In the many years I was planning events professionally, clients hosting lavish buffets, or even rather simple ones, always came around to that one question – “Shouldn’t we serve some kind of vegetable that’s, you know, healthy?” Not creamy spinach dip, or cheesy stuffed mushrooms, but something that would presumably appease the guest who didn’t want, well, food. Caterers were … [Read more...] about Roasted Carrot and Cumin Soup
Foldin’ Money Cabbage
So we’ve discussed that Black-Eyed Peas are good luck on New Year’s Day, representing any number of things. Greens are said to bring prosperity in the New Year, largely because they represent foldin’ money. Many people choose to cook up a mess of collards or turnip greens, but I choose cabbage, for what represents a stack of good green money more than cabbage. … [Read more...] about Foldin’ Money Cabbage
Black-Eyed Peas for Luck
I have always known that on New Year’s Day, you eat black-eyed peas for good luck in the coming year. My parents weren’t necessarily the strictest adherents to this philosophy, but some how or another, black-eyed peas generally made an appearance on January 1. We had a family friend who made Hoppin’ John, and sometimes we’d end up at their house, even just for a … [Read more...] about Black-Eyed Peas for Luck
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
Overnight Eggnog French Toast Casserole
I have a thing for eggnog. I think it is my favorite holiday flavor. I buy all the eggnog flavored holiday gimmicks – candy, yogurt, ice cream, coffee creamer (and I don’t even drink coffee). I love a good glass of eggnog, but I don’t really drink it as much as I bake with it. I have become something of an eggnog baking expert. In fact, in planning out my Christmas posts, I … [Read more...] about Overnight Eggnog French Toast Casserole
