Patrick Lewis

I'm Patrick Lewis, and my love affair with cooking started in my grandmother Dorothy's cramped kitchen in Buffalo, New York, where she'd let me roll out pierogi dough at age six while Patsy Cline played on her ancient radio. The smell of onions caramelizing in butter still makes me think of her chipped yellow countertops and that tiny window overlooking her tomato plants. Since 2011, I've been developing recipes professionally, though my biggest breakthrough came in 2017 when I finally nailed my grandmother's secret ingredient for her famous lasagna - a pinch of nutmeg in the béchamel sauce, which she'd never written down. These days I live in Portland, Oregon with my wife Sarah and our daughter Maya (age 9), who thinks my obsession with documenting every recipe in a weathered Moleskine notebook is totally weird. When I'm not in the kitchen, I'm usually biking around town with our rescue mutt Cooper or hosting backyard movie nights with neighbors. My kitchen quirk? I absolutely cannot cook without my lucky Red Sox cap - my wife tried to wash it once and I almost called off dinner entirely. It's seen better days, but so have most of my cast iron pans.

Nelson’s Pit Potatoes Recipe: Smoky, Buttery Campfire Perfection

by
Nelson’s Pit Potatoes Recipe: Smoky, Buttery Campfire Perfection

There’s something primal about potatoes cooked in a fire pit—the smoky aroma, the tender flesh infused with wood-fired flavor. This method transforms ordinary potatoes into something extraordinary, delivering perfectly charred skins and creamy interiors every time. I’ve adapted traditional pit-cooking techniques for home cooks, ensuring you can achieve that signature campfire taste without specialized equipment. … Read more

Sliced Potato Pie Recipe: Creamy Layers With Golden Crisp Top

by
Sliced Potato Pie Recipe: Creamy Layers With Golden Crisp Top

This sliced potato pie transforms humble ingredients into a showstopping centerpiece with creamy, tender layers and a perfectly golden crust. The technique relies on precise slicing and strategic layering—no advanced skills required, just attention to detail. Thin, uniform potato slices ensure even cooking while creating that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture. The magic happens during baking, where … Read more

Puerto Rican Sweet Potato Recipe: Caramelized Batata Maduros Magic

by
Puerto Rican Sweet Potato Recipe: Caramelized Batata Maduros Magic

Puerto Rican cuisine transforms simple ingredients into extraordinary dishes, and this caramelized sweet potato preparation is no exception. The island’s version of batata maduros elevates humble sweet potatoes through careful cooking techniques that develop deep, caramelized flavors while maintaining their natural sweetness. This method produces tender yet structured sweet potatoes with glossy, caramelized edges—a perfect … Read more

Bruce’s Sweet Potato Pie Recipe: Creamy Spiced Filling in a Flaky Crust

by
Bruce’s Sweet Potato Pie Recipe: Creamy Spiced Filling in a Flaky Crust

There’s something timeless about a well-made sweet potato pie—its velvety filling and buttery crust evoke warmth and tradition. This recipe delivers the creamy, spiced filling that Bruce’s is known for, balanced perfectly with a flaky crust that holds its shape slice after slice. Whether you’re baking for Thanksgiving or a simple family dessert, the key … Read more

Holly Farms Potato Wedges Recipe: Crispy Golden Edges Every Time

by
Holly Farms Potato Wedges Recipe: Crispy Golden Edges Every Time

Achieving perfectly crispy potato wedges at home is simpler than you think—this method delivers golden, crunchy edges and fluffy interiors every time. The secret lies in proper preparation: cutting uniform wedges, soaking to remove excess starch, and thoroughly drying before seasoning. This ensures maximum crispiness without soggy results. With just a few pantry staples and … Read more

Potato Brine Recipe: The Secret to Extra-Crispy Spuds Every Time

by
Potato Brine Recipe: The Secret to Extra-Crispy Spuds Every Time

This simple potato brine transforms ordinary spuds into extra-crispy masterpieces with minimal effort. The secret lies in the precise salt-to-water ratio, which seasons the potatoes from within while altering their starch structure for superior texture. Whether you’re prepping fries, roasted potatoes, or hash browns, this 30-minute soak makes all the difference. Use this versatile solution … Read more

Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe: Buttery, Caramelized Holiday Classic

by
Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe: Buttery, Caramelized Holiday Classic

This candied sweet potatoes recipe transforms a humble holiday side into something extraordinary. The combination of buttery richness, caramelized brown sugar, and warm cinnamon creates a dish that bridges the gap between side and dessert. Developed over years of Thanksgiving trials, this method ensures perfectly tender potatoes with a glossy, caramelized glaze that never fails … Read more

McAlister’s Country Potato Soup Recipe: Creamy Comfort in Every Bite

by
McAlister’s Country Potato Soup Recipe: Creamy Comfort in Every Bite

When the weather turns crisp, few dishes deliver comfort like a bowl of creamy potato soup straight from McAlister’s playbook. This recipe captures that signature velvety texture and savory depth without requiring restaurant equipment or hours of labor. The balance of tender potatoes, rich dairy, and subtle seasoning creates a soup that’s hearty enough for … Read more

Sweet Potato Cheese Recipe: Creamy, Savory Twist on a Classic Side

by
Sweet Potato Cheese Recipe: Creamy, Savory Twist on a Classic Side

This sweet potato cheese dish transforms a classic side into something extraordinary by balancing natural sweetness with rich, creamy cheese. The combination creates a comforting flavor profile that works perfectly for both everyday meals and holiday gatherings. The secret lies in roasting the sweet potatoes until tender, then layering them with melted cheese that develops … Read more