January 25 is Burns Night, which celebrates the birthday of Scottish poet Robert Burns. Suppers are held across Scotland and by many Scottish societies and clubs around the world. I was challenged by a friend some years ago to host a Burns Night supper and so I did. I put plaid fabric down the table as a runner and had florist make up arrangements of thistle and heather. I … [Read more...] about Cock-a-Leekie Soup
Vegetables
Cauliflower Cheese Soup with Curried Cauliflower Crumbs
Cauliflower Cheese is a very popular dish in England, one of its comfort foods. Basically, it is cauliflower in a creamy cheese sauce. But the first time I heard of cauliflower cheese, on the set menu at a restaurant during a high-school summer in England, I was a little worried it was actually some kind of strange British cheese. I thought they might bring our some lumpy, … [Read more...] about Cauliflower Cheese Soup with Curried Cauliflower Crumbs
Cast Iron Collards
I adhere very solidly to tradition of eating black eyed peas and greens on New Year’s day for luck and prosperity. I have a wonderful New Year’s Eve tradition, so on New Year’s Day, I usually sleep in, then curl up on the couch with a book while a pot of peas and some collards stew away on the stove – minimal prep and minimal work. But this cast-iron skillet, … [Read more...] about Cast Iron Collards
Butternut Squash Pickle
The beautiful orangey amber cubes dress up any autumn platter. This is a quick pickle, one for the refrigerator not the canning process. Make it ahead of your holiday cooking as the flavor needs a little time to develop. Cutting the butternut can be a little time consuming, but a little patience and sharp, sturdy knife will pay off. I really prefer to have small pieces, … [Read more...] about Butternut Squash Pickle
Pumpkin Pizza Party (Pumpkin Pizza Dough and Pumpkin – Tomato Pizza Sauce)
I have always loved interactive food – where everyone gets to participate in the making and serving of a meal. The pizza party is a great example of this – roll out the dough, choose the toppings, assemble the pizza and watch while they bake. It’s fun for kids and grown-ups alike. Fall and Halloween are great times to gather around a fun kitchen project. When the … [Read more...] about Pumpkin Pizza Party (Pumpkin Pizza Dough and Pumpkin – Tomato Pizza Sauce)
