Seasonal Humility Life has its ways of keeping us humble. Just as the sun begins to shine and the horizon looks level, just when we begin to think we’ve got it made, the road takes an unexpected turn and: That groundhog sees his shadow. Hopes of an early spring in […]
What secret ingredient do you use in the kitchen to share your best intentions? When added, does it make your go-to dishes taste even better? After eating a wonderful meal of Hearty Chicken Stew, prepared for us by a thoughtful neighbor, we thanked her for the meal. She responded with enthusiasm and then shared the recipe, including her secret ingredient.
A good tomato sauce is at the heart of many wonderful meals. Seasoned with garlic, onion and herbs, a rich tomato sauce is a classic. My family just called it Spaghetti Sauce while using it to pull together a variety of recipes. It is delicious on its own over a […]
After a season of feasting on rich foods and nibbling on elaborate cookies I’m ready to get back to basics. In my kitchen that often begins with the tradition of cooking black-eyed peas and greens to inspire luck in the coming year. The origins of this southern tradition are debatable […]
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.
Mid-Century Favorites… I have been reading about William Faulkner since we visited Rowan Oak, his home in Oxford, Mississippi, last month. In the process, I have found several references to Salmon Croquettes. They are said to have been his favorite meal. The recipe was from the back of the can. […]
Oven roasting is one of my favorite ways to cook vegetables, especially cauliflower. Oven roasting seems to release flavor elements that remain hidden when vegetables are cooked on the stove top or in the microwave. Cauliflower browns and is infused with a nutty sweetness and depth making it, perhaps, my favorite roasted vegetable. Onions and shallots […]
These simple corn pancakes make a great base for Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork topped with homemade Sweet Cherry Salsa. Cornbread Griddle Cakes are also delicious on their own as a supper side dish or as a breakfast entree topped with butter and maple syrup.
Suddenly, it’s summer. Do I sound surprised? Truly it has been years since I have felt summer bearing down on my bare shoulders before it actually arrived on the calendar. But here I am, sleeveless, drinking iced tea, watching my ice cream melt as fast as I can eat it and planning backyard barbecues […]
Dijon Blue Chicken Salad uses a bright assortment of fresh ingredients and dresses them with the bold flavor of a country Dijon mustard marinade. Served with a fresh green salad and crusty roll, or alongside a bed of brown rice, Dijon Blue Chicken Salad makes a satisfying main course for a warm weather menu.
I wish I could say I knew enough about photography that you could see my success. Gladly I am a little better at choosing recipes than camera settings for low light situations…
I think of Country Ham as particularly unique and a bit mysterious. Cooking this regional specialty from hook to table takes some time and attention but there is nothing quite like the delicious flavor of a country ham. In the end, the outcome is well worth the extra effort.