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...]
Calzones with Smoked Chicken, Collards, and Pimento Cheese
There's nothing better than something smoked for the Fourth of July. It doesn't matter whether you're making ribs, pulled pork, salmon, or chicken; it's just not the 4th without some form of outdoor cooking. Whenever I fire up the smoker, I make enough of whatever I'm cooking to last for several meals. Last week I smoked a couple of chickens with plans to make a Summer Pizza with Smoked … [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...]
Seared Scallops with Pea Pesto
Every summer our family hit the road in our 1965 sky blue Pontiac Catalina for a family vacation. One year our destination was the Great Smoky Mountains with stops in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Fontana Dam. On another trip, we followed my Aunt Sarah and Uncle Vernon and their popup camper to the mountains of North Georgia. Six Flags over Texas highlighted another trip. Perhaps my favorite … [Read more...]
Roasted Chicken and Vegetables with Maple Dijon Sauce
I never tire of roasted chicken. Always on the hunt for a variation on this classic comfort food, I've made it a million ways I'm sure. This version might be close to the top of my list. The sauce made with maple syrup and Dijon mustard might have a little to do with how much I liked this recipe. We're not having the same cold weather that the Northeast has been experiencing, but it's been … [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...]
Pan-Seared Chicken with Parmesan Grits & Mushroom Gravy
In 2002, Georgia declared grits as its official prepared food. So, being a transplanted but almost native Georgian, I thought it only fair that I revisit grits on a semi-regular basis on Southern Boy Dishes. If you grow up in the South, grits practically become part of your DNA. In my childhood, this ubiquitous staple was found on breakfast tables across the deep South. As time has passed … [Read more...]
Lamb Chops with Mint Pesto, Roasted Golden Beets and Figs
I've never been particularly enthusiastic about figs until I read a blog post a couple of months ago about roasted figs. Greg Henry over at Sippity Sup described his version of roasted figs as "chewy and jammy. Sweet and savory." I was intrigued when he explained that the " juices will caramelize to black and form a bittersweet candy-like crunch." I frequently roast vegetables, and when I read … [Read more...]
Easy Enchilada Sauce
I had hoped to be ahead of the game and get some south of the border recipes on the blog before Cinco de Mayo, but unfortunately life got in the way. But hey, Mexican food is good any time, right? So I'm celebrating Seis de Mayo with this delicious enchilada sauce.You won't believe how easy this versatile sauce is. I know that tacos are the big thing these days and all my favorite Mexican … [Read more...]