Archive for the Category » Vegetables «
11
Nov 2013
Nov 2013
I know most of you have your own go-to green bean casserole and I wouldn’t be surprised if each one centered on canned cream of mushroom soup and French fried onions. I love that version too. But if you’re looking to change things up a bit this Thanksgiving or if you’re simply searching for a new vegetable side dish to work into your weekly dinner rotation, try my family recipe. Our green bean casserole also includes artichokes and the flavors are reminiscent of Stuffed Artichokes thanks to the generous amounts of extra virgin olive oil, garlic, Italian [ ... ]
24
Sep 2013
Sep 2013
Growing up, chili was never important to me and I don’t recall it ever being the center of attention with any of my family members or friends. I guess that’s because in New Orleans we’d all rather fill a pot with the likes of gumbo, beans or smothered something or other. Over the past few years, however, I’ve had this weird fixation with chili. My preoccupation stems from this fun-filled chili cook-off my girlfriend used to hold at her annual Super Bowl party. All her guests knew I loved to cook and they constantly bugged me [ ... ]
Category: Appetizers, Beef, Finger Food Fridays, Pork, Side Dishes, Snacks, Vegetables
2 Comments
31
Aug 2013
Aug 2013
I finally made mayonnaise from scratch. And let me tell you, it was an Aha! moment. If I had the time and didn’t mind uneven biceps (or could learn to master a whisk with my left hand), I’d chunk the store-bought versions for good. Until that day, I’ll reserve this delightful little condiment for special occasions (like this weekend) and humble ingredients (like potatoes) that don’t mind working in the shadows. If you’re firing up the grill to celebrate Labor Day with family and friends or tailgating in support of your favorite college football team, include this potato salad in [ ... ]
Category: Sauces, Side Dishes, Vegetables
One Comment
10
Apr 2013
Apr 2013
We’re enjoying spring weather here in Atlanta. Finally! I was really starting to wonder if it would ever arrive, considering we were in the low-40s just last Thursday. Because it’s been so gloomy and cold, I’ve been digging deep into my recipe files (actually, that would be two large plastic bins) and notebooks for slow cooked, familiar eats. The kind of cooking that filled my childhood home with welcoming aromas that greeted me at the door after school or warmed me from the inside out after playing all afternoon in the damp cold. One such dish that came to mind [ ... ]
14
Mar 2013
Mar 2013
New Orleans is gearing up for another busy weekend! The City is pulling out all the stops to honor its Irish heritage. There are the annual block parties at Parasol’s and Tracey’s, the Molly’s at the Market Irish Parade in the Quarter, the Irish Channel Parade Uptown, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Old Metairie, the Downtown Irish Club Parade, the Louisiana Irish-Italian Parade in Metairie and holiday happenings at many of the neighborhood Irish hangouts like Flanagan’s, Finn McCool’s, The Irish House, Fahy’s, The Kerry and Ryan’s. Whew! I’m exhausted just writing about all that! [ ... ]
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
Tags: Beef, Pork, Vegetables 3 Comments
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. 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. That way, I can easily scoop up all those flavors into one forkful. Weird, I know. But that’s [ ... ]
Category: New Orleans Classics, Side Dishes, Thanksgiving, Vegetables
Tags: New Orleans Classics, Vegetables Comments off
