Cook's Country Spaghetti House Classics
Who doesn't love good ol' fashioned comfort food? The kind of dishes that remind you of home, of family, of simpler times. One such place that brings back fond memories for many Americans is Cook's Country Spaghetti House. Established in 1928 in Cincinnati, Ohio, Cook's Country was a beloved chain of family-style Italian restaurants that served up classic dishes with a side of nostalgia. Though the chain has since closed its doors, its recipes continue to live on in the hearts and stomachs of those who grew up eating there. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of Cook's Country's most iconic dishes and show you how to recreate them in your own kitchen.
The History of Cook's Country Spaghetti House
Cook's Country Spaghetti House was the brainchild of Greek immigrant Chris Karam, who opened the first location in Cincinnati in 1928. The restaurant was an instant hit, serving up hearty portions of spaghetti and meatballs, ravioli, and other Italian-American favorites at affordable prices. Cook's Country soon expanded to other cities, with locations in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and Michigan. By the 1960s, the chain had grown to more than 50 restaurants and had become a beloved institution in the Midwest.
One of the things that made Cook's Country unique was its family-style dining experience. Guests would sit at long communal tables and pass around large platters of food, just like they would at a family gathering. The restaurants were also known for their kitschy decor, with red and white checkered tablecloths, Chianti bottle candle holders, and walls adorned with vintage photos and memorabilia.
Cook's Country Spaghetti and Meatballs
Perhaps the most iconic dish served at Cook's Country was their spaghetti and meatballs. This classic Italian-American dish is simple yet satisfying, with tender meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce and served over a bed of spaghetti. Here's how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 pound spaghetti
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, milk, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands.
- Form the mixture into meatballs about the size of a golf ball.
- In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in a tablespoon of olive oil until softened.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes to the pot. Stir well.
- Add the meatballs to the pot and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain.
- Serve the meatballs and sauce over the spaghetti.
Cook's Country Salad
Another beloved dish at Cook's Country was their signature salad. This simple yet refreshing salad featured crisp lettuce, tangy red onions, and creamy blue cheese dressing. Here's how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 red onion, sliced thinly
- 1/2 cup blue cheese dressing
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce and sliced red onions.
- Toss with the blue cheese dressing.
- Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese over the top.
- Serve chilled.
Cook's Country Breadsticks
No Italian meal is complete without a basket of warm, crusty breadsticks. Cook's Country's version was particularly delicious, with a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior. Here's how to make them:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let sit for 5 minutes, or until foamy.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a clean towel. Let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 pieces.
- Roll each piece into a thin rope and twist into a breadstick shape.
- Place the breadsticks on a greased baking sheet and brush with melted butter.
- Sprinkle with garlic powder and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve warm.
Cook's Country Spaghetti House Classics: Bringing Back Memories One Bite at a Time
Though Cook's Country Spaghetti House may be gone, its legacy lives on through its delicious recipes. Whether you're a fan of the classic spaghetti and meatballs, the refreshing salad, or the warm breadsticks, these dishes are sure to transport you back in time to a simpler era. So gather your friends and family around the table, pass around some heaping platters of food, and indulge in a bit of nostalgia with these beloved Cook's Country Spaghetti House classics.