We at John McClain design love the fall because it welcomes more time for family and loved ones. While polished interior design aims to invite and inspire, everyone knows the best way to keep ’em around is to keep ‘em fed with tasty fall recipes!

This month, we’ve procured a few family secret recipes from our award-winning Orlando- and Los Angeles-based interior design company’s fearless founder, John McClain. As a native to the south, he’s ready to add some southern flair to your taste buds for the holiday season!

 

TATOR TOT CASSEROLE

First up is John’s Tator Tot Casserole. Tator tots with creamy, cheesy goodness topped with a bit of crispiness — yes, please! John’s been cooking this dish for the past 25 years and in his household, it’s no longer a dinner treat but a holiday expectation.

The hearty recipe is great for cooks of all skill levels and experience because the best thing about casseroles is that they’re super straightforward to make. Just grab the goods, mix them all in and watch it bake into a masterpiece.

Check out the detailed recipe below:

 

 

CORNBREAD DRESSING & GIBLET GRAVY

Although the art of southern cooking is as diverse as it is infamous, there’s one common thread and that’s evoking the comfort of being at home for holidays. Perfect for Thanksgiving!

That being said at any southern home, you’re bound to find a cornbread and gravy dish — as corn was a predominant crop in the South. This particular recipe comes from John’s 89-year-old grandmother, who’s been instilling these traditions for generations. Her dish has been a household staple for every Thanksgiving dinner!

We’re letting you in on the family secret below:

 

 

 

RED VELVET CAKE

Like interior design, cooking aims to both excite and appeal to the senses and nothing exemplifies this marriage of the two similarities more than the Red Velvet Cake. Smooth, rich and scarlet-toned, this red velvet cake is the epitome of a warm holiday season.

For anyone who hasn’t tried it yet, a red velvet cake consists of a fluffy and moist interior encapsulated by a cream cheese-based frosting.

Here’s John’s go-to, pecan-accented red velvet cake recipe:

 

A FINAL INGREDIENT

With the arrival of fall, and like the flour in our red velvet cake, we invite you to rise up and try out John’s family favorite recipes to create and inspire some of your own new holiday cuisine traditions.

We believe that building a home is about more than just achieving aesthetically pleasing interior design results. It’s also about filling your home up with cherished memories of friends and family to last a lifetime.

Till Next Time…
Happy Home Cooking!