Saint Paul, Minnesota

Writer, photographer, and cook. Detroit native. Minnesota by choice.

Essays on money, community, and ordinary American life. A Midwest cookbook in progress. Landscape photography from Lake Superior to Iceland. Occasional fiction from the dark corners.

Essays Cookbook Photography Fiction

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Published

Minnesota Star Tribune

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Featured On

Let's Not Meet Podcast

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In Progress

Midwest Cookbook — 122 Recipes

Read the Essays → Browse the Cookbook

⭐ Featured Recipe This Month

Poor Man's Burnt Ends

The brisket experience without the $80 price tag. Chuck roast becomes BBQ gold.

Get the Recipe →

Photography

A collection of landscape photography spanning from 2011 to today, capturing the rugged beauty of Minnesota's North Shore, my home state of Michigan, Iceland's dramatic terrain and everywhere in between.

This is the view from my front door here in Saint Paul on 12/29/25. Fortunate enough to be out before 7am today, shoveling out our building and the building next door. Yesterday went from relatively warm to bitter cold, so the ice and snow are really throwing a lot of light.

Icelandic Waterfall

Iceland • Dramatic landscapes • Canon 6D

Grand Portage High Falls

North Shore • Minnesota's highest waterfall • Autumn colors

Vik Church, Iceland

Iconic landmark • Red roof against dramatic sky • South coast

Hawkins Pond Reflection

Minnesota • Still water • Golden autumn light

Grand Marais Harbor

North Shore • Lake Superior • Artist's Point view

Iceland Road Through the Highlands

Remote landscapes • Endless horizons • Ring road adventures

Icelandic Falls in Mist

Dramatic cascades • Moody atmosphere • Raw power

Up North Bog

Northern Minnesota • Pristine wilderness • Still waters

Maine Bay at Dusk

East coast • Coastal light • Quiet evening

Exploring Iceland

Travel • Adventure • Seeing the world together

Icelandic Horse

Wildlife • Hardy breeds • Windswept manes

Evening Light on the Water

Soft light • Peaceful moment • Canon 6D

Frosted Birch

Late Fall in MN • White Bear Lake • On my Rebel T3

Reaching Skyward

Not trees, actually a sculpture • Franconia Sculpture Park • Canon 6D

Superior Mist

Snowy April Morning • Cascade Lodge, MN • Olympus OMD

Winter Stream

Ten Foot Swells • Lutsen, MN • Olympus OM-D

Wave Break

April Storms • Grand Marais, MN • Olympus OM-D

Winter Road

When the storm rolled in • Lutsen, MN • Olympus OM-D

Glacial Lake

Receding Glacier • Vatnajokull, IS • Olympus OM-D

Coastal Evening

Red Sands Galore • Prince Edward Island • Olympus OM-D

Forest Silhouette

Cascade Lodge in the Evening • Lutsen, MN • Olympus OM-D

Rocky Shore

Artist's Point • Grand Marais • Canon AE-1 Program

Coastal Vista

Tettegouche State Park • Silver Bay, MN • Olympus OM-D

Golden Blooms

Middle of Absolute Nowhere, September• South Dakota • Olympus OM-D

Svartifoss

Vatnajokull• Up a Hill, IS • Olympus OM-D w/ Canon FD

Blue Hour Coast

Acadia Sunrise • Bar Harbor, ME • Olympus OM-D w/ Canon FD

Fall Forest Path

Late September • Rochester MI • Nikon J

Cascade

Willow River Falls • Hudson, WI • Olympus OM-D

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Recipes & Cookbook

122 authentic Midwest recipes from church basements, family smokers, supper clubs, and home kitchens. No apologies, no shortcuts.

✨ Recently Added

🌮 Caucasia Birria

Slow-cooked perfection

📋 Browse All 107+ Recipes

View Complete Index →

Beer-Battered Cheese Curds

Wisconsin classic • Crispy, gooey, perfect • The state appetizer, served with ranch, if you're into that nastiness.

