This is not exactly a recipe. It’s more like a memory. Or maybe a mindset, intent on those old-fashioned basics, pared down and well executed. And it’s not exactly news. It’s been written about by food bloggers everywhere, some who have great thoughts on the matter, some who get right […]
Much like Macaroni and Cheese, Hominy Au Gratin is a straightforward casserole that speaks of comfort and satisfies big appetites on a budget. Even if you don’t have fond childhood memories of hominy, I think you’ll enjoy this introduction to nixtamalized corn à la Julia Child.
The Christmas Song “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose….” ~ Torme and Wells My knowledge of chestnuts is forever colored by the work of two men: my grandfather and Johnny Mathis. Johnny Mathis provides the atmosphere. When I was small my mother had a […]
One of Aunt Betty’s signature dishes was Navy Bean Soup. This hearty soup is simple to make and quite practical. Inexpensive but tasty, it can be made ahead and left to simmer as guest arrive or family gathers. That gave my aunt ample opportunity to make everyone feel welcome as she exercised her gift of hospitality.
Tennessee Tradition Only a few miles south of I-40, between Memphis and Downtown Nashville, lies a Tennessee tradition. There, along TN highway 100, sits the Loveless Cafe, a destination that has served weary travelers for more than 60 years. Though it has seen a number of important transitions during that time it still offers guests a […]
Tucked in the oven, Homemade Chicken Pot Pies are fragrant and inviting. They promise a hot and nourishing meal that is easy to eat and easy to enjoy. Topped with golden pastry cutouts these individual entrees are an elegant version of comfort food.
casserole tops a creamy layer of hash brown potatoes with buttery cornflake crumbs to add a golden crunch. A reliable crowd pleaser, this simple casserole easily adapts to the varied demands of a large gathering or holiday menu.
After I was married and had left my home the boisterous family of five that had gathered around Aunt Hen’s dinner table every week night for years had dwindled to two. She and Aunt Bet were next door neighbors and still ate together but the big meals she cooked every […]
While there are hundreds of Sloppy Joe recipes out there, the addition of cloves and celery seed make this recipe for Mama Jean’s Barbecue deliciously unique. In fact that small pinch of cloves, when simmered down with the ground beef and tomatoes, is the secret ingredient that takes me back to my childhood and makes this vintage recipe one to keep.
Lamb shanks, browned then braised in wine, make a lusciously hearty meal served with white beans and roasted squash. This is comfort food worth lingering over!
Composed of layers of creamy biscuit pudding, melted chocolate (or currant jelly) and sweet meringue, Alvine’s Bread Pudding makes delicious use of broken biscuits or day old bread. This old-fashioned recipe was printed in a charming hand-crafted cookbook assembled by the church in my hometown. The meringue layer is an appealing addition to this familiar dessert.
This simple recipe for cocktail wieners in a bourbon flavored barbecue sauce is a long time family favorite. The ingredients reduce as the cocktail dogs plump in the simmering sauce. Along the way the flavors meld and mellow into a delicious appetizer or party snack.