Mardi Gras is approaching, and like everything else these days, it’s going to be different. I won’t be celebrating with a big crowd, and in New Orleans the parades have been cancelled. But in true Mardi Gras spirit, the people of New Orleans have gotten creative this year, hiring local artists to decorate houses like parade floats. I encourage you to check out #yardigras and … [Read more...] about Hot Crab Remoulade Dip
Holiday Cooking
Good Luck Gumbo (Black-Eyed Pea and Collard Green Gumbo)
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)
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
