Every now then, celebrities do things to remind us that they really are just like us. And I don’t mean when they endorse beauty products no normal person can afford or insist that they just woke up looking that fabulous. I’m talking about the simple things in life. You know, like when they cook dinner and stuff. What’s that you say, Beyoncé likes to eat food? Me too!! We have just soo much in common!
Of course, sometimes (okay, probably many times), that dinner that Bey or any other celeb is eating is either a) too fancy for my commoner’s palate or b) made from ingredients that are far outside of my writer’s salary. But every now and then we strike gold, and a celebrity shares a favorite recipe that is actually within my cooking skill level and price range.
In celebration of those special times, here are a few magical favorite celebrity recipes that are not just delicious but also totally accessible to all of us non-famous types.
1. Oprah Winfrey: Unfried Chicken
I’m not a person who lives by mottos, but when it comes to Oprah, I follow this simple mantra: Oprah is always right. Whether she’s telling me what book to read or what my new favorite thing should be, when Oprah speaks, I listen. So when Oprah likes this unfried chicken recipe, made entirely from foods I recognize and have in my apartment, I know we have a winner.
2. Dr. Oz: Spicy Chili
This chili recipe from Dr. Oz has a few things going for it in my book. First of all, it comes from Dr. Oz, who was brought us by Oprah, giver of all things good. Secondly, it’s pretty much a dump recipe. Which means that even though the ingredient list is a bit long, all you really have to do cooking-wise is throw it all together to cook.
3. Victoria Justice: Peanut Butter And Banana Power Shake
While a lot of celebs’ favorite drinks tend to be full of kale, carrots, and other such stuff, Victoria Justice knows what the people want: chocolate, bananas, and peanut butter! I’m reasonably confident all of the good things in the world come from this trio.
4. Danielle Jonas: Mozzarella-Stuffed Spicy Meatballs
If there’s one thing I learned from sitting through two seasons of Married To Jonas (besides the fact that I’m glad I’m not married to Kevin or Danielle Jonas), it’s that Dani’s family the Deleasas takes eating very seriously, so you know their recipes are good. For those of you who have a spare copy of the June 2013 issue of Cosmopolitan sitting around, you can find this recipe there. Otherwise, check out this reprint courtesy of Sweet and Salty.
5. Teresa Guidice: Tuscan Apple Torta
Speaking of families that I wouldn’t want to be a part of but who seem to know a thing or two about cooking, let’s talk about the Giudices of Real Housewives of New Jerseyfame. Teresa Giudice has put out quite a few cookbooks in her day, and her Tuscan Apple Torta looks absolutely fabulous.
6. Gwyneth Paltrow: Fried Chicken
Yes, you read that right. This is a fried chicken recipe. From Gwyneth Paltrow. Actually, it’s from Goop. And the ingredients are literally all things I have in my kitchen right now. I am truly at a loss for words, so instead I’ll just close my eyes and try to imagine Gwynnie chowing down on fried chicken.
7. Gwyneth Paltrow: Cheese Puffs
I’m sorry to include two recipes from the same celeb, but honestly I’m just so shocked by the stuff I’ve found on Goop! I mean, what’s the only thing more incredible/impossible to imagine than Gwyneth Paltrow eating fried chicken? Hello, Queen Goop eating cheese puffs! That’s just amazing. Ms. Paltrow amps up the price on the ingredients a bit in this recipe by recommending Gruyère cheese, but my good friend the internet tells me you can substitute it for Swiss cheese.