Greens on New Year’s Day are an important tradition here in the South. It’s a wish for prosperity in the new year, you see, greens representing the foldin’ money you hope to have in your pocket. Collards are a traditional green and here you can add a little wish for some jangly change in your pocket too with the golden coin-like dumplings. Serve them with some black-eyed peas, … [Read more...] about Green and Gold Collards
Holidays
Tourtière – French Canadian Meat Pie
I am tempted to say that this is an old family recipe, but my family has no connection with French Canadians whatsoever. But it is a recipe my family has been making for years. The story goes like this: my grandparents had tourtière on a trip to Canada, and enjoyed it so much, that my aunt wrote to Gourmet magazine to ask for a recipe. Gourmet did not print her request in … [Read more...] about Tourtière – French Canadian Meat Pie
Gingerbread Pillows
I set out to make a cookie reminiscent of good-old fashioned gingerbread cake. When I managed to achieve this, it occurred to me that if I called them gingerbread cookies, it would bring to mind the crispy, crunchy type - like gingerbread men or tree ornaments. That is not what these lovelies are at all. These little pillowy cushions of cakey, gingerbread goodness are … [Read more...] about Gingerbread Pillows
Egg Nog Tres Leches Cake
The holidays are here and that, for me, means egg nog. The most wonderful time of the year! I love egg nog straight from a Santa Claus mug, but it is a great flavor for baking and adds real holiday cheer to almost anything. I stir it into hot chocolate, oatmeal, bake it in breads and muffins and flavor cookies and candies with it. And of course, my must-have Christmas … [Read more...] about Egg Nog Tres Leches Cake
Roasted Chestnut Bisque
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire. I guess Nat King Cole and Bing Crosby have made chestnuts part of the holiday season for ever. I never really knew what that line was all about until my first holiday season in London, where vendors sell roasting chestnuts from special carts on the main shopping streets, and the fragrance they produce really does make the air smell like … [Read more...] about Roasted Chestnut Bisque
