Trisha joined our Volunteer Field Editor team in 2004. Her passion for cooking with fresh ingredients has made her a Taste of Home fan-favorite.
Taste of Home: Tell us a little about you. Where do you live, what do you do when you’re not cooking and who is in your family?
Trisha Kruse: I live in Eagle, Idaho, a suburb of Boise, on an acre in the “sort of” country. I’m 63 years old and a fitness instructor as well as a rep for several supplement companies. I do lots of in-store demos at health/nutrition stores educating customers on the benefits and giving out samples. When I’m not cooking I’m either at the gym taking classes from other instructors, practicing dance choreography or doing assorted crafts. My family is just my husband and myself, as well as two very bossy and demanding cats: Ralph (huge orange Buddha) and Smidge (Little Miss Attitude).
TOH: You’re a fitness instructor—how cool! How do you balance being health and fitness-minded with a love of cooking?
TK: I’m a fitness instructor and love going to gym—to me it’s fun! I also teach belly dance classes at the local park and rec center. I think the blend of fitness and love of food and cooking is a natural connection. I enjoy making meals that are amazingly delicious but also nutrition powerhouses. When I share my cooking with others, they are astounded that I can make veggies, lean protein, whole grains, nuts and fruit taste like heaven! Healthy food really does taste good.
TOH: How did your love of cooking get started? Was there someone in you life who taught you?
TK: I lived in Italy until I was 8 years old. Italian people revere food. They appreciate every aspect of growing/raising food, preparing, cooking and eating. I never saw fast food or people eating in their cars. So I absorbed that reverence from childhood. My parents were from the U.S., my mom taught me to cook from recipes and cookbooks. Even though she didn’t love cooking, I was able to learn the basic mechanics from her; like how to make a white sauce, separate eggs or whip the whites. Cooking was actually a chore for her and she could only cook by following a recipe. I took the basics she taught me and flew with them!
TOH: What inspires you to cook?
TK: I love to eat! Food is beautiful to look at and it smells wonderful when cooking. I find cooking to be comforting, relaxing and a great creative outlet.
TOH: What recipe do you get asked to make the most?
TK: My husband loves Indian food, so of everything I make, he enjoys that the most: anything from vindaloo to tikka masala to homemade naan bread.
TOH: What do you enjoy most about being a Volunteer Field Editor?
TK: Being a Field Editor gives me an outlet for my fascination with food. Cuisines from other countries, unusual ingredients, trends and habits—some good, some not so much. I’m constantly reading recipes from old cookbooks and magazines and how they reflect the culture of the times. I’m also always looking at the nutritional impact of styles, times and trends.
(Think you’d like to join our team of Volunteer Field Editors? Find out what it takes.)
TOH: What kitchen appliance is indispensable for you and why?
TK: It’s a toss-up between my food processor and my blender. I use the food processor a lot to shred and slice veggies for all sorts of recipes. I use it at least three times a week and keep it one my counter top. My blender I use for making wonderful purees and sauces. I make a delightful pumpkin “pudding” with canned pumpkin, brown sugar and nutmeg. Just as delicious as pie!
(Trisha, that pumpkin dessert sounds amazing! Be sure to share the recipe with us.)
TOH: What is your desert-island meal? That one you could eat over and over again and never get tired of.
TK: I could eat grilled shrimp and avocado in lettuce wraps every day, but it’d be extra perfect if that desert island had plenty of chardonnay on hand!
Try One of Trisha's Recipes Today!
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Meet Trisha
An Idaho gal, Trisha has a developed a passion for healthy living. At 63 years young, she spends her time teaching fitness and nutrition in hometown near Boise. Her recipes are always knockout-delicious and we love that she shares them with us!
