In the beginning of the post, I told you about the first recipe I created. Well, for the first meal I cooked, I went with an even older recipe.
When my family moved to Glastonbury, Connecticut from Middlebury, CT in November of 1977, one of the neighbors came over that same day and delivered foil-covered casserole dish. In it was the best casserole I’d ever had. Not that I had much experience – I was 5 after all – but still.
It was fantastic.
My mom went on to get the recipe, and she made it all throughout my childhood.
When I grew up and lit out on my own, I started making it, tweaking it and perfecting it.
Handan decided to document me making it with a whole bunch of pictures. Maybe I’ll share my recipe with you.
Depends on how many comments I get requesting it! 😉
We love it when you share our posts on Facebook and Pinterest!
Jane says
WOW! That Really IS a Dream Kitchen! It looks like you & Handan have thought of Everything. I love all of the organization ideas. You will enjoy every meal cooked in that kitchen!
Greg says
It really is, Jane! We can’t take our eyes off it! 🙂
M says
Beautiful kitchen, such great organizational ideas. Do you two want to come and do mine?
🙂
Greg says
LOL, hire San to do it! We’d mess it up! 😀
Lucy says
Beautiful kitchen!
Oh, yes! The recipe, please. I’m 60 & so tired of cooking the same old things for dinner, & I only enjoy cooking multi-ingredient & multi-step recipes on occasion. Yours looks very doable.
Greg says
You got it! I’ve gotten enough comments, so I’ll be making it next weekend and posting it the week after!
Angelika Oeckl says
Wonderful Kitchen.
I really want that recipe. please post it and future recipes too.
Thanks
Greg says
You got it, Angelika! I’ll be making it next weekend! 🙂
Revital Mitchell says
Beautiful!
Greg says
Thanks, Rev! 🙂
sue edgar says
really professional pics- lovely clean bright images!
What is that stuff that looks like clay that you are pouring into the the ‘bake’?
Greg says
Thank you, Sue! I will have that recipe out next week! 🙂
Lynn says
Your kitchen is wonderful! It is definitely a dream kitchen. And please post the recipe. I’m taking care of my 96-year-old mom and she needs new things to try! Thanks for sharing.
Greg says
Thank you, Lynn! I will start posting simple and delicious recipes now that the kitchen is finished!
Sheri A. VandeRiet says
Please post the recipe! It looks yummy! And I LOVE your new kitchen.
Greg says
Thank you, Sheri – will do! 🙂
Gail @Purple Hues and Me says
Your kitchen looks gorgeous and amazing in every way! Congrats on a beautiful kitchen creation and layout – you and Handan did a fabulous job!
Greg says
Thank you so much, Gail! 🙂
Cynthia says
Gorgeous kitchen! “Great job!” to both of you and all of the craftsmen.
Yes, recipe, please!
Greg says
Thank you, Cynthia! Recipe coming next week! 🙂
Debbie G says
Love, Love the kitchen. Great Job!!! Would love to have the recipe. Looks yummy!!!
Greg says
It’s beyond yummy, Debbie! Look for the recipe next week! 🙂
Dorothy Evans says
That is an almighty kitchen! Beautiful and every space so well thought out. Dream kitchen for sure. Envy the stove especially and all that glorious storage. Would LOVE to have the recipe. Please share. I love to cook and am always tweaking recipes – some turn out great – others, not so much. Many blessings to you as your continue to make this house your unique home.
Greg says
Thank you so much, Dorothy! I’m convinced! I’ll share the recipe next week after making it (and photographing it) next weekend!
kas says
Omg, y’all have a GORGEOUS kitchen now!!! Great job designing everything, particularly all the little details!
