About
About Crouton’s Kitchen
Family & Friends
About
There are a lot of cooking blogs on the net. Why start another one? Because my wife Ditalini and I love to cook. Because I love to blog. Because we love you. Why, indeed?
So here’s Crouton’s Kitchen.
The recipes we’ll post here will be for meals Ditalini and I cook in our own kitchen, for ourselves or to share with family and friends. A lot of the recipes are my own, and I like to think of my cooking blog as husband-centric, or at least husband-friendly.
We invite you to comment on recipes, ask questions, and share recipes of your own.
Thanks for visiting Crouton’s Kitchen!
Family & Friends
Occasionally readers ask me about the names on this blog. A bit of explanation is in order.
When I started Crouton’s Kitchen I decided, in the manner of early bloggers, to use noms de plume. I’m Crouton de Menthe, my wife (the real cook) is Ditalini. In Crouton’s Kitchen, everyone has a nom de plume.
Here’s a Who’s Who of family & friends you’ll meet in Crouton’s Kitchen:
The deMenthe Family
- Crouton deMenthe (moi)
- Ditalini deMenthe (wife, maiden name della Fagioli)
- Escargot deMenthe (daughter)
- Baguette deMenthe (son)
- Truffle deMenthe (daughter in law)
- Biscotto deMenthe (grandaughter)
- Pesce deMenthe (grandson)
- Radicchio della Fagioli (Ditalini’s aunt, RIP)
- Chateaubriand deMenthe (Crouton’s father, RIP)
- Shinken deMenthe (beloved dachshund)
- Würstchen deMenthe (beloved dachshund)
- Weisswurst deMenthe (beloved dachshund)
- Mortadella deMenthe (beloved dachshund, RIP)
- Peolso deMenthe (horrible but beloved old cat, RIP)
- Ubriaco deMenthe (beloved auxiliary dachshund, RIP)
Friends of Crouton’s Kitchen & Contributors
- Soufflé al Dente
- Fagiolo al Dente
- Gina Cannoli
- Lengua Cannoli
- Bock Wurst
- Poulet en Crote
- Calamari en Crote
- Osso Bucco (RIP)
- Pomme Frites
- Fritzie Frites
- Moules Frites
- Remoulade Sausee
- Guido Trattoria
- Sophia Trattoria
- Pomodoro Calde
- Bangers N. Mash
- Tex “Mex” Mash
- Grissini Asperagi
- Gusti Come Pollo
- Magret de Canard
- Tiburón Ceviche
- Camarón Ceviche
- Manzo Spezzatino
- Anitra Spezzatino
- Houskový Knedlík (RIP)
- Manzo Bistecca
- Legume Burgoo
- Lambchop Burgoo (RIP)
- Recto Alpaso
- Manière d’un Chien
- Giacomo “Hercules” Mandriano
- Giuseppe “Pastoso” Mandriano
- Hermana Gazpacho
- Al Forno
2 Comments
In N Out Menus
This is such a charming and unique way to share your love for cooking! I adore the creative noms de plume and the personal touch you bring to every recipe and story. It really makes Crouton’s Kitchen feel like a warm, welcoming space for food lovers. I’m excited to try some of your recipes and might even share a family favorite of my own in the comments soon. Keep up the amazing work!
Billy
This is such a fun and creative introduction to a cooking blog! The playful noms de plume, the husband-friendly approach, and the warm, welcoming tone make it feel like a cozy dinner invitation rather than just another recipe site.
I love how you bring personality into it—not just through the names, but in the way you describe your cooking style and the community aspect of Crouton’s Kitchen. It’s a great balance of humor, passion, and inclusivity.