From Madelaine's kitchen
Stories from the
tiny kitchen
These are the stories that became MTK—small lessons from the kitchen about hospitality, friendship, and the meals we'll remember long after the plates are cleared.
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The ones that started it all
When I invited a friend over because I had a beautiful tomato
In San Francisco, a great heirloom tomato had a two-week window. When I found one, I did the only sensible thing and called my new friend V.
"Want to come over for dinner after work? I have a BEAUTIFUL tomato!"
She came over with a bottle of wine tucked in her purse. We had a great night, the three of us: V, Tomato, and MTK. That story is 10+ years old and she still tells it.
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The beginning — 13 years in the making
Madelaine's Tiny Kitchen wasn't built overnight. It was a slow accumulation of failed recipes, generous guests, and 100 cookbooks read like fiction thrillers.
"I have been known to invite near strangers over for dinner, a bad habit I picked up from a dear friend in San Francisco. Not a bad habit at all in hindsight."
The food matters, yes — but guests are always the real star. You can laugh about a kale fail. You can slice the bread extra thin while being extra generous with the butter.
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From the MTK archive
Kitchen tips
Why great food doesn't have to be complicated food
Ego doesn't prep, cook, or clean. When the pressure mounts, anchor yourself to the household classics.
Kitchen gear
MTK talks kitchen gadgets
The mushroom brush stays in the store. Everything else earns its counter space by being used — monthly, at minimum.
Dinner party
Survival guide: the awkward dinner party
Not all groups are going to vibe. Some will start and end stuffy — those make the best anecdotes. Settle in. Offer coffee with dessert.
Creativity
How do I spark creativity in the kitchen?
Whittle the pantry down, then grocery shop somewhere new. Recipe development is akin to making new friends.
Pantry
Why I curate my pantry
2024 was the year MTK picked a house pasta. We are a bucatini kitchen, forever and always. The rarer, more athletic cousin to spaghetti.
Dinner party
Tales from someone else's dinner party
9 adults, 6 kids, 3 dogs, a snake, a hedgehog, and a wallaby. It was a symphony of activity from the moment we walked in — and the tacos were phenomenal.