It is that time of year. I really need a big bowl of sunshine. Fresh, local produce is between growth spurts, and I am generally a little tired of the dark, leafy greens that have dominated the farmers market for a while now. Though we’ve had surprisingly spring-like weather, it is that transitional time. Not still winter, but not yet spring. I’m working my way through the … [Read more...] about Sweet Potato and Apple Soup
Fruit and Vegetables
Bourbon and Cane Syrup Glazed Carrots
Glazed carrots are a classic French preparation. But I don't always think about that. Not that it’s difficult, but frankly, I tend to use carrots as an afterthought, raw as a snack, chopped with celery and onions, or simply roasted. But rarely as a stand-alone star. Which is a shame, because beautiful, richly colored carrots are a taste treat. Add a bourbon spiked, cane … [Read more...] about Bourbon and Cane Syrup Glazed Carrots
Hachis Parmentier (French Cottage Pie)
My introduction to this French country dish was, oddly, in London. And the first time I had it, I had never heard of it. Since my graduate school days, I have made an annual pilgrimage to London, extending the trip each year, to spend enough time to settle in and not feel rushed or overwhelmed. Sure, I go to museums and historical sights and see friends, but my main focus, … [Read more...] about Hachis Parmentier (French Cottage Pie)
Snow White Soup (Parsnip, Fennel and Leek Soup)
It has already snowed here in Memphis twice this year, but too early and too inconvenient. I am hoping for a few more snow days, when I have no need to leave the house and am prepared with a good book, with enough warning for a trip to the grocery. It doesn’t get cold enough, often enough here to invest in big, heavy wool turtleneck sweaters and thick mittens, but I like to … [Read more...] about Snow White Soup (Parsnip, Fennel and Leek Soup)
Cookies for the King (Banana Cookies with a Peanut Butter Glaze)
January 8th is Elvis’s birthday. If you grew up in Memphis, you know that. For my 25th birthday (quite a few years ago, and not in January), I had a big party. At Graceland. The party was in the large lobby of the ticket pavilion, decorated (by Graceland) in pink, black and turquoise balloons. We ate barbecue and danced to an amazing retro band called The Bouffants. It … [Read more...] about Cookies for the King (Banana Cookies with a Peanut Butter Glaze)