Pressure-Cooker Tequila Salsa Chicken
I had this dish at a local Mexican restaurant when celebrating a friend's birthday. I fell in love with the spicy, smoky flavor from the tequila and decided to try Instant Pot salsa chicken at home. Boy, was it a success! It's also great stuffed into flour tortillas or for making nachos. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Pepperoni Focaccia Bread
This focaccia bread recipe is perfect to serve with a pasta dinner, either as an appetizer or sliced for sandwiches. You will love the smell of it baking—it's hard to wait for it to be done! I like to add some thinly sliced plum tomatoes and fresh basil on top. — Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Curried Chicken and Sweet Potatoes
This chicken and sweet potato dish is a delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors. I like to add a bit more spice. Make sure to keep the sweet potato chunks large so they keep their integrity over the long cooking time. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Pesto Shrimp and Artichoke Linguine
In our home, holiday indulgence is all about pesto shrimp! This is our go-to dish for both Christmas Eve and Easter brunch. It also makes a wonderful appetizer before a prime rib dinner. For a pop of color, I sometimes add lightly sauteed diced red pepper. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Turnovers
I adore the combo of pears, blue cheese and walnuts in a salad, so I turned them into this ham and cheese turnover recipe—and they were a hit. I added black forest ham to make it a meal in one. Just add a salad of field greens with a balsamic vinaigrette and you have a decadent (and healthy!) dinner. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Coconut-Macadamia Sheet Pan Pancakes
These sheet-pan pancakes are great for brunch when you want to serve a group without standing over the stove. The fun flavors give this dish a tropical flair, and pineapple-flavored ice cream topping is a great swap for the usual maple syrup. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Curried Carrots with Crunchy Peanut Topping
My homegrown carrots are sweet and tender. When I have a bumper crop, I use this recipe to make the most of them. Warm curry spice and crunchy peanutty topping make this a no-leftovers dish. If you want to add a burst of green, use half carrots and half broccoli florets. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Lemon-Parsley Tilapia
I like to include seafood in our weekly dinner rotation but don't want to bother with anything complicated (and it had better taste good or the family will riot). This herbed fish does the trick. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Plum & Hazelnut Pie
My mom taught me about Italian prune plums and pie. I sprinkle the crust with ground hazelnuts for luscious flavor and to keep it from getting soggy. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Glazed Italian Fruitcake Cookies
I grew up in Italy eating these every Christmas. I have such fond memories that I make them every year and give them to friends.—Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Mediterranean Romaine Salad
This salad is my standard—I always make sure I have the ingredients on hand so I can whip up this easy salad anytime. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Cranberry-Pecan Brie Cups
These appetizer cups are great for entertaining since you can make them ahead of time and refrigerate until you're ready to pop them in the oven. Serve them hot out of the oven or at room temperature—your choice.—Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Grilled Lebanese Salad
Amazingly, even our kids eat their greens, herbs and garden veggies when they’re prepared this way. Fresh and healthy never tasted more delicious. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Brie & Caramelized Onion Flatbread
Saute the onions and garlic for this flatbread a day ahead so it's easy to put together on the day of the party. Prepared pizza dough makes it a snap. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Apple-Onion Pork Tenderloin
This slightly sweet and tender pork tenderloin with apples is quick enough to make for a weeknight, but I often serve it on special occasions. It tastes amazing served with mashed potatoes or over egg noodles. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, ID
White Chocolate Cranberry Almond Tart
A sweet white chocolate drizzle perfectly balances the tangy cranberries in my signature holiday dessert. I also make this tart for local coffee houses and restaurants. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Raspberry Pork Medallions
Pork served with a luscious raspberry glaze is fancy enough for company. We bring it to the table with wild rice pilaf and steamed veggies. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Roasted Vegetable Frittata
The great thing about frittatas is that I can make them with whatever I have available in my garden and in the pantry. This version uses spring produce to its advantage. Roasting really intensifies the natural sweetness of the asparagus and onion, and the earthiness of the potatoes. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Steamed Beef & Ginger Pot Stickers
These dumplings have a hearty filling that’s easy to make and a dipping sauce that’s too irresistible to pass up. I prepare them in advance and freeze them. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Italian-Style Pizzas
With prepared pesto and pizza crusts, this recipe comes together in a flash. It makes two, and we love that we each get our own Italian style pizza! I like to complete the meal with a salad and fresh fruit. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Ginger-Apricot Tossed Salad
This dish is a nice change from ordinary green salad and is elegant enough for company. The dressing is one of my favorites. Its sweetness complements the crisp greens and crunchy green beans. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Honey-Mint Lamb Skewers
My hearty lamb bites are delicious and convenient. Assemble them the day before, then pop them under the broiler when the party starts. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Cheesy Seafood Enchiladas
Quick-cooking seafood and mildly spicy chile peppers and salsa make this dish a flavor adventure that my family loves. I’ve made it with chicken instead of fish, too. Just saute until done. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Gimlet Bars
I love a tangy gimlet when the weather turns steamy—but these bars are just the thing when the craving hits and summer seems too far away. Add more lime zest if you want these a bit tangier. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Parmesan-Ranch Pan Rolls
Mom taught me this easy recipe, which is perfect for feeding a crowd. There is never a crumb left over. Mom used her own bread dough, but using frozen dough is my shortcut. I make a wheat bread dough version with poppy and sesame seeds that’s popular, too. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Moroccan Apple Beef Stew
I love the mix of sweet and savory flavors in this stew. It's the perfect blend of adventurous and comforting, and makes a fun dish to share with guests. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Coleslaw with Poppy Seed Dressing
