I am reposting this New Year's Day favorite recipe again, because I think we could all use as much luck as we can get this year! I am not an overly suspicious person. Sure, I have my little quirks, but I don’t worry about black cats, walking under ladders, throwing spilled salt over my left shoulder. But there are a few traditions that I adhere to because, well, it can’t hurt. … [Read more...] about Good Luck Gumbo (Black-Eyed Pea and Collard Green Gumbo)
Holiday Cooking
Chocolate Peppermint Molten Cakes
There was a time when molten lava cake was all the rage. Fancy restaurants served it – it wasn’t really something people made at home. Then recipes were published and it became a standard dinner party dessert. Like many things culinary though, it fell out of fashion, and though everyone still loved it, it was a little embarrassing to serve it. Those pioneering restaurants took … [Read more...] about Chocolate Peppermint Molten Cakes
Lamb Guards of Honor with Hazelnut Mint Crust
Once again, I say the world is different currently. The holidays for me usually means a big buffet party after church services on Christmas Eve, and a smaller family and friends buffet brunch on Christmas morning. That isn’t going to happen this year. All the recipes I prepared last year and ideas I developed during most of this year aren’t practical. I haven’t completely … [Read more...] about Lamb Guards of Honor with Hazelnut Mint Crust
Cacio e Pepe Brussels Sprout Salad
One year at Thanksgiving, I suddenly had the urge to serve some kind of raw green salad. I can’t imagine why – there was more than enough food to serve everyone three times, with leftovers. But it just got lodged in my mind, so I bought some brussels sprouts, because I have some sprout lovers in my family, with no real plan. I googled and thought and kept coming back to a hot … [Read more...] about Cacio e Pepe Brussels Sprout Salad
Cornbread Dressing Soufflés
I’ve said it already, but Thanksgiving will be different this year. A more intimate and family-focused meal with fewer people gathered around the table. I see it as an opportunity to try new and exciting things, to shake up tradition, but not abandon them all together. In my opinion, it is not Thanksgiving without dressing, and I usually make a magnificently sized … [Read more...] about Cornbread Dressing Soufflés