Enticing recipes from Ruth McKeaney’s book, Hungry for Home: A Year Together at Hillside Farm are the perfect choice for your spring entertaining. Don’t miss our Q&A with Ruth about the inspiration behind her book.
WRITTEN BY Tamberlyn Dobrowski
COME TO THE TABLE PHOTOGRAPHY BY Christina Hussey
Blair and I recently had the pleasure of participating in a “Come to the Table” event benefiting Beds for Kids. The event featured guest speaker, author Ruth McKeaney—what a delight it was to meet Ruth and her team. I appreciate her taking the time to answer some questions and chat about her book, Hungry for Home: A Year Together at Hillside Farm, which encourages people to see their homes as places for creativity and connection. Look for our conversation on page 58.
Also, as a part of the event, we partnered with Elizabeth Bruns, Inc. and Laura Hughes of City Stems to create the gorgeous tablescape featured here. Paired with the fabulous recipes we’re sharing from Ruth’s book, you are sure to find the perfect inspiration for your spring entertaining.
SPECIAL THANKS
Flowers: Laura Hughes, City Stems
Place settings and glasses: Elizabeth Bruns, Inc.
Mottahedeh Plum Lace Service Plate, Ginori 1735 Oriente Italiano Aurum Dinner Plate, and Royal Crown Derby Imari Accent Plate–Blue Camellias
William Yeoward Crystal Fanny Goblet (clear) and Country Fanny Old Fashioned Tumbler (amethyst)
Arugula, Bacon, Avocado & Pistachio Salad
Celebration Chicken Salad
Simple Perfection Shortbread Bars
A Conversation with Ruth McKeaney: The Heart Behind Hungry for Home
In Hungry for Home: A Year Together at Hillside Farm, Ruth McKeaney invites readers into a deeply personal journey of family, faith and home, sharing the heartfelt inspiration behind her book. From cherished family recipes to the unwavering support of her husband, she offers an intimate look at the joys and challenges of building a home that extends far beyond its walls. Ruth’s story is sure to inspire and encourage you to embrace the beauty of home in your own unique way.
What inspired you to write Hungry for Home, and how do the themes of family, food and home intertwine throughout the book?
Hungry for Home was inspired by a longing for deeper connection and a renewed sense of purpose during a pivotal time in my life. After years of raising our five children and navigating countless home renovations, I found myself at a crossroads when our oldest went to college. During a conversation with my uncle, everything shifted. He asked, “What are you utterly dependent on the Lord for right now?” His question struck me, revealing that my identity had been so intertwined with motherhood that I was struggling to see what came next.
That moment sparked a journey of discovering a new purpose—one that embraced both my love for homemaking and my faith. Restoring our 307-year-old Hillside Farm became a tangible way to build a legacy rooted in traditions, meals and a home that welcomes others with open arms. The themes of family, food and home renovations in Hungry for Home are woven together to reflect our journey of creating a space where love, grace and meaningful connections can thrive.
What did you learn while managing your renovations and balancing your family life?
Balancing the demands of home renovations, raising five kids and nurturing my relationship with my husband Bob was no small feat. One of the most important lessons I learned was the value of creating intentional family time amidst the chaos. There were seasons when every weekend was filled with projects. It would have been easy to let those projects take over our lives, but Bob and I made a conscious effort to carve out time for our marriage and family.
We started simple practices, like homemade date nights or reading by the fire with the kids, and those rhythms became the anchors in our home. Creating a home is not just about physical spaces but about making room for each other—carving out time for conversation, connection and the everyday joy of being together.
In what ways have your gardening and cooking practices evolved as you’ve navigated the challenges of raising a large family? Do you have any favorite recipes from the book?
I never set out to be a gardener or a cook; in fact, I initially strayed away from both. But over time, I realized that food and the rhythms of the garden weren’t just about the tasks themselves; they were about creating a family culture, about making home a place where people wanted to gather. My approach evolved—learning as I went and absorbing wisdom from the special people who passed through our home. These recipes are more than just instructions. They are memories, lessons and traditions, handed down by those who shaped me.
One of the most meaningful recipes in Hungry for Home is Aunt Kim’s Vodka Marinara. My mother passed away soon after I got married, and in her absence, a woman from my Bible study, lovingly dubbed “Aunt Kim,” took me under her wing and taught me to cook—something my mother and I had never mastered together.
Recipes like this embody the essence of home, not just in the meals themselves, but in the traditions and people behind them. Whether it’s a slow-simmered marinara passed down with love or a pot of Chicken and Wild Rice Soup that warms the whole house, these dishes hold memories of togetherness, comfort and the simple joy of gathering around the table.
How did your husband support you during the writing process and renovations? Can you share any specific moments that highlight your teamwork?
During the writing process, I felt completely out of my league. Bob was my constant source of reassurance, always encouraging me to keep going. Whether it was shipping out books or simply reminding me that my words mattered, he made sure I never felt alone in the process.
When it came to our home renovations, Bob’s dedication was unwavering. No matter how overwhelming things got—whether the walls were falling apart or plumbing was leaking through the ceiling—he just kept going. After a full day of work, he would come home, spend time with the kids, then work on the house until 1 a.m., only to wake up at 5 a.m. and do it all over again.
We made it work as a team. He handled the physical labor, while I took care of the kids and focused on the creative vision. He approached my writing the same way he approached our renovations, with quiet confidence, problem-solving and an unwavering belief that we’d figure it out together. Through every challenge, he’s been our family’s rock.
What do you hope readers take away from Hungry for Home?
I hope Hungry for Home reminds readers that home isn’t about perfection, it’s about creating a place where people feel welcomed, known and loved. Whether through family traditions, simple meals or making time for meaningful conversations, the heart of home is built in the small, everyday moments. I hope this book inspires people to slow down, to be intentional about family time and to see home as a place of connection and belonging.
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