Grandpa Bill's No Recipe Foods

Cheesecake has been a staple at my family’s holiday dinners forever — one of those desserts that happily accepts anything you throw at it. Fruit? Cool. Chocolate? Cool. So this year I figured… why not one of my other  favorite desserts: mango sticky rice? A creamy baked cheesecake on top, a chewy coconut–rice base underneath, and caramelized mango on top to finish the job. If you’ve ever doubted that rice can be dessert, this one comes in gently but confidently like, “hey… ye

Crispy Cranberry Cheesy Chiles bring baked-brie holiday vibes straight into a chile relleno — crisp on the outside, gooey on the inside, and loaded with camembert, tart cranberries, and toasted walnuts. I wanted a side that felt both familiar and brand-new, something that nods to tradition while sneaking in a little festive chaos. They’re rich, bright, and frankly kind of irresistible.

MacFongo Balls are what happens when two comfort-food legends — mofongo made with plátanos and  creamy mac and cheese — meet each other and instantly realize they’re soulmates. This dish is part of my Decolonized Thanksgiving menu, blending the flavors I grew up with into the traditions I inherited. Grab the full recipe card below and bring some crispy, cheesy, plantain-powered joy to your table.