We are in that in between time weatherwise right now. We’ve just had historic snow here in Memphis, but the first signs of spring are popping up. All the sweaters and coats I wore just a week ago are ready to go back in the closet. I have been socially distancing on my patio all winter, but now it’s time for a spring clean and I am looking forward to lazy cocktails and light … [Read more...] about Beef and Stout Stew with Blue Cheese Dumplings
Holiday Cooking
Savory Crawfish King Cake
One of my favorite Mardi Gras traditions is king cake. Big rings of pillowy pastry with a sweet filling and a vividly decorated sugary frosting. My brother went to college and New Orleans, and during my first year at college in Connecticut, he shipped me a king cake and continued to do so while I was in school (and some years after). It was the classic cinnamon filling, which … [Read more...] about Savory Crawfish King Cake
Hot Crab Remoulade Dip
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
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