Please post the recipe! Also seeing those photos just taught me that cutting cooked chicken is something I should be doing. And also I need salt/pepper cellars because they’re so cute & handy. And ALSO how on earth do you get chicken to brown so beautifully while cooking covered?! Mine always come out fully cooked but looking like my legs…in need of a tan. Lol
Wonderful job on the kitchen!! You guys are so fun to follow. 🙂
Greg says
Thank you so much, Kas! Okay the secret to browning chicken with a lid is high heat, fat and time. Can’t make good chicken without a little oil, so don’t be shy. Make sure the heat is on high and the oil is just about to smoke, then put your breasts in. Cover and wait. No need to keep flipping. Until you get the hang of how hot your pan is and how much time you’ll need with your stove/pan combo, you can take a peek underneath every once in a while, but other than that, just leave them alone. Then flip and do the same. If you want to cut the chicken, when it’s cooked is the time to do it. You can then keep the cubes in the pan and stir them around to get them browned as well.
Laurie says
Wowza! Your new kitchen is da bomb. So so gorgeous! So happy for you guys, though that stove, spice drawer, and island are making me drool with envy (but in a good way). I would love to have all that space. Enjoy creating culinary delights in it for many years to come.
Greg says
It IS da bomb, Laurie! It makes me feel like a real chef! 🙂
franki parde says
That kitchen is most definitely the “heart” of the home! WOWzer!! Looking forward to “thee recipe!” WAY!! franki
Greg says
Thanks, Franki! It’s coming up next week! 🙂
Bunny says
Your home is gorgeous and the kitchen is just so beautiful and functional. Enjoy it I am sure you will make more great memories in your home. Talking about Fluff. I used to make fluff fudge for our family so many years ago at least 40 and the kids and my nephew just loved it they still talk about it. Thanks for giving me a sweet memory.
Greg says
Thanks, Bunny! It really is great stuff – but totally unknown outside the Northeast! I also remember Fluff fudge – yum! 🙂
Sara says
I’ve been waiting on the reveal and it was worth the wait! It is beautiful and looks so functional. One very lucky man to get to cook in it! Congrats on a great layout and finish.
Greg says
Thank you, Sara – I’m the luckiest guy ever to get to cook in this kitchen!
Pam says
Your kitchen is absolutely gorgeous! I am jealous (in a good way). Love it! And I also love the idea of cutting chicken with scissors! Simple yet efficient.
Greg says
Thank you, Pam! Yep, I learned that technique from my mom years ago!
Debbie Wilson says
WOW … you thought of everything! Simply stunning!!!
Debbie says
Just went back to look for your recipe … I would love it if you would share it with us! Thanks
jan says
STUNNING!!! What a showplace!!
Greg says
Thank you, Jan! 🙂
Jan says
You made “Chicken deJan”…….I mean…… your personal version of Chicken Divan! (Chicken deGreg?) Yes, I would love to have the recipe for your version. The kitchen is beautiful and I am hoping you will continue to give us all feedback on the KLine Range. It looks AWESOME! Congratulations on a dream come true and Happy Cooking!
Greg says
Wow, I never knew what Chicken Divan was until looking it up just now. I suppose you could say that Chicken deGreg is a version of Divan, but with some very tasty additions! 😀
Laurie says
Stunning kitchen!! Recipe please it looks so good 🙂
Greg says
Thank you, Laurie – recipe coming up!
Marian says
Greg and Handan,
Your kitchen is heavenly! I love the pullout microwave and the lower cabinet with the dead space solution. I have one of those, dead space, that is. You obviously did a lot of research before beginning this journey, and it certainly shows. You are both amazing. I like your blog soooooo much. I really, really, I mean really, want the recipe for the chicken broccoli casserole. I can’t wait to see what is next.
Greg says
Thank you so much, Marian! Kudos to Handan for the research – it’s how she approaches every project and everything in life. She is the polar opposite of me. If this kitchen were left to me to design, it’d be a hot smoking mess. I guess that’s why we make a great team – our strengths and weaknesses rarely overlap! 🙂
Linda says
Absolutely gorgeous kitchen!! Just yummy. Now for that recipe – it looks SO GOOD. Happy for y’all. Wishing you blessings and joy from here in Texas.
Greg says
Thank you so much, Linda! Recipe coming soon! 🙂
Michele L says
Greg & Handan,
I absolutely love your kitchen reveal, worth the wait! Beautiful pics of every part of it too! I want that gorgeous range, I love to cook as well. I’ll be watching for that recipe, it looks delicious. Congrats on your beautiful kitchen!
