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Summer spells all things delicious. The vegetables are coming in from the garden, and the fruit is ripe for the picking. I enjoy the flavors this time of year, and there is no limit to what one can create given the bounty of the season. This cake is a tropical, tender-crumbed loaf, with amazing flavor. If you like cakes less sweet, cut the sugar to 3/4 cup. You can also add a few small pieces of chopped, dried pineapple to increase the tropical flavor. This will be my last recipe submission,...
I'm currently reading Vertamae Smart-Grosvenor's book, "Vibration Cooking: Or, The Travel Notes of a Geechee Girl". This book takes the reader on a trip to the low country region of South Carolina/Georgia, where the Gullah People, for whom Vertamae descends, speak "Geechee", a heavily accented dialect of English with Gullah influences. A few notes: I prefer making this recipe with Vidalia onions to give it a wonderfully sweet flavor. You can add herbs, your favorite cheese, or a handful of...
It's Spring, the season that welcomes back salads each year. I usually don't post recipes with kale as an ingredient, as folks stop reading when they see the word "kale". But getting this super-food down is so much easier with this recipe. This salad is sweet, salty, tangy, and crunchy; you won't even notice the kale. Because kale and cabbage don't get soggy, this is a great make-ahead meal. Once tossed, place your salad in a mason jar with a tight lid, and take to work for a great lunch. Pair t...
You know those recipes you read, and think: "This can't be good - it's too easy." This is one of those deceiving recipes, but it is absolutely terrific. If you have ten minutes to prep, your slow cooker will do the rest of the work in four hours. This soup is hearty, and pairs well with a plate of your best cornbread. Several years ago, I picked up a tip regarding minced onions. Of course, nothing beats the flavor of a fresh onion, but when you need to speed things up, my friend told me to...
As a child, friends and I loved Velveeta Dip. Back then, it was a can of Rotel, and one block of Velveeta cheese melted in a pan on the stove, and we were set for Saturday night movie snacks. Because we could make dip and chocolate oatmeal cookies, we considered ourselves to be excellent cooks. (laughs) This dip version is the grown-up version of my humble cheese dip from childhood, and it makes a terrific Super Bowl dip as well. You can also substitute Nacho Cheese Dip instead of Velveeta, or...
In light of next week's most delicious holiday, I'd like to share my family's most-loved Thanksgiving recipe. Mrs. Ruth Phillips Bumpas was an amazing cook at my childhood church. I grew up eating the best Southern food prepared by the ladies in that church, and Mrs. Ruth always made the dressing for every get-together, church function and social event. This recipe has traveled far and wide by family members who have adopted it as their own Thanksgiving dressing recipe. Happy Thanksgiving,...
This is one of those recipes with real provenance, and real reviews to back it up. Teddie's Apple Cake appeared in the New York Times in 1973 in an article by Jean Hewitt. The recipe was republished again years later in The Times, and an outpouring of love and devotion, via hundreds of letters, were sent to the food editor. Cooks from all over the country exclaimed their devotion to Teddie's Apple Cake, and just how much its become a huge part of their family get-togethers. (Sadly, no one knows...
Main Ingredients four salmon filets 16 deveined, peeled raw shrimp Ingredients for sauce 1 cup heavy cream 12-14 ounces white wine 1 tablespoon of whole peppercorns two minced garlic cloves a dash cayenne pepper (more if you like it spicy) 1/2 cup finely chopped shallots 2 large bay leaves or 4 small bay leaves, crushed Old Bay Seasoning to taste Cajun Seasoning to taste lump crab meat, 1/2 cup 1/4 cup parmesan cheese Ingredients for Stuffing 3 whole eggs, whisked 1/2 cup spicy sausage, cooked...
Thinking about big, juicy candied apples for Halloween? Delicious, and so festive, these treats make an impressive Fall presentation. That's a lot of apple-dipping for a crowd, when it's much easier, and yields more treats, to dip slices instead of whole apples. This recipe is fun for the little ones to assemble, much easier for them to eat, and once they're cooled, make a beautiful presentation in the form of lollipops. The ideas are endless as to how to display these treats, but nothing...
There's nothing quite like the smell of homemade bread baking in the oven. Whether it's a soft loaf of sour dough bread, my grandmother's Friendship Bread, or a simple loaf of sweet bread like this amazing chocolate banana bread, Autumn is the perfect time of year to bake your loved ones something special. This chocolate banana bread comes together in about 15 minutes, and boy, is it good. Dense, rich, and topped with a velvety chocolate glaze, this one definitely belongs in your recipe box....
When I need to feed a small crew on week nights, I reach for this tamale casserole dish. Super-quick, super-tasty, and a great way to get a meal on the table for a small crowd. I used GF cornmeal mix in my dish, but you can certainly use regular corn meal for optimal flavor. You'll also want to add a little heat if you like your tamales spicy. Enjoy! Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1 can (15 ounces) black...
It's finally here. Fall is upon us, and I'm ready to make soup! This is one of my favorites, and I have adapted it to my tastes. I included the changes I make below if you would like more tips. One change I want to mention is the substitution of sweet potatoes for white potatoes. I generally add chopped Yukon Gold white potatoes, but if I don't have any on hand, I can truly say that sweet potatoes are just as delicious in this recipe, and make a great healthy alternative. A full meal in a pot, t...
