There is magic in soup. A beautiful kitchen alchemy in which a few simple ingredients are magically transformed into culinary precious treasure. There is nothing to me more satisfying than hefting the weight of my good enameled cast-iron Dutch oven from its special nook and placing it on the burner, ready to start my experiments, ready to create. Soup runs from the sublime … [Read more...] about Bacon Cheeseburger Soup
Meat Poultry Seafood
Tuxedo Chili
Here we are again. The days are cold and a little gloomy, the holidays are over, and it is time for hunkering down at home. Right about now, I imagine everyone is craving a nice big bowl of warm, comforting goodness. It’s always nice to have a little twist on a classic, and mine is this creamy chicken chili with the added touch of black beans along with the white – that’s why … [Read more...] about Tuxedo Chili
Green and Gold Collards
Greens on New Year’s Day are an important tradition here in the South. It’s a wish for prosperity in the new year, you see, greens representing the foldin’ money you hope to have in your pocket. Collards are a traditional green and here you can add a little wish for some jangly change in your pocket too with the golden coin-like dumplings. Serve them with some black-eyed peas, … [Read more...] about Green and Gold Collards
Tourtière – French Canadian Meat Pie
I am tempted to say that this is an old family recipe, but my family has no connection with French Canadians whatsoever. But it is a recipe my family has been making for years. The story goes like this: my grandparents had tourtière on a trip to Canada, and enjoyed it so much, that my aunt wrote to Gourmet magazine to ask for a recipe. Gourmet did not print her request in … [Read more...] about Tourtière – French Canadian Meat Pie
Pork Chops with Maple Calvados Butter Sauce
This recipe includes some of my favorite fall flavors – maple, pork, and Calvados apple brandy. It was born from the desire to combine these flavors in the most delicious way. It’s perfect for autumn nights at home, but is an equally elegant dish for friends. The sauce is rich and silky and complements the pork beautifully, and the salted caramelized apples add an extra … [Read more...] about Pork Chops with Maple Calvados Butter Sauce