Smoked Whitefish Spread

Northern Minnesota Style • Fish fry essential • Served with crackers. I know this sounds gross. It isn't.

Sausage Cheese Balls

Potluck staple • Easy crowd-pleaser • Biscuit mix, sausage, cheese. That's it.

Chex Party Mix

Homemade savory blend • Holiday essential • Better than the store-bought stuff by miles.

Puppy Chow

Sweet snack • Chocolate peanut butter perfection • Addictive powdered sugar cereal mix.

Hot Ham and Rolls

Corn Field Food • Poppy seed goodness • Baked sliders that disappear fast.

Reuben Dip

Deli meat meets dip • Hot and gooey • All the Reuben flavors without the bread.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Potluck MVP • Edible bowl • Spinach, cream cheese, garlic. Always a winner.

Cowboy Caviar with Corn Chips

Fresh and bright • Black beans, corn, lime • Better after sitting overnight.

Fried Bologna Sliders

Cheap meat elevated • Crispy edges • No apologies needed.

Japanese Gyoza

Pan-fried pork dumplings • Crispy bottom, tender top • Soy-vinegar dipping sauce

Crispy Thai Basil Chicken Bites

Sweet chili glazed • Fried chicken perfection • Fresh basil kicks

Baba Ghanoush

Smoky roasted eggplant dip • Tahini, lemon, garlic • Serve with warm pita

Vietnamese Spring Rolls

Fresh rice paper rolls • Shrimp, herbs, vegetables • Peanut sauce for dipping

Swedish Meatballs

Scandinavian classic • Creamy gravy • Party favorite with toothpicks or over noodles

Juicy Lucy

Minnesota icon • Cheese-stuffed burger • Molten center, crispy exterior. Don't skip the warning.

Detroit Style Filets

Cast iron perfection • Salt, pepper, butter, garlic • Simple done right.

My Chili

Spaghetti, chili, cheese, onions, beans • Sweet and spiced • Weird and wonderful.

Upper Peninsula Pastys

Michigan meat pies • Beef, potatoes, rutabaga • Working-class food that lasts.

Walleye Sandwich with Tartar Sauce

Minnesota's state fish • Lightly breaded and fried • Friday fish fry staple.

Perfect Roasted Chicken

Simple technique • Crispy skin, juicy meat • Sunday dinner made easy.

Tater Tot Hot Dish

Minnesota classic • Ground beef, cream of mushroom, tots • No apologies.

Amish Chicken & Noodles over Mashed Potatoes

Carbs on carbs • Thick gravy, homemade noodles • Stick-to-your-ribs comfort.

Reuben Sandwich with Sauerkraut & Swiss

Deli perfection • Corned beef, kraut, Swiss • Grilled until golden.

