? Italian sausage in the meatballs seasons the sauce as they cook, so you need fewer ingredients and less effort, but you get all the delicious taste. Plus, it’s ready in 20 minutes. Recipe: Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs from TheCookful.Here are the links mentioned in this episode: #adEasy Spaghetti and MeatballsPork and Beef MeatballsHow to Bake MeatballsAir Fryer Turkey MeatballsThe All New Chicken CookbookHere's the Recipe Of The Day podcast episode page with all of our recipe links, and you can subscribe to the show there too.Join my COOKforTWO Community here!Follow me on social media TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, or PinterestNewsletter: CookTheStory.comWebsites: COOKtheSTORY.com and TheCookful.comHave a great day! -Christine xo