Mr. John is the Chef for both the Howell and Herman center. He brings an unending amount of joy to everyone by bringing us all together with the delicious, nutritious, and innovative food he makes. This list is a few favorite that the kids (and staff) talk about regularly”

Sloppy Mr. Johns

This plant-based take on sloppy joes uses lentils simmered in a rich, slightly sweet tomato sauce with molasses and spices. The lentils give it heartiness, and the sauce brings deep, comforting flavor without relying on processed meat.

Unstuffed cabbage rolls

This cozy, one-pot version of a classic cabbage roll feels like a hug on a plate. Instead of rolling tiny parcels, you simmer ground meat (or a plant-based substitute) with chopped cabbage, tomatoes, onion, and garlic—so all the flavor of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls, without the fuss.

Pea Pesto Pasta

This vibrant pasta is a gentle twist on traditional pesto: instead of pine nuts alone, it uses green peas to make a creamy, protein-rich base. Tossed with pasta, bright basil-parsley pesto, garlicky sun-dried tomatoes, and peppery arugula, it’s a 30-minute meal that’s both comforting and lively.

Zucchini and Corn Fritters

These fritters are delightful little handheld bites — crisp on the outside, tender in the middle. Grated zucchini is squeezed to remove moisture, then mixed with corn, cheese, flour, and a few simple seasonings to make a flavorful batter.