Better Than Cornbread I’ve never excelled at making cornbread until I found this recipe. Adapted from one of my favorite recipe sites, Allrecipes, this no-fail, no-brainer Sweet Cornbread Cake recipe is just too good not to share. Hockey Pucks or Cornbread? My history of making this quintessential Southern comfort food is tainted with dense hockey…
Comfort Food, Fires, and Hurricanes One of my favorite comfort foods is Lima Bean and Ham Stew served with Sweet Cornbread Cake. Today was the perfect day to make this comforting recipe as 16 inches of rain fell from Tropical Storm Beta! More rain is forecast for tonight as the storm finally reaches Houston. The…
My Fried Green Tomato Addiction My fried green tomato addiction is no secret as you search through my recipe archives. I love them so much that I’ve posted several different recipes to my blog over the years. I’m blessed to live in the South where green tomatoes are available at the local grocer almost year-round,…
DISAPPOINTMENT My disappointment was palpable this year after learning the 9th Annual World Food Championships (WFC), one of the largest events in food sport, had been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. WFC 2020 was scheduled to take place this fall in Dallas, Texas. While I may have been severely disappointed about the cancellation of…
Tepache-Fermented Pineapple Beer I was cruising Instagram the other day and came across a recipe that sparked my interest – Tepache. Tepache is a fizzy, fermented Mexican drink made with pineapple peels, sugar, and water. I was intrigued enough to try a batch and now I’m addicted. I’ve adapted the recipe by adding, ginger, hot…
Delicious One Pan Meal My darling neighbor and friend Nina served me this delicious one-pan meal, Baked Chicken Caprese, during the COVID-19 quarantine. I loved it so much that I’ve made it several times for my family, who adore the dish almost as much as I do. The recipe is simple to make and filled…
Mom’s Watermelon Pickles Celebrating Ten Years of Food Blogging Today commemorates my very first blog post written JULY 14, 2010. I chose to make my mom’s watermelon pickles as my first recipe post. Her heirloom recipe was the perfect start to my ten year food blogging career. Although the photos look slightly different, the recipe…
Cape Cod Select, Year of The Cranberry Blogger Challenge I’m honored to be chosen as the Grand Prize Winner & 1st Prize – Family Dinner in the Cape Cod Select, Year of The Cranberry Blogger Challenge. Below is the official announcement posted on the Cape Cod Select website. Please follow the links provided to view…
This is my second year competing in the 2020 Cape Cod Blogger Recipe Challenge. Last year I placed 1st in the appetizer division with my Cranberry Queso Blanco Salsa. (See the recipe HERE) I’ve already submitted all three of my recipes for the contest, and I’m currently awaiting the announcement on my place in this…
Perfect for Entertaining Asparagus tomato tarts are one of my go-to menu items when entertaining at parties and family gatherings. The ease of making this recipe comes from utilizing pre-made puff pastries, which gives you the ability to cut the tart into various sizes for individual servings. Depending on your preference, you’re also able to…
My most recent jelly roll recipe is the ‘Upside-Down” Pineapple Filled Jelly Roll. The filling is reminiscent of the golden, caramelized pineapple that occurs when making a pineapple upsidedown cake. I love that buttery-sweet pineapple flavor and knew it would be the perfect fit for my swiss roll cake. The only thing missing is maraschino…
CAPE COD SELECT FROZEN CRANBERRIES – BLOGGER RECIPE CHALLENGE Cran You Believe it? My third and final recipe submission in the Cape Cod Select Blogger Recipe Challenge 2020, Cranberry Jelly Swiss Roll, was submitted to the Cran You Believe It? category. Cranberries For All Seasons Why wait for the holidays to eat cranberries? Cape Cod Select Frozen Cranberries should…
CAPE COD SELECT FROZEN CRANBERRIES – BLOGGER RECIPE CHALLENGE Healthy On The Go Catagory My second recipe submission in the Cape Cod Select Blogger Recipe Challenge 2020, Cranberry Chicken Salad Soy Wrapped Hand Rolls, was submitted to the Healthy On The Go category. These rolls serve as a perfect dish that can be consumed wherever, while simultaneously providing…
