Stivey enjoys bonding while cooking

Shanagia Stivey said her favorite part of preparing food is bonding with her family, especially when she cooks together with her husband.

“We’ve had a lot of family get-togethers and I always cook for those,” Stivey said. “I really enjoy spending time with family and friends.” 

Stivey was born and raised in Philadelphia and currently lives in Union. She enjoys spending time cooking with her husband Edward and works as a nurse for Family Medical Group.   

Stivey said she got into cooking by watching all of her family members cook and recalled everyone pitching in with dishes for family reunions. 

“I remember when everyone would make things,” Stivey said. “I started cooking when I was around 8 or 9 years old when I would watch my dad grill and my mom cook. I also had an aunt I was close to and I watched her cook a lot. I started off by making breakfast like eggs, bacon and pancakes.” 

Nowadays, Stivey enjoys grilling a lot of food such as lamb chops, pork chops, ribs, barbecued hot dogs, chicken, and shrimp. 

“As I got older I started experimenting more in the kitchen and making recipes the way I like them,” she said. “These days I also like making desserts like brownies, cookies, and cheesecake pies. My husband bakes as well and he kind of teaches me as I go.” 

She said her favorite part of cooking is spending time with her family and friends. 

“I see it as a way of bonding,” she said. “I enjoy that part the most.” 

NO BAKE LEMON CHEESECAKE

8 ounces cream cheese 

1 pack graham crackers (for crust)

1 stick melted butter 

14 ounces sweetened condensed milk 

2 tbsp. vanilla extract 

2 lemons 

Combine all ingredients and pour into the crust. Chill in the freezer for 45 minutes. 

SEARED LAMB CHOPS 

One rack of lamb chops 

Half stick of butter 

2 tbsps. olive oil 

2 garlic cloves, minced 

1/4 cup white wine 

Rosemary 

Salt and pepper 

Marinate lamb chops. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Sear lap chops on each side for 2-3 minutes and finish in the oven for 5-6 minutes. Let rest before serving. 

MACARONI AND CHEESE 

Rotini macaroni 

1/4 cup Monterey Jack cheese 

1/4 cup Colby Jack cheese 

1/4 cup cheddar Jack cheese

1/4 cup mozzarella 

4 ounces cream cheese 

1 egg 

2 ounces sour cream 

1/2 cup milk 

Salt and pepper 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Boil macaroni. Combine all ingredients with pasta and bake for 10 minutes.