Thanksgiving involves a lot of food. But even when I know how much will end up on the table, I like to put out a little nibble for guests before the main event, while we finish cooking the turkey, have a few friendly drinks and settle in with each other. Sausage balls are one of my very favorite snacks at any time, and a great childhood memory for me and my brother, so when I … [Read more...] about Thanksgiving Sausage Bites with Cranberry Mustard Dip
Pork
Fennel and Italian Sausage Pappardelle
I love recipes like this. Quick and simple, but full of flavor. There’s a little twist here - the ingredients are few and straightforward, but a little out of the ordinary. Pork and fennel are a classic combination, frequently in slow-cooked roasts and braises, and fennel seed is a key ingredient in Italian sausage, so using the fresh fennel just amps up the flavor. But this … [Read more...] about Fennel and Italian Sausage Pappardelle
Watermelon Barbecue Sauce with Country Ribs
I have several Southern community cookbooks that have recipes for watermelon barbecue sauce. I love the idea, and I have made every one of those recipes, but the results were never what I had hoped for. No watermelon flavor, or sickly sweet, or just bland. But the idea appeals to me so much that I have continued to tinker with the concept for years, and I finally hit on it. … [Read more...] about Watermelon Barbecue Sauce with Country Ribs
Beer Shrimp Boil with Beer Sauce and Homemade Shrimp Boil Spice
Summer officially kicks off with Memorial Day, and it is the perfect time for outdoor gatherings with big groups of family and friends. I think a shrimp boil makes a nice switch from the classic burgers-and-dogs grill fest. I have a big outdoor table on my patio, and this has become a favorite way to entertain. I simply cover the table with brown paper and scoop the boil … [Read more...] about Beer Shrimp Boil with Beer Sauce and Homemade Shrimp Boil Spice
Queso Fundido Soup
Cinco de Mayo approaches and with it, thoughts of the completely Americanized restaurant specialty, queso, or cheese dip as we used to call it. I, and pretty much anyone from in Memphis, grew up on a thin, cold cheese dip created by the area’s first Mexican restaurant. It is still a favorite and available at local groceries in a plastic tub, and a true guilty pleasure for me. … [Read more...] about Queso Fundido Soup
