When I was growing up in Memphis, there were really only two fancy, sit-down, white tablecloth, special occasion restaurants. An old-school, white-jacketed waiter, New Orleans-style place and an elegant Chinese restaurant. My Dad is a big fan of Chinese food, so it was his choice for special meals. My brother and I loved the egg drop soup, which had tiny little carrots … [Read more...] about Chinese Dumplings
Snacks And Starters
Muddy Bread
I tend to think the best recipes, and the best dishes, are those shared among friends. Those with tips and hints and “I always do it this way…” caveats. My friend Holly served this bread at a recent Book Club meeting, and everyone begged for the recipe (and for her flank steak recipe as well). She was kind enough to share not only the recipe, but also its wonderful … [Read more...] about Muddy Bread
Peppermint Angels
Peppermint is the one flavor that transforms itself at the holidays. Some of the traditional tastes, eggnog, fruitcake, even gingerbread, hardly make an appearance at any other time of the year. But not peppermint. I eat peppermint candy all year. The little hidey-hole in the arm on the door of my car is always filled with peppermints pilfered from bowls at restaurants and … [Read more...] about Peppermint Angels
Spiced Fruitcake Bars
During my college semester abroad in London, I was determined to visit Austria on winter break. I am not sure where this notion came from, maybe too much Sound of Music as a kid, but I set out alone to discover whether the hills were truly alive. After a trying time in Vienna, I moved on to Salzburg, a lovely place I found charming and comforting and manageable. I think it … [Read more...] about Spiced Fruitcake Bars
Pumpkin Sage Biscuits
Perhaps the most over-looked, undervalued aspect of the Thanksgiving meal is the bread basket. Now, I love a good dinner roll and I think that’s what ends up on the table most of the time. If you are lucky, you have a family member who specializes in good, old-fashioned Parker house or cloverleaf or fantan rolls and they provide them every year. And make no mistake, there are … [Read more...] about Pumpkin Sage Biscuits
