Serious Eats - seriouseats.com

My first cookbook was a notebook filled with family recipes that my mother had.

Eggplant parmesan.

Any burger off the grill at my grandparents' house.

Spaghetti and Meatballs! Ok, boring, fine.

Monster! Ooey gooey, peanut-buttery, oatmeal-flecked, chocolate-chip and M&M ladened heaven.

Hey! Glad you liked the salad. I always like to hear that our recipes are turning out like they should -- easy and delicious!

My mom always made us our favorite meal for our birthdays. Mine varied from year to year, but more often than not, I requested a tuna fish casserole that was about as midwest rural as you could get -- complete with smashed potato chips on top! And while that meal wasn't a culinary masterpiece, it was exactly what I wanted every year. But I would have to say the most memorable meal my mom ever made was her Christmas feasts -- roast beef and ham, gravy for both (she makes the best ham gravy!), mashed potatoes, corn, baked beans, and always a delicious ice cream dessert. Not to mention the cookies, veggies, and wine that started the meal. Nothing better than a farm-fresh Christmas!