My favorite season of the year is just around the corner, and I look forward to all the wonderful things Fall represents: pumpkins, apple cider, candied apples, cozy sweaters, brilliant foliage, crisp air, hayrides, and of course, delicious food. I love this cake for its simplicity, and the fact that most ingredients are already in the pantry. The cast iron skillet gives this cake a rich, crisp texture, and rustic display. This cake is delicious topped with figs, berries, and chopped...
Food is a memory maker, and there's nothing more adventurous than trying new food from a different culture. This recipe brings back fond memories of a trip I took with my grad school professor and classmates. We spent three weeks in-and-around Mexico City, soaking up the rich and beautiful history of the Aztec nation. The class was The Conquest of Mexico, an in-depth study of Cortes' victory over the Aztecs. Our trip was so exciting; adventurous tours of the Aztec pyramids, the pre-Colombian...
Nothing says a perfect marriage like peanut butter and chocolate. As I get older, I'm constantly working on ways to make my childhood favorites healthier so I can continue to enjoy them guilt-free. With only seven ingredients, this alternative is an easy, quick way to have delicious Nutter Butter cookies made with no processed sugars. This recipe comes from Half-Baked Harvest. If you haven't discovered their website, you will find many of your old favorites altered to a healthier version with...
Here's one for the busy moms now that school is back in session. Kids love cheeseburgers and pasta, so they will love this dish. This recipe can be made simply like the kids enjoy their food, or a spicer variation like the adults like it. (Both variations below.) Either way, it's a crowd pleaser for everyone. Enjoy! Ingredients 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta 1 pound ground beef 6 bacon strips, diced 1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed tomato soup, undiluted 1/2 cup water 1 cup shredded cheddar...
I spend a lot of time with my friend, Deb, in the kitchen. This usually generates conversations about recipes, brands of food, and cost-of-items at the store, versus cost-to-make at home. Deb makes a delicious cold-brewed mocha latte that's hard to beat! At less than fifty cents per serving, its a great alternative if you can't get to your local barista. Deb also used the Great Value brand coffee, and I was skeptical until I tasted it. The drink was so rich and delicious, it was hard to tell...
I've loved the combination of chocolate and peanut butter my whole life. Some things just go better together; I'd say these two companions are at the top of that list! These bars are easy, decadent, and will put smiles on faces quickly. Made with ingredients in most Moms' kitchens, your friends and family will thank you for making something so similar to that "other" peanut butter/chocolate candy they all love. This recipe is easily adapted to a vegan diet with some research for vegan...
I remember my college days, fumbling around in the kitchen without a clue how to cook. My boyfriend's mom at the time took me under her wing. Mrs. Sylvia was an amazing lady, and an incredible cook. She taught me how to make so many wonderful, southern recipes: chicken and dumplings, cherry pie, casseroles, and a Pineapple Upside Down Cake. This recipe is always a crowd favorite. It seems that when you shrink things down to minis, people like them even more. Plus, everyone is sure to get a...
By now, your garden is exploding with vegetables, and you're probably sharing the bounty with neighbors. Michelle Purdon, friend and fellow Mississippian, shared her favorite use of garden vegetables, and says she and her husband serve this dish at least twice a week. Thanks for sending this in, Michelle. This recipe will help use up a few of the vegetables still sitting on your counter... not to mention, it's delicious, quick and makes an outstanding presentation for brunch with friends, or...
Cabbage is used a lot in my kitchen. Easily purchased all year, it's also cheap and versatile. This casserole is a keeper for your recipe box. Be sure to get your cabbage mixture seasoned well with salt and pepper (to taste) while cooking before you add it to your casserole dish to bake. I've been making this dish since college, and it's pure comfort food. It's also a great way to feed a lot of folks on a as budget. Enjoy! Ingredients: 1 small head green cabbage 1 medium Vidalia onion, chopped...
This week's recipe comes from a lady who makes the best jams and jellies. I tell her all the time to franchise.... it's that good. Thank you for sharing this recipe with readers, Tiffany "The Jam Lady" Pierce. I can't wait to try it. Enjoy! Ingredients: 2 Lg-XL Portabella Mushrooms 1 lb. Ground Sausage (I use 1/2 lb. hot & 1/2 mild) 1/2 cup Spinach & Artichoke Dip 1/4 cup Sour Cream 1/2 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, Divided 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese, Divided 2 Tbsp Bread Crumbs, Divided...
I grew up next door to one of the South's finest cooks. Aunt Velma watched over me and fed me meals while my parents were at work. That turned out great, because that lady was an amazing cook. Breakfasts always consisted of homemade biscuits, gravy and homemade jam, crispy bacon, sausage, fried eggs, grits, and a big glass of ice cold milk. I ate dinner with her, too. Aside from all the homemade desserts like chocolate fudge cake and biscuit pudding, Aunt Velma prepared vegetables from our...
Nothing says summer like a fresh, juicy watermelon. Growing up in north Mississippi, it seemed everyone had a patch of watermelon and cantaloupe in their gardens, and we ate from those gardens daily. My, how times have changed. As a child, I loved to enjoy a fresh watermelon under the old oak tree after all the picking and shelling chores were done for the day. This recipe combines so many different flavors and textures, it's like a fireworks show in your mouth. I prefer toasted or candied...
If you're looking for a super-easy potato recipe you can make at home, or while camping, these potatoes are delicious. I have begun using red potatoes a lot more due to their delicious flavor. I also like how creamy-soft they become once cooked. Of course, I like a recipe I can tweak. These potatoes can be kicked up a notch with the addition of hot sauce, or you can add your favorite herbs and spices. A few other alternatives: *toss in gently-fried and crispy sweet onions at the end, or *once...