I was once invited to bring a soup to a soup potluck and I readily agreed, because I love soup and getting together with friends to eat soup is a great idea. But I forgot that I had agreed to it, until the hostess called a day before to ask what soup I was bringing. For reasons I cannot fathom, I blurted out “Italian Sausage and White Bean.” I had no recipe for such a soup; … [Read more...] about Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup with Orecchiette
Vegetables
Brilliant Baked Beans
Baked beans are almost a staple here. I cannot think of a barbecue place in Memphis that doesn’t serve beans on the side. And if you live in Memphis, you eat barbecue. Some places stir in bits of pulled pork shoulder, some make the beans with their house barbecue sauce, some throw in jalapenos. And of course, some places have better beans than others. But when you … [Read more...] about Brilliant Baked Beans
Toasted Corn and Bacon Muffins
A good corn muffin is a thing of beauty. The perfect accompaniment to a bowl of soup or a supper salad, and so comforting passed around the table in a basket while still warm. Slather on a little butter, and you’ve got a bite of heaven, my friend. These tender corn muffins have the added attraction of crispy bacon and intense, chewy fresh corn kernels. The tang of buttermilk … [Read more...] about Toasted Corn and Bacon Muffins
Tomato Soup Base
I love tomato soup, love, love, love it. All kinds, all flavors, hot or cold, even from a can. But it’s so easy to make it yourself. I love to whip up a big pot, and stash away servings in the freezer to have on hand whenever the mood strikes. In the winter months, I make it with good canned Italian tomatoes, but in the summer when local tomatoes are in abundance I go fresh … [Read more...] about Tomato Soup Base
Summer Squash Casserole
I honed my squash cooking techniques years ago when I first started planning events for a living. I had two wonderful clients planning a big, beautiful outdoor wedding for their daughter on their sprawling, picturesque property. The father of the bride had an elaborate garden, raised, tiered beds all surrounded by a critter-proof cage. Every time I came out to meet with my … [Read more...] about Summer Squash Casserole
