Tag: Comfort Food

Kentucky Chili, or Bluegrass Chili, served in a shallow white bowl.

Kentucky Chili

This vintage recipe for Homemade Chili comes from a local Homemaker’s Association Cookbook. Kentucky Chili or Bluegrass Chili might be a better name as this type of chili seems to be unique to the region. It is a brothy chili that stretches a pound of hamburger to feed a crowd. Spaghetti, added shortly before serving, completes this family favorite.

Lucky Black Eyed Peas

It’s almost New Year’s Day and I have everything ready to put my black eyed peas on the stove. I make them every year as a New Year’s Day tradition. People out in this part of the country ask me “Why?” as if I should know, as if no one […]

A Serving of Southern Style Green Beans with bits of ham.

Southern Style Green Beans

While they take their own sweet thyme getting ready, the wonderful old-fashioned flavor of Southern Style Green Beans is worth the wait. Just put them on early and let them simmer slowly on the back of the stove. They are quite simple to put together and they go with almost everything.

Pan Roasted Corn with Tomato Salad served in a white bowl.

Pan Roasted Corn and Tomato Salad

Pan Roasted Corn and Tomato Salad is full-flavored without being fussy. Heat seared in a skillet primed with bacon and onion, then simply dressed, succulent fresh corn makes a delicious base for this filling side dish. Serve either hot or at room temperature.

Macaroni and Cheese baked in a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish nestled in a basket.

Macaroni and Cheese

This recipe for my family’s favorite Macaroni and Cheese has been pared down to keep it simple. Sprinkle the top with a bit of grated Parmesan or Gruyere and bake until golden brown and gooey. I make it in a big 9 x 13-inch casserole dish and leftovers are hard to come by.

Pancake Dinners

If you read this blog regularly you may know that pancakes make me smile. There is something so basic and elemental about them. They are a real comfort food…

A side view of a square-cut slice of Bread Pudding drizzled with Bourbon Sauce.

Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce

Cream and sugar laced with vanilla and cinnamon wrap around nuts and tangy fruit in the heart of this delicious Bread Pudding. Drizzle Bourbon Sauce over the top for a note of sweet punctuation.

A slice of Spanish Omelet (Tortilla Española) on a white plate with a whole Spanish Omelet and loaf of bread in the background.

Spanish Omelet – Catalonia Dreaming

Begin a long distance exploration of Spain with a traditional Spanish Omelet, or Tortilla Española. It all starts with eggs, potatoes, and olive oil. In time you’ll have a lovely flat omelet, much like a frittata, prepared on the stovetop and finished in the oven. Perfect for breakfast, dinner or cut into small pieces as an appetizer.

Chicken and Dumplings in a Courier and Ives Ironstone Bowl with a white covered dish shaped like a nesting chicken in the background.

Family Heirloom Cookbook – Chicken and Dumplings

As a child I loved Chicken and Dumplings. I helped Aunt Hen roll out the dough on her small kitchen table and I could hardly wait until it was time for dinner. Now my children ask for Chicken and Dumplings too. A favorite, across the miles and the generations, my grandmother’s recipe still satisfies a hungry family.

Bacon, Squash & Chestnut Risotto

I just love Jamie Oliver. I used to watch Oliver’s Twist and I would get hungry just listening to him talk about food. (It’s probably the accent!) I can remember drooling over the risotto he cooked. It sounded so good that I even tried it myself, carefully watching and following […]

A whole Herb Roasted Chicken on a bed of thyme.

An Herb Roasted Chicken in the Oven

Fresh lemon and a few sprigs of thyme add interest and texture to the delicious aroma of roasted chicken. Sheltered in my cozy kitchen that wonderful fragrance announces that a nourishing dinner will soon be waiting in the oven.