What You Cook and Why it Matters
ISSUE #2 — January 27, 2026
Shall We Dine?
Gimme some comfort! Mac & cheese, chocolate cake, meat ‘n potatoes, anyone?
The sentimental journey recipe is especially unique this week. It comes from a 1957 British Good Housekeeping magazine. Have you ever heard of a “beef olive”? I hadn’t either! They are similar to Italian involtini, or stuffed meat roll-ups. I spent some time converting the English measurements to American for you, and included a necessary recipe for veal “forcemeat” (another term that may be new).
Then, considering the world and the weather, we all could use some comfort! The one recipe you MUST make this week is my Stairway to Heaven Mac, which, at last glance, was my most-viewed recipe with over 50,000 clicks.
What a week. Turn up the heat, and let’s all eat! — Brian Theis
If You Cook Only One Thing This Week
Sentimental Journey
YOU DECIDE
(choose one)
Keep Only One Winter Comfort Food
National Chocolate Cake Day
Happy National Chocolate Cake Day! The Grand Poobah of cakes. From 1953’s “A Picture Treasury of Good Cooking,” we see that hardly anything has changed in 70 years of cake-making. This one even comes with a jolt-o-java Coffee Frosting!
BREAKING NEWS
Experience Life: Six Common Kitchen Mistakes
It’s not often I appear in print publications — it’s always an honor. Experience Life included me in this helpful article on kitchen mistakes (and how to avoid them!) I share a bit of my dry wit regarding knife safety.
À bientǒt!
(see you soon)
I’m signing off today with a BONUS sentimental journey recipe. I’m headed over to Japan for the first time ever in April so I’ve got sukiyaki vibes! Better Homes’ Sukiyaki, 1963, right here! 🇯🇵
An Amazon Holiday Cooking Bestseller
165 easy-to-follow international, seasonal, and everyday recipes,
perfect for you or a friend
"THE INFINITE FEAST is a fun guide to graciously hosting loved ones. Brian Theis does a great job melding his innate Southern Charm with experience gained from travel and time abroad. His book will be a welcome addition to people who enjoy sharing food and drink with friends."