Chef Ed’s Star-Approved Favorites: Taylor Swift’s Comfort Foods
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 6
🍗 Mughlai Chicken (Taylor’s Favorite Dinner Party Dish)
- 2 lb boneless chicken thighs
- 1″ ginger, 4 garlic cloves
- 1 tsp each: cumin, coriander, chili flakes
- 1/3 cup ground almonds + 2 Tbsp water
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 1/2 cup cream
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1 cinnamon stick, 3 bay leaves, 4 cardamom pods
- Salt, pepper, sugar, golden raisins, oil
- Garnish: sliced almonds, fresh cilantro
Instructions:
- Blend ginger, garlic, spices, and almonds with water into a smooth paste.
- Sear chicken in oil; set aside.
- Sauté spices and onion until golden. Add paste, yogurt, cream, stock, raisins.
- Return chicken and simmer until tender and sauce is rich.
- Garnish with almonds and cilantro. Serve over rice.
🍝 Spaghetti & Meatballs (Ina Garten-Style with Taylor’s Tweaks)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Parmesan
- 2 garlic cloves, 1 egg, parsley
- 2 cans crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion, 3 garlic cloves, olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar, salt, pepper
- Optional: red wine
Instructions:
- Mix meatball ingredients and shape. Sear in oil.
- Sauté onions/garlic, add tomatoes and sugar.
- Return meatballs to sauce; simmer 45 minutes.
- Boil pasta, combine with sauce and serve hot.
🥧 Homemade Strawberry Pop-Tarts
- 2¼ cups flour, ¾ tsp salt, 2 Tbsp sugar
- ¾ cup butter, 4–6 Tbsp ice water
- Strawberry jam
- Icing: 1 cup powdered sugar + 2 Tbsp milk
- Sprinkles
Instructions:
- Make dough and chill. Roll into rectangles.
- Fill half with jam, top with other halves. Crimp and dock edges.
- Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
- Cool, ice, and decorate.
💡 Chef Ed Tips
- Mughlai Chicken is best next day — spices bloom.
- Add chili oil or garlic butter to pasta for a twist.
- For Pop-Tarts, use Nutella or dulce de leche too.
References:
- Garten, I. (2001). Barefoot Contessa Family Style. Clarkson Potter. https://www.harvard.com/book/barefoot_contessa_family_style/
- Lawson, N. (2001). Forever Summer. Hyperion. https://www.harvard.com/book/forever_summer/
- Delish. (2023). “Taylor Swift’s Favorite Foods.” https://www.delish.com/celebrity-recipes/taylor-swift-food
- Food Network. (2024). “Ina Garten’s Real Meatballs and Spaghetti.” https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/real-meatballs-and-spaghetti-recipe-1941399
Chef Ed’s Taylor Swift Favorite Food Recipes
Chef Ed’s Taylor Swift Favorite Food Recipes