In the kitchen, surrounded by a surfeit of holiday baking supplies, I had a sudden craving for Hello Dolly Bars. I love Hello Dollies (or Seven Layer Bars or Magic Bars, whatever you call them), but they are not something I generally make, because I have lots of friends for whom it’s their standard recipe for to parties and weekends away. So I generally rely on others for my … [Read more...] about Spiced Dolly Bars
Tennessee Hot Browns
My mother used to make a dish she called Hot Browns on cold nights when we were kids. I loved hot brown nights. I didn’t know that Hot Browns were a real dish, something with a history and many fanatical supporters and traditionalists, I just thought it was something yummy my mom invented, specific to our house. I have to admit that my mom’s version was not … [Read more...] about Tennessee Hot Browns
Butternut Squash Pickle
The beautiful orangey amber cubes dress up any autumn platter. This is a quick pickle, one for the refrigerator not the canning process. Make it ahead of your holiday cooking as the flavor needs a little time to develop. Cutting the butternut can be a little time consuming, but a little patience and sharp, sturdy knife will pay off. I really prefer to have small pieces, … [Read more...] about Butternut Squash Pickle
Creamy Turkey and Wild Rice Chowder with Toasted Dressing Croutons
Thanksgiving leftovers for me are generally of the sandwich variety. I love leftover turkey sandwiches. With cranberry sauce and a slice of dressing. I make extra dressing, bind it with eggs and cram it into a loaf pan. Baked off, it makes perfect slices to fit a sandwich. I even make some sweet-savory jams and chutneys during the summer for use on the post-Thanksgiving … [Read more...] about Creamy Turkey and Wild Rice Chowder with Toasted Dressing Croutons
Sorghum Buttermilk Pie
In case you haven’t noticed, I love cooking with buttermilk. It tenderizes, flavorizes, tangifies and creamifies anything it works with. I go out of my way to seek out good, thick country buttermilk. It is the most important ingredient in fried chicken, biscuits and cornbread. I use it in dressings, gravies, marinades, cookies cakes and pies. It is always on my … [Read more...] about Sorghum Buttermilk Pie