Greg says
Hi Michele, it was so definitely worth the wait (though I thought at times it would never finish)! Recipe coming up next week! 🙂
Ann Casey says
Awesme job!!! Got my 30″ zline gas range last month – love it!!
Greg says
Thank you, Ann! Let’s hear it for ZLINE! What a great piece of equipment for the price!
Terra M says
Oh, My Lanta!! That is an amazing kitchen, Greg! Good job, to both of you! I LOVE the triple light fixture over the island!! What an incredible place to create!!! Yes, that recipe would be nice to have!! Yum! (I mean, who doesn’t love chicken, broccoli, and cheese with a delicious (unidentifiable) sauce!!) Excellent!
Greg says
Thanks, Terra! The best part about that triple light is how cheap they are! Those 5-light pendants costs as much as many single-light pendants we looked at. There are deals out there – you just gotta sniff ’em out! Mystery sauce recipe coming soon!
Patti says
Wow, I expected your kitchen to be fabulous and I was right! Nice job!
Greg says
Thank you so much, Patti!
Deborah L Hunter says
Everything is well planned, a super job! Hats off to both of you! Share your recipe!
deborah h.
Greg says
Thank you , Deborah – Handan is a super planner! Recipe coming soon!
Gayle says
Fantastic kitchen. Really wonderful job!
Greg says
Thank you, Gayle! 🙂
Diana says
This is totally incredible!!! Every last inch in that kitchen is beautiful! You guys did an awesome job!!!
Greg says
Thank you so much, Diana! It really is! All credit to Handan – it’s her design. I just stand in there and look pretty! :D:D:D
Nancy Eichinger says
Your kitchen is a dream come true! It is spectacular! Glad you are going to share he recipe with us. Thank you in advance. Nancy
Greg says
Thank you, Nancy! Oh yes, I’ll be sharing it next week! 🙂
Kathie says
I’m totally gobsmacked… it’s an awesome kitchen and that range is to die for…
Greg says
You and me both, Kathie! My jaw dropped when San, Carlos and Manuel finished the stove area!
Kay says
I actually moaned when I saw your island countertop. Prettiest I’ve ever seen. The blue on your island is perfect. Nice job all around! Do you like your pot filler? I came so close to putting one in my kitchen and I think I’m sorry I didn’t.
Greg says
We feel the same way about our island – the quartzite we picked is just incredible to look at! I love the pot filler, though I’ve only used it twice. It’s something that I didn’t ask for. I thought it was an unnecessary luxury, but Handan included in her design on the sly. Now that I have it, I’m glad I do. Yes, it’s a luxury, but even when I’m not using it, I think it looks great just sitting there! 🙂
Annie says
THAT’S what that is! LOL I’ve never heard of it before, but now I want one!
Greg says
I know, right? It’s that little thing you never knew you wanted until you saw it! 😀
Sandy R says
Of course we want the casserole recipe! It looks awesome as does your kitchen. I think I need to figure out if one of those shelves for the blind corner cabinet will work in my kitchen. I’m too old to be getting on the floor to dig things out of that cabinet.
Greg says
Recipe coming up next week! You’ll love that blind corner shelf if you get it. No more crawling around!
Anne Horning says
Just as gorgeous as I expected! Perfection in every way! Keep those recipes coming too, we are all tired of eating the same old things, especially this year! I feel like Private Benjamin, I want to dress up and go out to lunch…or dinner! At least y’all will have good memories from 2020!
Greg says
Thank you, Anne! Okay, recipe coming up next week, and I’m going to start posting them regularly from now on. I have a ton of quick, easy and really tasty meals (and other things)!
Derry says
Wow!!! That is gorgeous! The Persian rug is a lovely touch! Don’t think I’ll risk mine in the kitchen. You are going to have a marvelous time in your new home! So very well done!