Fried Chicken Sandwich with Mayo & Pickles

Crispy chicken • Simple toppings • Classic comfort food

Coney Dog Detroit Style

All-beef frank • Chili, mustard, onions • Detroit diner classic

Pesto Mayo BLT

Detroit childhood favorite • Bacon, lettuce, tomato • Pesto mayo upgrade

Spicy Sausage Pasta Shells

Italian sausage • Tomato cream sauce • Comfort in a bowl

Sue Devoid's Dead at 40 Mac N' Cheese

Ultra creamy • Multiple cheese blend • Rich and indulgent

Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

Sweet-tangy glaze • Tender and moist • Sunday dinner classic

Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy

Crispy breaded cube steak • Peppery cream gravy • Diner perfection

Shepherd's Pie

Beef and veggies • Mashed potato top • British-Midwest comfort

Midwest Goulash

One-pot beef and macaroni • Tomato-based • Quick weeknight meal

Chicken Lemonnata

Bright lemon • White wine • Fresh thyme • Italian elegance

Beef Bourguignon

Classic French stew • Red wine braised • Worth the wait

Classic Vindaloo

Spicy pork curry • Indian spices • Penzeys seasoning

Holy Shit! I'm Broke Casserole

Budget comfort food • Chicken, bacon, noodles • Actually delicious

Caucasia Birria in Da Crock Pot Der

Slow-cooked birria • Rich consommé • Taco perfection

Pasta alla Goodness

Bacon, vodka, cream • Italian-American classic • Pure indulgence

Shredded Beef Ragu

Slow-braised chuck roast • Pappardelle • Favorite recipe in years

Authentic Carbonara

From SIP+FEAST • No cream, ever • The real Roman way

Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

Elegant and easy • Juicy pork wrapped in crispy bacon • Perfect for dinner parties

Lingonberry-Glazed Smoked Pork Chops

North Shore–inspired • Smoker • Sweet, tart, and smoky. Scandinavian meets American BBQ.

Pork Carnitas (Smoked Then Crisped)

Mexi-Midwest fusion • Low and slow then crispy • Tender, flavorful, perfect for tacos.

Smoked Prime Rib with Au Jus

Holiday centerpiece • Impressive and delicious • Smoky crust, tender interior.

Texas Style Brisket

The gold standard • 12-14 hours • Texas technique meets Midwest smoke.

Braxtaff Method Ribs

Low and slow • Simple rub • The kind that makes you stop talking mid-bite.

Smoked Turkey Legs

Big and primal • Brine first • Renaissance Faire energy.

The Only Pulled Pork Recipe

Low and slow • Smoky perfection • BBQ sauce on the side

Smoked Bratwurst Platter Wisconsin Style

Beer-poached brats • Sauerkraut, onions • Wisconsin tailgate food

Grilled Salmon with Pesto Guacamole

Perfectly grilled fish • Creamy pesto-avocado sauce • Bright and herbal

Poor Man's Burnt Ends

Chuck roast burnt ends • BBQ glazed • Half the time of brisket

Smoked Chicken Wings

Crispy skin • Low and slow then hot • Game day essential

Smoked Kielbasa with Onions

Polish sausage perfection • Caramelized onions • Simple and satisfying

Crockpot Little Smokies

Party favorite • Sweet and tangy sauce • Set it and forget it

Lemony Chicken with Arugula and Parmesan

Bright and savory • Crispy chicken with fresh greens • Clean dinner without punishment.

Roasted Salmon with Dijon and Herbs

Simple roasted salmon • Dijon and herbs • Clean flavor, perfect timing.

Simple Grain Bowl with Roasted Vegetables

Flexible grain bowl • Roasted vegetables • Adapt endlessly without losing center.

Caramelized Onion and Garlic Pasta

Lesson in patience • Deeply savory • Flavor is a decision, not an ingredient.

Lentil Sloppy Joes

All the comfort, built on lentils • Savory and sticky • Nobody misses the meat.

Chickpea Curry (Weeknight Version)

Fast forgiving curry • Warm spices, coconut milk • Curry for people with jobs.

Vegetarian Chili with Beans and Cocoa

Deeply flavored chili • Beans and cocoa • Cocoa makes it serious, not sweet.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Black Beans and Lime

Strong contrast • Sweet potatoes, black beans, lime • Surprises people quietly.

Sheet Pan Sausage, Potatoes, and Onions

Weeknight honesty • One pan, no drama • The oven is smarter than you.

Perfect Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Pan Sauce

Juicy pork chops • Simple pan sauce • Resting meat is respect, not optional.

Basic Red Sauce You Can Build Anything On

Foundational tomato sauce • Backbone of countless meals • Learn this, feed yourself forever.

Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Minnesota's unofficial state soup • Thick and hearty • Perfect for cold evenings.

Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon & Cheddar

Winter comfort • Bacon and sharp cheddar • Serve with crusty bread.

Cheesy Beer Soup

Wisconsin pub classic • Cheddar, beer, cream • Best in a bread bowl.

Booyah

Belgian-American festival stew • Chicken, beef, hours of simmering • Community food.

