Here’s the Finger Food Friday that wasn’t. As I mentioned on Facebook at the end of last week, I had planned to make Crawfish Mac and Cheese Bites for that day’s post. But, well, let’s just say the recipe in my head was flawed for this purpose. The creamy mac and cheese, which I spooned into muffin tins and baked, didn’t set up enough to produce the nifty little single-serving, hand held morsels I was hoping for. I knew going into it there could be problems considering I choose a sauce base void of either [ ... ]
Archive for the Category » Side Dishes «
04
Apr 2013
Apr 2013
Here’s the Finger Food Friday that wasn’t. As I mentioned on Facebook at the end of last week, I had planned to make Crawfish Mac and Cheese Bites for that day’s post. But, well, let’s just say the recipe in my head was flawed for this purpose. The creamy mac and cheese, which I spooned into muffin tins and baked, didn’t set up enough to produce the nifty little single-serving, hand held morsels I was hoping for. I knew going into it there could be problems considering I choose a sauce base void of either [ ... ]
25
Feb 2013
Feb 2013
This past week, I had an occasion that required me to prepare a couple of dishes that could feed a large number of people. The first recipe that came to mind what this cabbage salad. I love this salad. My family loves this salad. Everyone who tries this salad loves this salad. But for some reason, I haven’t prepared it at home in years. Which means I’ve never shared it will you all! I’m still struggling to figure out that one. But now, I’m making up for lost time! By this Sunday, I will have made it three times in [ ... ]
Category: Main Dishes, Salad, Side Dishes, Vegetables
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13
Feb 2013
Feb 2013
I’m preparing a special Valentine’s Day dinner for my hubby and kids influenced by childhood memories and the meals I shared with my family at Ruth’s Chris Steak House. Growing up, we didn’t have much money. But whenever my dad had a few extra bucks in his pocket, he brought us to Ruth’s Chris for an amazing steak dinner. My meal always consisted of the same thing. A petite filet, which always arrived at our table screaming in a hot bath of sizzling butter, and creamed spinach, a rich, velvety and bubbly dish of vegetable bliss. [ ... ]
Category: New Orleans Classics, Roux, Sauces, Side Dishes, Vegetables
Tags: Roux, Sauces, Vegetables, White Roux One Comment
31
Dec 2012
Dec 2012
Have you planned out or begun to prepare your “health and wealth” meal for the New Year? I made my spread last week and froze everything since I knew we’d be on the road. All I’ll have to do tomorrow is defrost a few containers and bake some rice while the hubby and I unload the car and get situated (a catch-all phrase I use quite often around here when I have plenty to do in a short time).
This year’s good fortune grub will consist of my old faithful Black-Eyed Peas with Jalapeno Oil and Cabbage Casserole. [ ... ]
Category: Beef, Main Dishes, Pork, Sauces, Side Dishes, Vegetables
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21
Dec 2012
Dec 2012
Don’t ask me why, but lately I’ve been in the mood for caponata. It may have something to do with the cold temps and rain and wind and rain. Although that doesn’t make good sense because this spread is usually not eaten hot. No warming-of-the-bones-association here. Maybe I’m just longing for home and all the comforts that come with it. After all, the only caponata I’ve ever eaten aside from my own is Josie Manca’s. I’ve told you about Josie. She, her brother and her sister were dear friends of my grandmother’s and a big part of our family. None [ ... ]
Category: Appetizers, Finger Food Fridays, Side Dishes, Vegetables
Tags: Appetizers, Finger Food Fridays, Vegetables One Comment
13
Nov 2012
Nov 2012
These are my mom’s sweet potatoes. Her recipe is simply the best! No fuss or fanciness. Just smashed sweet potatoes “candied” ever so perfectly. I’ve eaten many variations of sweet potatoes and candied yams over the years, but none are as good as moms. During the holidays, they’re a must. It’s a family tradition my mom has carried out for as long as I can remember. And at every Thanksgiving and Christmas meal, I strategically spoon a generous serving onto my plate between the gravy-laden turkey slices and the Le Sueur green peas. [ ... ]
Category: New Orleans Classics, Side Dishes, Thanksgiving, Vegetables
Tags: New Orleans Classics, Vegetables Leave a Comment
07
Nov 2012
Nov 2012
Do you all realize there are only two Thursdays between now and Thanksgiving? How did that happen? Why isn’t Thanksgiving on November 29, instead of November 22? I’m well aware of the fourth Thursday of November tradition, but we’re losing an entire week here! Can’t we buck the system just once? For that reason alone, I’m glad I’m not hosting dinner this year. That takes some pressure off. But I still need to make two side dishes that can be prepared in advance and travel well (as in 500 miles well) or that can be made with little time and [ ... ]
Category: Breakfast, Christmas, Main Dishes, New Orleans Classics, Pork, Side Dishes, Thanksgiving, Vegetables
Tags: New Orleans Classics, Pork, Vegetables 2 Comments
24
Aug 2012
Aug 2012
Okra is prized in New Orleans for its ability to flavor and thicken gumbos, soups and stews. Locally, we also highly regard this fuzzy vegetable for its many other adaptations. Okra that has been pickled in a spicy brine is a common snack food eaten straight from the jar. That same pickled okra makes frequent appearances at parties as the star of the “relish tray” and as the number one garnish for Bloody Marys. We frequently stew this popular pod too with the likes of Creole tomatoes, onions and garlic. Sometimes we embellish that dish [ ... ]
Category: Appetizers, Finger Food Fridays, Salad, Side Dishes, Vegetables
One Comment
15
Aug 2012
Aug 2012
Brabant Potatoes are a popular New Orleans side dish. They are diced potatoes cooked crispy tender and tossed in a pungent butter sauce. Sort of like garlicky, cubed French fries. They may also resemble your go-to version of home fries. In New Orleans, you’ll find Brabant Potatoes in restaurants accompanying such fancy classic dishes as Chicken Clemenceau or incorporated into a humble hash on a brunch menu. They’re also a favorite starchy side of many home cooks. I’m sure my fellow Brabant Potato lovers have their own special methods of preparation, more than likely [ ... ]
Category: Breakfast, New Orleans Classics, Side Dishes, Vegetables
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08
Aug 2012
Aug 2012
Are you into creamed vegetables? Creamed corn maybe? What about creamed carrots or creamed peas? I’ve always been a fan of canned creamed corn. And my mom stills makes the best creamed carrots this side of the Bunny Trail. But I didn’t have creamed peas until I was in my late teens. The mother of a friend made them every Thursday night to serve alongside her weekly meatloaf and mashed potatoes dinner. I shared that meal with my girlfriend’s family many of times. And although the meatloaf and mashed potatoes were divine, [ ... ]
