Taking something as simple as corn chips and adding a variety of toppings has turned into the go-to meal for many American families. What many don't know is that the Frito pie originally came to fruition in the state of New Mexico. Texas has argued that they are the true originators of the chip and meat mixture, but the city of Santa Fe's promotion of the filling meal would make you think otherwise.
Hoards of ground beef spiced up with taco seasoning, cumin, garlic, and chili powder, lettuce, cheese, tomato, and onions placed on top of salty, crunchy Frito corn chips is an unorthodox feast that can feed an entire family. The Frito pie has become a tradition made for family gatherings and celebrations alike. It's extremely easy to make, not time-consuming, and extremely hard not to admire. Sorry Texas, New Mexico holds the throne as the best Frito pie makers in the nation.
Chefs made their way into celebrity land a while ago. But how many celebrities that weren’t trained as professional cooks are actually whizzes in the kitchen? Here are several that come to mind.
Actress Julia Roberts is confident about her cooking skills. “I’m quite a good cook,” she told E! News. “I’m like a closet home ec teacher…I can really cook anything.” Roberts has said she often cooks fish for herself and her kids. And speaking of her three children, “They think that I’m a good cook,” Roberts told People. “They actually told me that I should open a restaurant.” She also relishes cooking for the holidays, particularly shredded Brussel sprouts. Roberts hasn’t published a cookbook, but we did find recipes attributed to her for peach crisp and banana hemp muffins. Or you can make the same summer salad the actress supposedly eats.
Chrissy Teigen started off as a supermodel. Then her love of cooking filtered into her professional life too. At this point, she’s created recipes for a limited Blue Apron release and also just launched her own home and cooking line at Target named “Cravings,” after the two cookbooks she’s released. Teigen describes cooking as “a time of peace” for herself. So maybe peace out to her tuna melt sandwich or the fried chicken wings that are a favorite of her husband, John Legend.
Lady Gaga, whose real name is Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, comes from a cooking Italian family. Her father started his own restaurant in New York and also published a cookbook. And apparently, Lady Gaga has inherited the family’s cooking genes. Her Instagram account occasionally features photos of her culinary activities. Sure, sometimes it’s topless cooking. But other times it’s more poignant like in the post she shared about her bringing food to the family of her dear friend who passed away. Want to try a Gaga/Germanotta family favorite? Check out her recipe for whole wheat pasta with a sweet fennel sauce.