Grandma’s Pasta Salad

Ruth McCusker

Ruth "Rootitoot" McCusker was a beloved figure in the cooking community, known for adapting her cherished family recipes for the Instant Pot® and sharing them through her popular Rootitoot Cookbook series. Her passion for cooking and helping others shone through her active engagement in social media, where she built a close-knit community she affectionately called her “Secret Garden.” Ruth’s humility, generosity, and commitment to helping others succeed in the kitchen earned her a devoted following. Despite her private nature, Ruth touched thousands of lives with her exceptional recipes and warm spirit. She never sought attention but was driven by a desire to bring joy to families through great meals. Her untimely passing in February 2020 was a profound loss to her community, her two children, Brian and Linda, and her grandchildren, Wyatt, Helena, and Rosalee. Ruth's legacy lives on through her son, Brian Wilkowski, who worked closely with her on the Rootitoot cookbooks and is dedicated to continuing her vision. Together with her loyal team of admins, Brian ensures Ruth’s culinary magic and community spirit will endure through her website, Facebook group, and future cookbooks.