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
3 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.
Rawan
This recipe delivered incredible flavor to the salmon—the seasoning blend was spot on, and the fish turned out moist, tender, and absolutely delicious.