Discover 3 Festive Recipes from Dan Pelosi’s New Cookbook

Renowned cookbook author and social media influencer Dan Pelosi, popularly known as GrossyPelosi, has released his latest cookbook, Let’s Party, filled with festive recipes designed to bring people together during the holiday season. The book features a variety of celebratory menus, including three standout recipes: “Don’t Tell Your Nonna About This Lasagna,” crispy artichokes with marinated butter beans, and a warm farro salad with dried fruit.

About Dan Pelosi and His Culinary Journey

Growing up in an Italian American household in Connecticut, Pelosi was immersed in the food culture from a young age. His mother, Jackie, often recounts how he transitioned from a baby sitting on the kitchen countertop to taking charge of family meals. “It was just my favourite place to be always… there was always enough room to invite one or two or 20 more people, last minute,” Pelosi recalls, emphasizing the importance of gathering loved ones around the table.

Now residing between Brooklyn and Upstate New York, Pelosi continues this tradition, creating environments that feel less like formal events and more like casual gatherings. “I don’t feel like I’m throwing a party, but people say to me, ‘That was a great party,’” he shares. His approach is simple: intentionally inviting people to share a meal.

Celebrating Connections Through Food

In Let’s Party, which is set to be published in 2025, Pelosi presents 16 unique dinner party themes supported by over 100 recipes. He aims to make hosting accessible and enjoyable, stating, “It should feel natural… how they can hopefully get to the same place where it just feels like every other day.” This new cookbook is part of a broader trend of entertaining cookbooks released in 2023, each focusing on the concept of bringing people together.

Pelosi attributes this resurgence in interest to the social challenges faced in the wake of the pandemic. He believes that rebuilding community starts with intimate gatherings, explaining, “One of the times I can really feel a tangible impact is when I’ve connected people at an event.” This philosophy drives the recipes and menus featured in his latest work.

In his first cookbook, Let’s Eat, released earlier in 2023, Pelosi focused on comfort food and pantry essentials. As he transitioned to food full-time, he recognized the need for recipes that not only satisfied taste but also fostered connection. “As much as I love to just talk about myself… I like to think that this book and everything I do is a response to a prompt,” he adds.

Featured Recipes from Let’s Party

Pelosi’s recipes emphasize seasonal ingredients and are designed to be approachable for home cooks. Below are highlights from his new cookbook:

“This is a really nice way to incorporate some of those vegetables that happen around Christmas,” Dan Pelosi says of his lasagna.

**“Don’t Tell Your Nonna About This Lasagna”** serves 8 to 10 and features a rich béchamel sauce, whole-milk ricotta, and seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts, leeks, and Swiss chard. This comforting dish combines traditional Italian flavors with a modern twist, making it a perfect centerpiece for holiday gatherings.

**Crispy Artichokes and Marinated Butter Beans** serves 6 to 8 and offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The artichokes are pan-fried until crispy and paired with marinated butter beans, fresh herbs, and a dollop of Greek yogurt, creating a dish that can stand alone or complement a larger meal.

**Warm Farro Salad with Dried Fruit** serves 6 to 8 and combines farro with a medley of dried fruits and roasted nuts. This salad is not only visually appealing but also hearty, making it an excellent choice for a festive table.

These recipes reflect Pelosi’s philosophy of making cooking enjoyable and inclusive. He encourages home cooks to embrace the process of preparing food as a means of inviting others into their lives. “Hopefully, people can connect with that part of us, and hopefully that’ll lead them to want to become part of our food and life,” he explains.

With the release of Let’s Party, Dan Pelosi continues to inspire a new generation of home cooks to gather, celebrate, and enjoy the simple pleasures of food and community.