Igniting Culinary Passions at Vitalia Rockside

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 Rockside. Exploring culinary resources nurtures and evolves our love for food and cooking.

I own over 100 books in my current cookbook collection. Among them, my favorite is Anthony Bourdain’s Les Halle’s Cookbook. I have modeled my career and cooking style after him and this book.

To captivate my interest, a cookbook must feature recipes I haven’t yet considered but find intriguing.

I am fortunate to have inherited recipes from both my mother and grandmother. Among my favorite recipes that I’ve developed are sausage recipes and crockpot mac and cheese.

This recipe holds a special place among my favorite dishes.

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

• 8 cups whole milk
• 5 cups uncooked elbow macaroni  
• 2 lbs. Velveeta cheese cut into cubes
• 8 oz. shredded sharp
• stick butter cut into slices

Procedure

• Spray inside of 7-quart crockpot with vegetable spray.
• Combine all ingredients in a crock pot and cook on low for 3 hours.
• Stir every hour once done.
• Set to warm and allow to rest for 30 minutes before serving.

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.