Fig season is here, and when I saw big, plump, black mission figs on the market shelves last weekend I had to buy some. I've said before that figs are not my most favorite fruit. I've never really enjoyed them raw, but last year I made grilled lamb chops with roasted figs and my opinion of them shifted. Something about the roasted figs in a savory dish changed my mind. Sweet and savory dishes … [Read more...]
Horseradish-Crusted Strip Steaks
We're just back from a marathon drive up the West Coast. We started in Los Angeles and drove along US 1 to Brookings, Oregon in 8 days, stopping somewhere different every night. Whew! Marathon is an understatement, but it was an amazing drive with lots of windy, curvy ups and downs and incredible vistas. One of our stops was the Hearst Castle in San Simeon. Built by American publishing magnate, … [Read more...]
Coffee-Ancho Filets and a Sub-Zero and Wolf Showroom Tour
All opinions stated in this post are 100% mine. This week Jim and I went to the Sub-Zero and Wolf Showroom in Atlanta for a tour and cooking demonstration. This trip was our second, and we were equally as impressed as we were the first time. Since our last trip, the showroom has relocated from the suburbs to the Buckhead area of Atlanta which was much more convenient for us. The new space … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Ropa Vieja
Our good friend, Felix, is the first-generation child of Cuban immigrants. His parents left everything behind and fled Cuba in the 1950s during the Cuban revolution. Starting with nothing, they built a successful life in Florida and raised four children. A skillful cook, Felix has had a big influence on my love of Cuban food. I've always enjoyed the cuisine of this Caribbean island, but over … [Read more...]
Burrito Bowl with Carnitas
When warm weather hits Atlanta, the natives all head for restaurants with outdoor dining. On a balmy weekend night, it's almost impossible to be seated outside at our favorite haunts. For us, sitting on a patio with great friends, a big pitcher of margaritas, and Mexican food makes for the perfect Saturday night. Last week I made Slow Cooker Carnitas with pork tenderloin. I knew after the first … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Carnitas
Whenever I write a recipe, I always start by doing a little research on the history of the dish and looking at 10 or more recipes. I decided to make carnitas for this post, and after a little digging, I was a little surprised to find the authentic Mexican version is made by slowly braising pork in lard or oil over 3 or 4 hours. Most of the recipes I reviewed were not truly authentic and called … [Read more...]
Mac and Cheese with Collards
I grew up in the age of instant everything. Convenience ruled the day, especially when it came to food prep. With the arrival of processed food, the likes of Hamburger Helper, Instant Breakfast, and Potato Buds filled supermarket shelves. Working moms opted for the quickest possible route to a family dinner, and my Mom was no exception. A full-time 5th-grade school teacher, she worked all day and … [Read more...]
Flank Steak with Romesco Sauce
You know how one really cool article of clothing can make an otherwise boring outfit extraordinary? You can put on a plain pair of jeans and a nondescript shirt with a chic jacket, and you're ready for a night on the town. That special hat gives you a look that catches peoples' eye. A sylish belt gives your outfit a real pop. I think sauces do the same thing for food. A sauce can dress up an … [Read more...]
Creamy White Bean Soup
Our pantry is out of control. Jim, a.k.a., Mr. Organization, gives me a regular food inventory in an effort to head off my food buying tendencies. If I'm shopping and I can't remember whether we have a certain item, I'll buy another one just in case. Those duplicates have spilled out of the pantry and into other areas of the kitchen. I admit that I'm a little obsessed with keeping a "well-stocked" … [Read more...]
Steak Oscar
Sometimes a steak needs a little crabmeat, asparagus, and Béarnaise sauce to dress it up for Christmas. Christmas dinner deserves to be special, and this dish is just the ticket. I've eaten a lot of steaks in my day, and I don't think there's anything better than a filet. Low in fat but almost fork tender, this steak is one of the most healthful cuts of beef. Steak Oscar allegedly acquired its … [Read more...]
Collard Greens Gratin
If you grow up in the South, you've undoubtedly come across collard greens at some point in your life. In my small Mississippi hometown, a variety of greens regularly made it to our supper table. I've written before about my grandparents' garden where greens always occupied several rows. If I had a dollar for every serving of collard, mustard, or turnip greens I've eaten in my life, I'd be a rich … [Read more...]
Lamb Stew with Apricots and Chickpeas
Our good friend, Dan, came over for a night of cooking a few weeks ago, and we made a delicious Parmesan Chicken with Spinach and Roasted Red Peppers. It's a blast to prepare a meal with another great cook, so we've been trying to get together for another night of fun in the kitchen. Crazy schedules have gotten in the way so far, but we'll find a date soon. Dan is a storehouse of culinary … [Read more...]