The Italian Grandmother in My Head I do not have a particularly ethnic background. Basic Anglo-Scots stock. Okay, a WASP. I cherish my Southern heritage and all the great culinary traditions I have enjoyed, inherited, and try to preserve. But I’ve never had a Bubbe teach me to make latkes or an Abuela to show me how to roll tamales. No Greek uncle … [Read more...] about Bolognese Sauce
Muddy Bread
I tend to think the best recipes, and the best dishes, are those shared among friends. Those with tips and hints and “I always do it this way…” caveats. My friend Holly served this bread at a recent Book Club meeting, and everyone begged for the recipe (and for her flank steak recipe as well). She was kind enough to share not only the recipe, but also its wonderful … [Read more...] about Muddy Bread
Green Chicken Chilaquiles
There are some recipes or food ideas you come across that stick with you, who knows why. Chilaquiles is one of those ideas for me. Over the years, I have come across recipes or food travel articles about Mexico or the Southwest that talk about this dish – one that uses leftover tortillas, sauce and meat. My impression of chilaquiles came to be of a dish that Mexican … [Read more...] about Green Chicken Chilaquiles
Elvis Has Left the Building
I am a born and raised Memphis girl, so I could not let this day pass without a mention. January 8 is Elvis’s birthday, and this year he would have been 75. And when you grow up in Memphis, Elvis sort of permeates the atmosphere. Here in Memphis, Elvis is generally commemorated more on the anniversary of his death, on August 16, than on his birthday. I am not sure why this … [Read more...] about Elvis Has Left the Building
Roasted Carrot and Cumin Soup
In the many years I was planning events professionally, clients hosting lavish buffets, or even rather simple ones, always came around to that one question – “Shouldn’t we serve some kind of vegetable that’s, you know, healthy?” Not creamy spinach dip, or cheesy stuffed mushrooms, but something that would presumably appease the guest who didn’t want, well, food. Caterers were … [Read more...] about Roasted Carrot and Cumin Soup