Greg says
Thank you, Derry! The rug is totally flat pile – actually no pile. The pattern is screen-printed on, so the rug is perfect for high-traffic areas, and it’s polyester, so it’s easy to spot-clean. Comfortable to walk on, the dogs love it and the best part is it’s only about $83! We bought a spare in case this one gets ruined. 🙂
Giselle says
I love the colour of your island. I am so envious of all those drawers and storage! Truly a dream kitchen! I would love your recipe. I’m always up to trying new meals! Enjoy your new home! ❤️
Greg says
Thanks, Giselle! Oh, yeah, so much storage! Recipe coming next week! 🙂
Colleen says
Beautiful kitchen. My setup is very similar to yours! I was looking over your list of items and you didn’t mention the rug. (Or did I miss it?) That is the one thing that caught my eye throughout the tour. Any idea where you got it? I need a large rug or runner along the length of our 10 foot island. I am a messy cook..haha! Enjoy it all!
Greg says
Thank you, Colleen! The rug is in the list – look for Vintage Medallion Area Rug. It’s a beautiful screen-printed rug, and it’s only $83!
Debbie says
I love everything about your kitchen, great job to both of you. I look forward to the casserole recipe and demo next week.
Greg says
Thank you, Debbie!
Claudine Dionne says
Wow! The kitchen was worth the wait! What a beautiful space…from Handan’s design and space saving finds to the gorgeous pieces and all the special finishing touches…a dream come true. 🙂
That recipe looks nice and easy…I suspect the secret is in that soupy sauce mix…please do share!
Greg says
Thank you, Claudine! It really is a dream come true! As for most tasty things, the secret is indeed in the sauce! 🙂
Tammy says
Very gorgeous, and such a great use of space. I love all the ideas here- the command center, two tiered cutlery drawers, pull-outs. Very innovative kitchen. I’m surprised you didn’t try to under-mount some outlets on the island instead of having that outlet on the side. You know these days, people just can’t have enough places to plug things in and charge their phones. THanks for all the great ideas.
Greg says
Thank you, Tammy! Hey, that’s a great idea! Next time San is here, I’m going to ask him about undermounting an outlet in the seating area. It would sure help when Handan moves her office to the kitchen! 🙂
Priscilla Grover says
fabulous, as expected! Particularly love the command station along the fridge – great use of space. And you are well prepared to deal with flies: if the fly swatters don’t get ’em, you’ve got the rolling pin. And if that fails, smother them with the fire extinguisher. Then clean up the mess with the Goo Gone. Brilliant!
Greg says
LOLOLOL! 😀
Bonnie says
Greg…I knew this kitchen project would be something special; you did not disappoint. Everything is so beautiful..You & Handan are so talented & make those design/DIY projects come together. Congratulations on achieving your Dream Kitchen…it truly is!!!
Greg says
Thank you so much, Bonnie – we love it! 🙂
phyllis says
Greg and Handan- What an accomplishment to complete your dream kitchen in this wild and crazy year. You’ve packed and moved, painted, fixed and managed to do all of that, plus the kitchen with several months to spare. I’ve followed all of your posts and really learned a lot from your decision making process. You obviously work well as a team and had a clear vision to guide you. Seeing the final project took my breath away. Having the colors you chose in every product be complimented by the rug is an absolutely “cherry on the top” moment. I know you will enjoy this for many years to come, and you will now put your energies into making all of the other parts of your new home be as expressive of your unique style as this kitchen already is. Bravo!
Greg says
Thank you so much, Phyllis! It has been a truly whirlwind year, and it’s not even close to being over yet, but this kitchen is a high point (along with Handan’s new job and the new house). We hope to keep the projects going for quite some time now! 🙂
Jody E Wolski says
The kitchen looks great, the “hot dish” (I live in the midwest) looks delicious, Please, please share. Thanks
Greg says
Thanks, Jody – hot dish coming up next week! 🙂
Melita Todd says
Fluffernutter fan too. And your right nobody here in the South ever heard of it.
It has to be Fluff though, can’t be marshmallow cream. There is a difference.
Greg says
Oh, yeah – a few people in California told me it was the same as marshmallow cream. I laughed in their faces.
Lynn says
I am SO jealous of your beautiful kitchen. Just wondered if you’re concerned about the heat from your stove causing your spices to lose potency? I’ve always thought spices shouldn’t be stored near a stove.
