Soda bread is really a recipe to have in your pocket. Serving a nice, warm loaf of homemade bread at a moment’s notice is serious kitchen magic. And I’ve made the process for making Irish soda bread even easier by letting the mixer do the work. Soda bread is substantial and hearty – the perfect partner for soup or stew, or corned beef and cabbage. Good butter melting into … [Read more...] about Simple Soda Bread
Holiday Cooking
Corned Beef and Cabbage Cooked in Beer
I am a newcomer to Corned Beef and Cabbage. I have generally enjoyed my corned beef deli sliced on a sandwich and my cabbage in slaw. My father is a big fan of corned beef and cabbage, but somehow it hadn’t trickled down to me. I had certainly thought about developing a recipe for St. Patrick’s Day, but hadn’t gotten around to it. Then, this winter, I was invited to a friend’s … [Read more...] about Corned Beef and Cabbage Cooked in Beer
Pralines for Idiots
Candy making is not something I typically try my hand at. All that talk about thermometers and stages and testing methods. Those recipes always look like the kind of thing I don’t have the patience for. Plus, once you’ve been badly burned by hot sugar, it makes you candy-shy. But this is an exception. I call it Pralines for Idiots, because it really does away with all that … [Read more...] about Pralines for Idiots
Smoky Beef Tacos
For most of my life, a taco was ground meat, a package of seasoning and hard shells from the box, with lots of cheese and maybe a little lettuce on top. And I will tell you, I have nothing against that version. But in the last few years, there has been a proliferation of Mexican restaurants in Memphis that serve what is considered more authentic Mexican food. And I haven’t … [Read more...] about Smoky Beef Tacos
Green Chile Cheese Puffs
I love these little puffs. They are tender and cheesy with a nice bite from the green chiles and couldn’t be easier to make. They are a great nibble to start a family taco night but are also elegant enough for the swankiest party. Green Chile Cheese Puffs I love the extra little hit of smoked paprika on top, but use sweet paprika if that’s what you have. ½ pound … [Read more...] about Green Chile Cheese Puffs
