Rotund little zipper peas are possibly my favorite field pea, sweetly round jewels of flavor. I just love the little creamy pop of summer in every bite. I buy them in bulk during the summer season, eat them right way and freeze a huge supply for the winter. Cooking with an onion, some garlic, a piece of bacon or country ham is my quick fix, but this rich creamy dish is an extra … [Read more...] about Bacon Creamed Zipper Peas
Southern Specialties
Caramel Blueberry Dumplings
I’ve created here a hybrid of two great Southern desserts – caramel dumplings and blueberry dumplings. I’ve made them both, one a caramel sauce alone with simple dumplings and one with a plain blueberry sauce. This is an over-the-top rich and sweet dessert that is comforting and old fashioned and altogether charming. Fresh in season blueberries burst in a classic caramel and … [Read more...] about Caramel Blueberry Dumplings
Strawberry Chocolate Crumble Bars
Is there a better combination than strawberries and chocolate? And when those strawberries are fresh, in season, local and at peak sweetness, I mean! I’ve made a simple strawberry crumble bar for years, a sugar cookie base with matching crumble. I’ve added herbs and spices to jazz it up, even a little liqueur. But recently, with a punnet of berries on hand a need for a sweet, … [Read more...] about Strawberry Chocolate Crumble Bars
Pimento Cheese and Country Ham Corn Muffins
Easter and country ham go hand in hand to me. Whether it’s a large piece of ham for slicing, or sandwiched into biscuits or added to stuffed eggs. I pretty much always include it on the buffet. And of course, I pimento cheese anything. So these fun little muffin sliders are a delicious way to combine my favorite things. Moist cornmeal muffins flavored with … [Read more...] about Pimento Cheese and Country Ham Corn Muffins
Tarte à la Bouille (Cajun Custard Pie)
Years ago at some restaurant in New Orleans, I honestly cannot remember where, I had a dessert of Tarte à la Bouillie . I ordered because I was intrigued by the name and that it was billed as a creole custard tart. I like to order anything that smacks of a local specialty. That one was fanicied up with fruit sauce and whipped cream and what not. It was lovely, … [Read more...] about Tarte à la Bouille (Cajun Custard Pie)