Greg says
Nah, they’re all good. The stove doesn’t throw heat that far, and I’m pretty particular about my spices. If I don’t use them in time, I throw them out when they oxidize. It’s easy to tell with a quick sniff which are bad. I also try to buy whole seed spices whenever possible and grind them myself in small batches.
Linda says
Love, love it! I am in awe and inspired! Creativity personified. I want one!
Who Is the Kirkland spicy rum lover?
Greg says
Handan is the spiced rum girl around here, though we haven’t opened that bottle yet. She’s been on a vodka kick, so she’ll need to finish that Blackheart rum first!
Brenda Sheffer says
That is beautiful!! A dream kitchen, I would be cooking in there day and night! You all did an awesome job!
Greg says
Thank you so much, Brenda!
Catherine Williams says
Wow the most stunning, gorgeous, beautiful, fabulous kitchen, there aren’t enough words in the dictionary to describe how much i love this kitchen! Greg and Handan have done it again another amazing accomplishment of design and practicality and beauty, i want it, Maybe just one more word – supercalafragilisticexpialidocious 🙂
Greg says
LOL, thank you so much, Catherine!! :):):)
Rebecca says
Love your new kitchen! It is so beautiful! All the details and organization is perfect for someone who loves to cook. She thought of everything! That RANGE, swoon! It’s fabulous. Bon Appetit to you and yours!
Greg says
Thank you so much, Rebecca! It is a dream to cook in! 🙂
Aunt Carol says
A great kitchen foe a great cook! Love you!
Aunt Carol & Uncle Tom
Greg says
Hi Aunt Carol, thank you! Love to you and Uncle Tom!
Gail says
Love your new kitchen! I know I’m late to the party, but I was just catching up on emails I saved, but didn’t have a chance to open and read during the s$#% show that was 2020. My New Years resolution every year is to go through my 14,000 emails and start with a clean slate. Yeah, sure. Your recipe looks very much like the chicken divan that I’ve been making since the 70’s. Mine doesn’t have onion and I grate my own fresh breadcrumbs from soft bread so I don’t need the oil. They’re nice and moist. When I get to your post with “the recipe” I will check out the other similarities. I may try the onion. Laughed when you said you bought the lobster looking creature in Cape Cod. We rented a cottage in Dennisport for many years and when I said I was “in Cape Cod”; I was corrected by locals that you’re “on the Cape, not in The Cape”, Lol
Greg says
Thank you, Gail! LOL, locals always have their own way of saying things. “On” just doesn’t sound right. I mean, technically, I’m “on” Georgia, because I’m not living in a cave, but you won’t hear me saying it, lol!
Universal Stone says
Love what it turns out into! Excellent job!
Greg says
Thank you!
Lindsey says
Hey there! Absolutely stunning kitchen, we are in the final stages of our remodel and are trying to narrow down a range. How do you feel about the quality of the Zline after several months? Have you had any major issues with it?
Thank you!
-Lindsey
Greg says
Hi Lindsey, I’ve had no issues at all except for a whistling sound from one of the small burners when it’s on high. I’m sure I could just use a pin to poke the outlet valve to clear whatever is causing the whistle. It’s really not a problem, and other than that, the range has worked beautifully. Coming from a digital oven, I will say you’ll have to get a feel for the oven temp. Mine runs a little hot. Not a big deal if you have an oven thermometer.
Malee says
Beautiful kitchen remodel!!! I have a kitchen that I’m looking to remodel. What was your budget on this kind of project? I want to move my refrigerator also, but what is the cost for that? Thanks!
Greg says
Thank you, Malee! We discovered early on that our budget was going to be blown out of the water. Fortunately, we found a great installer who installed everything for about a quarter of the cost of Home Depot. For this scale project with similar cabinets, you can expect to pay over 20k for the cabinetry. The trick then is to find an installer who won’t rip you off. HD’s installer wanted something around 25k I think. We got it done much cheaper by finding our own guy. Moving the fridge wasn’t a big added cost since we tore out the entire kitchen. The only thing needed for that was to move the PEX water line, which was no big deal at all. Good luck and remember to shop around for installers!