January 8th is Elvis’s birthday. If you grew up in Memphis, you know that. For my 25th birthday (quite a few years ago, and not in January), I had a big party. At Graceland. The party was in the large lobby of the ticket pavilion, decorated (by Graceland) in pink, black and turquoise balloons. We ate barbecue and danced to an amazing retro band called The Bouffants. It … [Read more...] about Cookies for the King (Banana Cookies with a Peanut Butter Glaze)
Southern Specialties
Good Luck Gumbo (Black-eyed Pea and Collard Gumbo over Rice)
I am not an overly suspicious person. Sure, I have my little quirks, but I don’t worry about black cats, walking under ladders, throwing spilled salt over my left shoulder. But there are a few traditions that I adhere to because, well, it can’t hurt. Particularly if that tradition involves delicious food. So on New Year’s Day, I always eat black-eyed peas and greens. For … [Read more...] about Good Luck Gumbo (Black-eyed Pea and Collard Gumbo over Rice)
Milk Punch and Cookies
Milk Punch has roots in New Orleans, with a history as a hair-of-the-dog remedy. In fact, my best milk punch memory is enjoying a bit too much at a wonderful wedding brunch in New Orleans. And now, that bride makes milk punch for a Christmas party every year. I have to admit though, I make it differently from my friend. I’ve had milk punch that is just milk and bourbon … [Read more...] about Milk Punch and Cookies
Red Velvet Polka Dot Cookies
Red Velvet Cake is a real childhood memory for me. I have an aunt who makes a great one. But it was definitely not trendy or cool or in. Red Velvet was seriously down-home, real country food. It wasn’t even a standard on diner menus. But that all seems to have changed. I am dubious about this hipsterfied version. I have had some really, really bad red velvet made by … [Read more...] about Red Velvet Polka Dot Cookies
Drunk Tank Shrimp
I dug into the archives for this recipe. When I was fresh out of graduate school, living in my first apartment, this was a dinner party staple for me. I guess I thought it was sophisticated, cooking with liquor. I always cooked it in my one ceramic baking dish, and served it with rice. I have no idea where the recipe came from, but I copied it out into my vine-patterned … [Read more...] about Drunk Tank Shrimp
