November is always a time to reflect on the good things in your life and this year I’m thinking about how incredibly fortunate I’ve been to live my life doing what I LOVE…cook for YOU! While Lula’s is known for all scratch, seasonal offerings tailored to you and your palate, I would be remiss not to give a “shout out” to those who have helped me along the way with the recipes THEY contributed to my arsenal…who begs for my Nuts’n Bolts this time of year?

That recipe came from my Grandmother well before I was born, as well as Hot Dog Casserole, now known as Ballpark Casserole (from hot dogs to Brats & Metts, and from Peas to Roasted Mixed Peppers).

Yes, I’ve tweaked them but the concept and basics stay the same. Who’s enjoyed my Chicken Poppyseed Casserole? Well THAT one comes from my sister in law Susan who brought it back from JAPAN of all places! Mom, though she was a horrible cook, gave me one recipe that has withstood the ages…my Pate de Poisson, previously known as a “Salmon Ball”. Daddy gave me “Franklin’s Biscuits and Onion-Thyme Gravy”. For some reason Sausage never made it into the descriptor but it IS a Sausage Gravy, unless you want it to be vegetarian!

On to the “ex’s”… my ex step mother in law Judy gave me her recipe for Artichoke Puffs (which I believe she found from Gourmet Magazine about 50 years ago) which I turned into my Crab Artichoke Puffs. Jillian, my “ex step daughter” went through a vegan phase and gave me her Black Bean Brownie recipe, which comes in handy when I have vegans requesting dessert. You can NOT tell the difference!!

My ex sister in law Laurie brought back a Watermelon Bruschetta recipe from SOMEWHERE in Florida and demanded I make it for her 50th bday – I tweaked it juuuuust a bit and when her son Brayden said “mom, this is even BETTER than the original!” I danced a little jig in the kitchen. Then the besties: Donna P’s Poached Pears beat mine so I adopted her recipe. (see…I’m not ALL about the brag!) . Jessica bestowed upon me her Aunt Karen’s Mediterranean Phyllo Cups, and Joanna’s Spinach Pie became my Spinach Puffs, to which I added a touch of Feta for some zing. Tamara gave me the first iteration of my Crab Artichoke Dip, being served at an engagement party TODAY.

My Cream Cheese & Horseradish Smashed Potatoes is a derivation of a restaurant’s mashed potatoes that is so OLD I can’t even remember the name of the place – it doesn’t exist anymore – but if any of you are old enough to remember when there was a restaurant where the Staples in Kenwood is now – please help me remember the name!! Oh my GOSH I’m so stubboron. I just spent 30 minutes searching the web for ANY idea of what it used to be and by golly I FOUND IT. Frisch family’s Prime and Wine.

Anybody remember that one? My Caesar Salad was inspired by The Maisonette. My “Murican Onion Soup” was inspired by SOME restaurant in Park City Utah that doesn’t exist any more – another memory not there, but the 30 minutes I spent researching THIS one yielded nothing. Lord have mercy…I am thankful .

SCRATCH. SEASONAL. LOCAL.

About Chef Lori

Chef Lori Pierce, owner of Lula's, creates unique, boutique cuisine to impress your guests and clients in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area. Our custom recipes and menus delight an intimate gathering of 10, a celebration for 100, and anything in between.

At Lula's, Love is ALWAYS our first ingredient!