Cooking At Home: Marvelous Mondays

I started appearing on the local TV show Twin Cities Live sometime in 2012. Other than the "COVID years," I've been on the program pretty consistently ever since. For the last few years, I've been a regular on the "Monday Night Meal" cooking segment, which has easily become a favorite part of my job.

The concept of "Monday night meals" resonates with me both as a recipe writer and as someone who must make dinner every night. The goal is budget-friendly and pantry-friendly meals that work, even when life is busy. My approach to the "Monday Night Meal" series is simple: make a delicious dinner feel doable and fun. Honestly, many nights I head home from the studio and cook the same dish I just made on the show!

What I love most about being on Twin Cities Live is the chance to teach the audience something new every month. I really strive to build viewers' confidence and grow their culinary skills over time. With limited tools, techniques and time, it's still possible to make satisfying meals that feel special. Great ingredients and major flavors are always the stars, but I also love inspiring people to be creative – all while using prepared items, leftovers and short ingredient lists to keep things quick and stress free.

And I never shut up about balancing flavors and textures!

While I am first and foremost focused on recipes that work for the viewers, I always remember that in the studio, I'm cooking for Twin Cities Live co-hosts Elizabeth Ries and Ben Leber. After making them so many meals over the years, it kind of feels like I'm cooking for my second family. I've learned their preferences and interests when it comes to foods and flavors. For example, I know they like mushrooms, and I know they like things that are a little spicy. No matter what recipe I've chosen to share with the audience, I always try to make sure it's something Elizabeth and Ben will love, too.

Fortunately, they're both adventurous eaters! Elizabeth is a fantastic cook herself, so she understands why certain ingredients and techniques matter. She really values quality ingredients and classic methods that let great food shine. Ben loves punchy, bright flavors. He's always quick to share a personal story or connection to a recipe, a nice touch that helps our viewers feel even more a part of the show.

But there is one big difference between cooking for Elizabeth and Ben and my own family: Elizabeth and Ben are always so excited and appreciative of my efforts! (I mean, my family knows they're spoiled, but they don't rave about dinner every single night! LOL!)

Tune in for my next Monday Night Meal on April 6. I'll be sharing a recipe for fragrant, creamy Thai Coconut Lime Curried Fish, topped with tangy pickled red onions and fresh cilantro (pictured).