Midwest Minestrone with White Beans & Cabbage

Hearty vegetable soup • Italian-meets-Midwest • Filling and satisfying

Vegetarian Italian Wedding Soup

Escarole, white beans, tiny pasta • Parmesan broth • Light but satisfying

French Onion Soup

Alton Brown • Caramelized onions • Melted Gruyère

Ginger Crab Corn Chowder

Fresh ginger • Sweet corn • Delicate crab • Warming and elegant

White Bean Chili

Ground turkey • Northern white beans • Budget-friendly comfort

Get Me To Payday Soup

Whatever meat's cheaper • Rice • Feeds you for days

Kraut & Sausage Soup

German-inspired comfort • Smoky sausage, tangy kraut • Hearty and warming

Scandinavian Yellow Split Pea Soup

Nordic tradition • Yellow peas, ham, warming spices • Simple and satisfying

Johnny Marzetti Casserole

Ohio school cafeteria classic • Ground beef, macaroni, cheese • Church potluck legend

Iron Range Porketta

Minnesota Italian mining country • Fennel and garlic pork shoulder • Slow-roasted perfection

Indiana Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

Hoosier State icon • Paper-thin, cracker-breaded • Meat overhangs the bun

Loose Meat Sandwich (Maid-Rite)

Iowa diner classic • Steamed in root beer • No sauce, just flavor

Classic Stuffed Peppers

Retro American comfort • Ground beef, rice, tomato sauce • Weeknight family favorite

Brothy Noodles with Spinach and Egg

Light comforting noodles • Simple broth • Food for nights when thoughts won't shut up.

Homemade Chicken Stock (The Lazy Way)

No roasting, no fuss • Quietly simmered • Makes everything taste like you care.

Funeral Potatoes for a Crowd

Potluck classic • Crispy edges • Feeds the whole crowd. Comfort food at its finest.

Chicken and Wild Rice Hotdish

Minnesota staple • Earthy, hearty • Perfect for October evenings when the first frost hits.

German Potato Salad (Warm, with Bacon)

No mayo • Bacon and vinegar • Tangy, savory, better than the cold stuff.

Apple Cider Vinegar Slaw with Jalapeño

Tangy and bright • Fresh jalapeño kick • Lighter than traditional slaw

Green Bean Casserole with Fried Shallots

Thanksgiving essential • Crispy onions • Cream of mushroom comfort

Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Caramelized edges • Smoky bacon • Balsamic glaze finish

Roasted Curry Carrots

Warm spices • Tender and sweet • Easy weeknight side

Loaded Baked Potato Hot Dish

Bacon, cheddar, sour cream • Casserole form • Potluck MVP

Creamy Garlic Orzo

Rich and garlicky • Better than restaurant • Serve immediately

Chimmichurri

Fresh Argentine sauce • Parsley and mint • Perfect for grilled meats

Corn Casserole

Church potluck essential • Sweet and custardy • Impossible to mess up

Giant Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

Pickle lovers rejoice • Tangy and creamy • Perfect for summer BBQs

Maple Baked Beans

Sweet maple syrup • Bacon and molasses • Classic cookout side

Cucumber Tomato and Feta Salad

Cold, crisp, refreshing • Good olive oil • Cut it big, eat it cold, don't overthink.

Crispy Oven Potatoes (The Method)

Boil, rough, roast • Texture is the goal • Crispness is the reward.

Door County Cherry Pie with Lattice Crust

Summer classic • Door County or Traverse City cherries • Tart, sweet, with a buttery crust that shatters.

Rhubarb Custard Bars

Tart meets sweet • Spring baking • Buttery shortbread crust.

