Field peas are one of my favorite things about summer. I freeze them in little baggies to pull out at the height of the winter blahs to remind me of the warmer months. I always seem to remember them as warmer months, not miserable, stifling hot and humid. On Saturdays, when I am cooking and putting by my farmers market purchases, I put them on to cook with some piece of pork, … [Read more...] about Pickled Field Peas
Southern Specialties
Watermelon, Cucumber and Mint Sorbet
I generally think a cold slice of watermelon is the most refreshing treat on a hot summer’s day. I also cool myself off with a tall glass of water infused with cucumber. Blend these two together, add the summer taste of fresh mint and freeze them and consider yourself refreshed. This is just plain good, but also makes an elegant simple dessert for a dinner party. And you can … [Read more...] about Watermelon, Cucumber and Mint Sorbet
Maque Choux (Cajun Stewed Corn and Tomatoes)
Maque Choux distills the essence of summer into every bite. Admittedly, its first attraction may be the fun name. Pronounced mock shoe, it is a corruption of a French word or an Indian saying, or just straight up Acadian, depending on whom you ask. It is a traditional Cajun dish which occasionally makes it onto the menus of New Orleans-style restaurants, but … [Read more...] about Maque Choux (Cajun Stewed Corn and Tomatoes)
Chilled Vidalia Onion Soup
From April through October, during farmers market season, I rarely visit the produce section of the grocery store. Why bother when there is so much beautiful, fresh, in season produce at the markets. I only seek out a few things that don’t grow here. Lemons and limes, cherries from Michigan and Washington (I call to see when shipments arrive to get them as fresh as … [Read more...] about Chilled Vidalia Onion Soup
Sweet Tea Julep
It is hot out there! It’s hot every summer in the South, but it still seems to be one of our favorite topics of conversation. And we always talk as if it is some sort of surprise. “Can you believe how hot it is? It might hit 105° today!” But somehow we manage. Our homes are air-conditioned, our porches have fans, and our clothes are made of seersucker … [Read more...] about Sweet Tea Julep
