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. Particularly if that tradition involves delicious food. So on New Year’s Day, I always eat black-eyed peas and greens. For … [Read more...] about Good Luck Gumbo (Black-eyed Pea and Collard Gumbo over Rice)
Holiday Cooking
Milk Punch and Cookies
Milk Punch has roots in New Orleans, with a history as a hair-of-the-dog remedy. In fact, my best milk punch memory is enjoying a bit too much at a wonderful wedding brunch in New Orleans. And now, that bride makes milk punch for a Christmas party every year. I have to admit though, I make it differently from my friend. I’ve had milk punch that is just milk and bourbon … [Read more...] about Milk Punch and Cookies
Sugared Peanuts
These nuts are another cocktail party recipe. Yes, they are perfect for nibbling at a cocktail party, but I really say this because I picked up the idea at a cocktail party. Some ladies and I were standing around with our drinks, nibbling on a bowl of glazed pecans and chatting about various flavored nut recipes. One of the ladies remarked that her grandmother always made … [Read more...] about Sugared Peanuts
Peppermint Black Bottom Cupcakes
Last year, for the big family Christmas Eve celebration, I was tasked with providing a dessert. It’s a little tough to figure out the right dessert for a great big gathering, one that serves enough and pleases everyone. In the past I’ve made cakes and pies, but you always need to make two or three, plus someone has to evenly slice and serve them. And transport can be a … [Read more...] about Peppermint Black Bottom Cupcakes
Hot Chocolate Pops
I was in a very fancy grocery store and saw a lovely, beautifully wrapped box of hot chocolate-on-a-stick. My first thought was “I can do that.” And those babies with their cellophane and ribbon and fancy label were selling for $10 apiece. Yea, I can do much better than that. These pops are basically block of chocolate ganache on a stick. You can flavor … [Read more...] about Hot Chocolate Pops