Peach Cobbler with Sugar Crust

Summer fruit perfection • Buttery biscuit topping • Serve warm with ice cream

Aunt Foo's Chocolate Chip Cookies

Family recipe • Crispy edges, chewy center • Medium rare

Twinkie Tiramisu

No-bake dessert • Coffee-soaked Twinkies • Mascarpone cream layers

Seven Layer Bars

Magic bars • Graham, chocolate, coconut • Church potluck classic

Chocolate Sheet Cake with Frosting

Classic Texas sheet cake • Rich chocolate • Perfect for feeding a crowd

Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding

Warm vanilla sauce • Custardy and comforting • Use up stale bread

Wild Summer Berry Galette

Rustic free-form tart • Mixed berries • Easier than pie

The Definitive Old Fashioned – Sweet

Wisconsin's state cocktail • Brandy, not whiskey • Topped with lemon-lime soda.

Northwoods Bloody Mary

A meal disguised as a drink • Loaded garnish bar • Sunday morning recovery.

Lake Michigan Blueberry Shrub Soda

Blueberry vinegar syrup • Tart, sweet, refreshing • Old-fashioned flavor.

Hot Apple Cider

Spiced and warming • Cinnamon, cloves, orange • Perfect for fall evenings

Skip and Go Naked

Summer party punch • Beer, lemonade, vodka • Dangerously refreshing

Short Fiction

Dark and quiet stories from the Midwest. Grey Cloud Island was published and featured on Let's Not Meet, one of the top horror podcasts on Spotify. The Sea of Trees was written in 2012 — three years before the Gus Van Sant film of the same name.

Grey Cloud Island Published

Featured on Let's Not Meet podcast • A haunted island cemetery in the Mississippi River

The Sea of Trees

Written in 2012, three years before the film • Aokigahara Forest • Grief, ghosts, and the dead who cannot leave

Infectious

Workplace horror • Wisconsin wilderness • When everything falls apart

A Lifetime of Buddy

Ice fishing on Lake Winnipesaukee • A 77-year-old man, his seventh dog, and the quiet passage of time

Essays & Road Notes

Published work, personal essays, and short reflections on work, place, and ordinary American life.

I Can't Wait for AI to Be Boring Star Tribune

On the future of artificial intelligence, environmental responsibility, and why the best technology disappears into the background.

The System Isn't Broken — It's Working Op-Ed

On frictionless money, hidden fees, and a financial system designed to profit from the people it claims to serve.

What's Been the Best Part of Your Day?

A question for my neighbors in uncertain times. On connection, community, and small gestures that matter.

BI Analysts and AI in 2025

On symbiosis, skepticism, and keeping the human in the loop when the machine does some heavy lifting.

What the Smoker Taught Me

Patience, tending fires, and learning to sit with the slow parts of life after loss.

The North Shore in Every Season

Reflections on Lake Superior, empty trails, and why the best time to visit is when nobody else is there.

Notes on Sobriety and Hobby Replacement

On presence, better rituals, and the strange comfort of tinkering with things that don't talk back.

About

Who I am and what this site is about

I'm Joshua Mills. I live in Saint Paul, Minnesota with my wife Anna and our cat Squishy. I'm a writer, photographer, and cook — and in my day job, a business intelligence analyst. My writing on technology, finance, and American life has been published in the Minnesota Star Tribune, and my short fiction has appeared on Let's Not Meet, one of the top horror podcasts on Spotify.

I grew up in Harper Woods, Michigan — a two-square-mile town just outside Detroit — with my mom and my brother. It was small, ordinary, weird, close, and everything to me. That sense of place, of knowing exactly where you belong, still shapes everything I make.

The cookbook is real and ongoing — 122 recipes drawn from Midwest church basements, supper clubs, smokers, and family kitchens. The photography spans fifteen years and three cameras, from Lake Superior to Iceland. The essays are about money, community, grief, and ordinary life. The fiction tends toward the dark.

This site is a slow-building collection of all of it. Not a portfolio, not a brand. A place to leave things made with care and let them speak for themselves.

Writer, photographer, and cook. Detroit native. Minnesota by choice.

Poor Man's Burnt Ends

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Recipes & Cookbook

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Short Fiction

Essays & Road Notes

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