I spend most of my time in the kitchen. It’s my favorite space in this house, a house my father has always called a kitchen with a bedroom attached. It’s a large, open space, with a fully fitted kitchen, lots of counter space and a den attached where I do most of my work on the computer. The den opens on to a sunroom with huge windows so the light pours in. That’s where I … [Read more...] about Smoky Bacon and Onion Soup
Meat Poultry Seafood
Black-Eyed Pea and Cornbread Skillet
No self-respecting Southerner, I boldly say, would let New Year’s Day pass without at least one bite of black- eyed peas. They bring luck and good fortune for the New Year, and everyone can use a little bit of that. Hoppin’ John is traditional in many quarters, but peas slowly cooked with a piece of pork are the norm for many. I like to vary my black-eyed pea intake, from my … [Read more...] about Black-Eyed Pea and Cornbread Skillet
Pasta with Chestnuts, Pancetta and Sage
This recipe was born from my love for chestnuts, and my overzealous purchase of them before Thanksgiving. I include chestnuts in my dressing, and when I see them on the shelves, I go a little nuts and always buy more than I need. So after that holiday madness dies down, I find ways to use them in other recipes. And by that point I have heard “chestnuts roasting on an open … [Read more...] about Pasta with Chestnuts, Pancetta and Sage
Creamy Italian Sausage and Pumpkin Manicotti
As I remember it, trick or treating is hard work. Lots of walking, in what is invariably an uncomfortable costume, that heavy bag of candy and keeping your best manners on under all that stress. But the promise of a seemingly endless supply of fun-size candy bars made it all worthwhile. I even liked the stripey, crunchy peanut butter Mary Janes and the peanut … [Read more...] about Creamy Italian Sausage and Pumpkin Manicotti
Chicken and Bacon Pot Pie with Sweet Potato Crust
Autumn is officially here, though the weather may be lagging behind a bit. I saw my first lovely russet-hued oak leaf blowing across the patio the other day. And I am ready. I am ready for soups and stews, winter squash, apples, pears and maple syrup. I am ready to get the soft blanket out of the linen closet, to curl up on the sofa with a warm … [Read more...] about Chicken and Bacon Pot Pie with Sweet Potato Crust
