Community Cooks Central

Community Cooks’ Newest Recipes

These brand-new dishes are fresh from Community Cooks’ kitchens. Which one will you try first?

Gluten-Free Zucchini Bread from Bill Roberts

Old-Fashioned Doughnuts from Darlene Brenden

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread from Cathy Orban

Peach Burrata Salad from Grace Vallo

Gluten-Free Cornbread from Courtney Stultz

Fried Catfish from Pattie Prescott

Gluten-Free Doughnuts from Molly Winsten

Million-Dollar Pie from Laura Wilhelm

Make the recipes Community Cooks are raving about right now.

Community Cook of the Month

TASTE OF HOME, COURTESY JULIE HERRERA-LEMLER

Julie Herrera-Lemler from Rochester, Minnesota

Julie, originally from San Jose, California, has called Rochester, Minnesota home for the last 25 years. She has a deep appreciation for all things Midwest: the snow, the fall colors, hunting, fishing, you name it! Her journey into the world of culinary arts began when she moved to Minnesota, and she fell in love with the art of cooking and baking.

With unwavering support from her husband and sons, Julie became a Taste of Home Community Cook several years ago. She was captivated by the talents of fellow cooks in the community, and that inspired her to take the leap into her first Taste of Home contest—a Baking Contest. To her astonishment, Julie won the Grand Prize for her Key Lime Pie Cupcakes.

Little did she know that the Key Lime Pie Cupcakes would become her top-selling creation when she opened her baking business, aptly named You Betcha Cupcake! Julie chose this name as a nod to her deep-rooted love for the Midwest.

Taste of Home: How long have you been a fan of Taste of Home?

Julie Herrera-Lemler: I have been a Taste of Home super-fan for more than 20 years! I am so lucky to be a part of this community. All the community cooks are extremely supportive.

TOH: When did you learn to cook?

JHL: I watched a lot of Martha Stewart back when I started my cooking and baking journey. I even visited her show when she had a studio audience in New York. What an adventure! I also picked up skills along the way from many Food Network stars.

TOH: Do you have a favorite recipe from Taste of Home?

JHL: One of my go-to recipes is for Homemade Biscuits—nothing better than a made-from-scratch-biscuit! I also enjoy making compound butters. My two favorites are Easy Strawberry Butter, which was published in 2016, and Garlic Parmesan Butter, which is great on steak, corn on the cob, popcorn, etc.

TOH: What types of recipes are you known for?

JHL: My cupcakes. I had a baking business for about eight years, but most recently I have been teaching Mexican cooking classes.

TOH: Who do you love to cook for most?

JHL: I enjoy cooking for my husband and sons. However, I’ve been known to feed co-workers on occasion.

TOH: What’s the next cooking skill you want to master? 

JHL: I would love to master a good sourdough loaf. The smell of sourdough brings back many memories of growing up near the sourdough capital of the world: San Francisco.

TOH: What’s your favorite kitchen hack that you now live by?

JHL: When cleaning shrimp, set aside the shells. Boil the shells in butter to create a very savory butter. Great for dipping bread into or incorporating into pasta.

TOH: What is something you no longer buy from the store because you know you can make it better at home?

JHL: There are several answers to that question. They all require certain techniques and patience. First: A pie crust. I love a good-flaky crust. Second: Whipped cream. They are quick to make but do require a bit of work in order for it to come out right. My favorite is Chocolate Whipped Cream. Third: Seasonings. Lemon herb season that includes drying lemon pulp, zest, etc. And my most recent seasoning is BBQ Chip Dust—sounds easy but is tricky to get the taste right. Four: Powdered fruits. Dehydrated fruits make the best add-ins to any drink, cake batter, ice cream topping, butter, etc.

See Some of Julie’s Best Recipes!

Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Key Lime Pie Cupcakes

Easy Strawberry Butter

Jalapeno Sloppy Joes

Our Whole Team

Community Cooks come from neighborhoods across the U.S. and Canada. Find one in your neck of the woods.

Did your address or email change?

If you’ve recently updated your email address, home address, or any other contact information, please take a moment to fill out this quick form.

Interested in becoming our Community Cook of the Month?

Let us know by filling out this Q&A!