This is the kind of salad you can keep in the fridge for a couple days and it just gets better. I just add the sunflower seeds before serving to keep the crunch. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Cheddar Pear Soup
Pears and sharp cheddar have always been one of my favorite flavor combos. This recipe brings the two together in a creamy, delicious soup. I like to serve it with a warm baguette and fresh fruit for lunch or a light supper. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Cashew Mango Grilled Chicken
This sweet and nutty chicken hits all the right spots for taste, speed and family appeal. On a rainy day, you can bake it, then finish it under the broiler. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Overnight Yeast Rolls
It's easy to make light and flavorful rolls with this no-fuss recipe. The dough can also be used for cinnamon rolls, herb bread or coffee cake. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Curried Ham & Split Pea Soup
This soup is great for stocking in the freezer and the curry gives it a warmer flavor, which goes so nicely with the salty ham. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Grilled Romaine Toss
I often double this fantastic salad, and it’s always history by the end of the night. During inclement weather, simply prepare it under the broiler. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Chipotle Berry Fruit Salsa
Not too hot, but with a bit of a kick, this salsa is a perfect topping for grilled fish or chicken. It’s also a delectable chip dip—just double the recipe and watch it disappear. The spice is quite mild, but cut down on (or increase!) the chipotle peppers to suit your taste. If you like, add lime zest for an added twist. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Broccoli and Carrot Cheese Bake
A creamy sauce flavored with cheese makes vegetables so much more appealing to my crowd. This holiday side dish will please even the pickiest veggie-phobics. It uses vegetables that are available year-round, so it works for Easter as well as winter holiday meals. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Pecan Shortbread Tea Cakes
My Grandma Ellis made her shortbread cookies only at Christmas because the ingredients were so indulgent. The results are, too!—Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Pear Upside-Down Gingerbread
I prefer to bake from scratch, but this Christmasy cake mix recipe is a favorite. For a change of pace, use apples and walnuts in place of the pears and pecans. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Bacon & Cheddar Chicken
Cheese and bacon don’t usually come “light.” But this tasty recipe keeps the fat and calories low and flavor high. This family friendly chicken bacon recipe can easily be doubled to serve a larger group. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle Idaho
Flaky Whole Wheat Biscuits
Whole wheat flour gives these biscuits a nutty, homey flavor. Ever since I started making these, white flour biscuits just don't taste as good! Pair them with soup or slather them with whipped cream and sweetened berries for a dessert treat. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Pineapple-Glazed Chicken Thighs
These juicy chicken thighs taste so rich and delicious with a sweet pineapple-maple glaze. I love that I can reach in my pantry for ingredients and end up with this impressive weeknight meal. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Cherry Pear Pie
Two of my family's favorite fruits appear in this splendid pie with a nutty streusel topping. I like to serve slices with cherry-vanilla frozen yogurt.—Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Scones
Chocolate, hazelnuts and the tangy taste of buttermilk —these delicious scones are easy to make, come together fast, and taste so good with your morning coffee. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Cherry Chocolate Chunk Cookies
These rich, fudgy cookies are chewy and studded with tangy dried cherries. It’s a good thing the recipe makes only a small batch, because we eat them all in one night! —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Artichoke Chicken Pesto Pizza
Make pizza night an upscale affair with this fun twist on the traditional pie. A prebaked crust and prepared pesto keep things quick and easy. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Apple Pie a la Mode
This pie a la mode is a family favorite that combines apple pie filling and butter pecan ice cream with caramel topping and chopped nuts. I created it when trying to think up a rich dessert to complete a dinner party menu. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Saucy Peach-Balsamic Chicken
I throw this sweet-savory chicken dish together in no time. I serve it with rice and steamed broccoli, and the whole family loves it. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Penne with Tomatoes & White Beans
I learned how to make this dish from friends in Genoa, Italy, where they're known for creating tasty combinations of veggies, pasta and beans. You can sub feta cheese to give this a Greek twist. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Makeover Creamed Corn
This healthy creamed corn has all the rich feel and flavor of the original, but only about half the calories and about a third of the saturated fat. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Apple-Nut Blue Cheese Tartlets
These tasty appetizers look and taste gourmet, but they're easy to make and have loads of blue cheese flavor. The phyllo shells and filling can be made in advance—just fill the cups and warm them in the oven before serving. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Quick Ambrosia Fruit Salad
I start this with plenty of fruit, add the yogurt for dressing, then mix in just enough marshmallows and coconut so it tastes like the fresh and creamy version I grew up with. It’s a well-loved recipe in my home now. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Broiled Parmesan Tilapia
Even picky families will change their minds about eating fish with this toasty, cheesy Parmesan-coated entree. I serve it with mashed cauliflower and a green salad for a low-carb meal everyone loves. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Chicken & Apple Salad with Greens
My favorite memory of eating this dish was when my mom made it for lunch on weekends when we were home from school and could have something other than "brown bag" lunches. Happy memories of childhood and late summer days just make this salad extra special. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Eggplant Zucchini Bolognese
“I roast the veggies while the pasta cooks, making this a quick dish.” This meal-in-one blends rustic comfort with fresh flavors. Trisha Kruse - Eagle, Idaho
Onion-Apple Pork Chops
You couldn’t ask for a better entree to serve on a fall evening. The apple, pork and maple flavors complement each other perfectly. Rice and steamed broccoli make nice accompaniments, too. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Creamy Shells and Chicken
“This is a great weeknight chicken dish. While it simmers I can throw together a salad or steam some broccoli, and I have a tasty dinner ready in a flash,“ writes Trisha Kruse of Eagle, Idaho. Using the pasta mix really makes this saucy meal easy to fix.
Rosemary Roasted Potatoes and Asparagus
Showcase asparagus when you dress it in fresh rosemary and red potatoes for an earthy counterpoint to the fresh, green spears. Add minced garlic and you get a gorgeous, flavorful side dish. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Chicken Swiss Bundles
These yummy sandwich buns, made with frozen dinner rolls, are a favorite at our house. They’re great hot from the oven but they also freeze well. I serve them with tomato soup, and just watch they disappear. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Makeover Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
My dad made sure this dessert was on the menu for Father's Day—or else! This makeover version is great. I can't believe so much fat was cut and it still tastes like the original. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Speedy Chicken Marsala
This is one of my favorite dishes to order in restaurants, so I created a version that I could make in a flash on a weeknight at home. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Chicken Salad Party Sandwiches
My famous chicken salad arrives at the party chilled in a plastic container. When it’s time to set out the food, I stir in the pecans and assemble the sandwiches. They’re a hit at buffet-style potlucks. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Apricot-Ginger Acorn Squash
Sweet and savory flavors come together in this dish that will make a squash lover out of anyone. It’s a treat—but has hardly any butter, and low sodium. For less sugar, we like to use all-fruit apricot preserves. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Lemon-Basil Grilled Shrimp & Couscous
The basil and lemon in this dish complement each other so nicely. Using fresh ingredients really makes a big difference. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Lemon-Parsley Baked Cod
After trying a few baked cod recipes, this was the first fish recipe that got two thumbs up from my picky meat-only eaters. The tangy lemon gives the cod fish some oomph. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Chicago-Style Beef Rolls
I have fond memories of eating these big, messy sandwiches at a neighbor's house when I was growing up. Freeze extras and save for another meal, too! —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Triple Ginger Cookies
My dad loved ginger cookies. I've tinkered with the recipe my grandma handed down by using fresh, ground and crystallized ginger for more pizzazz. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Pineapple Shrimp Stir-Fry
I came up with this recipe for a luau-themed party and served it with sliced papaya, mango and avocado. Delish! If you don't care for coconut, sprinkle with chopped macadamia nuts instead. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Orange Chocolate Ricotta Pie
A traditional Italian dessert served during the holidays and for special occasions, this pie features the classic pairing of orange and chocolate. The result is rich and tangy—a perfect finale to a Mediterranean-style dinner. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Tomato-Herb Grilled Tilapia
Trust me: This super tilapia with ginger and lemon takes dinner over the top with minimal prep. Grilling the fish in foil is about as easy as it gets. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Cherry Almond Snowdrops
As soon as I was old enough, I helped make these distinctive almond cookies. You can freeze the dough, so they’re perfect for the busy holidays. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Cranberry Orange Sandwich Cookies
My sweet-tart cookies make a terrific addition to a holiday dessert tray. I love the creamy orange filling.—Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Tangy Apple Slaw Burgers
I'm always looking for fresh new ways to make burgers. We love to grill and have several varieties of apple trees, so this recipe was a natural! Extra apple slaw makes an instant side dish. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Slow-Cooked Fruited Oatmeal with Nuts
The beauty of this breakfast is that you can set the slow cooker overnight and, with nothing more than a ladle, spoons and bowls, feed a crowd in the morning. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Spicy Pumpkin Fritters
My husband is a lifelong veggie hater, but he tried these deep-fried pumpkin bites and fell in love. Serve them with chipotle mayo or ranch dressing. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Creamy Pumpkin Tortellini
My kids love the creamy, rich sauce on these tortellinis so much but they don't even know pumpkin is inside. Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best, nutty and delicious flavor. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
German Brat Seafood Boil
The grilled bratwurst and onion add a smoky flavor to corn, potatoes and fish for a hearty meal that's always a hit with my family. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
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Sue Stetzel