Cape Cod Select Frozen Cranberries – Blogger Recipe Challenge Family Dinner Category Recipe For my first recipe submission in the Family Dinner Category of the Cape Cod Select Blogger Recipe Challenge 2020 is a Grilled Pork Chops with Cranberry-Pineapple Sauce. The dish consists of bone-in pork chops from my freezer, and leftover “everything” bagels used…
Fortune Noodle Company I was invited by the folks at Fortune Noodle Company to participate in their most recent blogger recipe challenge, “SOUP”. The contest involved the creation of inspired soup recipes using Fortune’s Udon noodles, which come in 3 delicious flavors: Original, Chicken and Mushroom. I chose the Original flavor for my recipe; Shoyu…
Video courtesy of Walmart and MMA Creative About the Program I was chosen to host Chef demos for the Walmart Community Table Program in Dallas, Texas Nov. 8-10, 2019. I was welcomed with open arms by the Walmart Neighborhood Market staff and associates located at 1501 Buckingham Rd, Richardson, TX 75081. Thank you for hosting me,…
Pure Joy Blogger Recipe Challenge I’m honored to be chosen as a participant in Florida Crystals’ Blogger Recipe Challenge. I’m already a fan of their organic sugars, and I’m excited to use them for this contest. This is my second entry into the “Pure Joy Blogger Recipe Challenge” submitted to the Baking Category. Easy Recipe…
Easy Holiday Meal One of my favorite things to make for dinner is Grilled Pork Chops with Hot Cranberry Sauce and Sage Stuffing. The recipe is super easy to make, and serves as a great meal for your family during the holidays. The Steak Bed Since I can’t get my husband to eat stuffing, I…
I’m honored to be chosen as a participant in Florida Crystals’ Blogger Recipe Challenge. I’m already a fan of their organic sugars, and I’m excited to use them for this contest. Holiday Flavors Hasselback Sage and Quince Sweet Potato Bake is made with warm holidays spices and the tart-sweetness of quince paste taking ordinary sweet…
The folks at Fortune Noodle Company are at it again with a new blogger recipe challenge! I was invited to participate with several food bloggers to #takethechallenge and create easy, gluten free recipes using the Fortune Gluten Free noodles. The noodles are new to market, shelf stable and can be found in Asian dry grocery…
Fortune Asian Noodle Blogger Recipe Challenge The folks at Fortune Noodle Company are at it again with a new blogger recipe challenge! I was invited to participate with several food bloggers to #takethechallenge and create easy, gluten free recipes using the Fortune Gluten Free noodles. The noodles are new to market, shelf stable and can…
Winner Announced I’m incredibly honored to announce my Orange Ginger Salmon Nachos with Mango Pineapple Orange Salsa was the Grand Prize and Appetizer category winner in the Cedar Bay Blogger Challenge. Thank you, Cedar Bay Grilling Company for hosting the challenge and sharing your incredible products for recipe creation. Bloggers received two free samples for…
The 2019 World Food Championships is rapidly approaching and I’m ready to #takebackthetitle of Bacon World Champion. I’m coming with guns a blazing and a powerhouse team; so look out bacon competitors, I’m aiming to win. Chef Cameron Spencer Joining my team this year is Chef Cameron Spencer. I’m thrilled Cameron accepted of the sous…
I’m happy to announce that my Creamy Lemon Pepper Tuna on Endive won the Appetizer category in the Tonnino Tuna Blogger Recipe Challenge. I won $500.00. Congratulations Grand Prize Winner, LouLou for winning the Sides/Salads Category with her Southwestern Quinoa Garlic Tuna Salad and Mince Republic, for winning the Entree Category with their Crispy Tuna…
Hellmann’s Deli Club Contest When Hellman’s Deli Club announced their current contest, Update a Vintage Recipe, I knew immediately what I was going to make: my Mom’s Women’s Auxiliary Luncheon Sandwich Loaf. The humble name might fool you, but anyone that was anyone at the Women’s Auxiliary Luncheons was standing in line for a slice…
Summer’s bounty is ripe with opportunity to create fresh edible flower and herb salads. I wrote this post several years ago and love the recipe so much it bares repeating. I hope you enjoy the information I’ve learned over the years associated with gathering and eating edible flowers. Edible flower salad with herb vinaigrette is…
My New Bacon Sponsor: I’m happy to announce that my new bacon sponsor for World Food Championships 2019 is B & B Butchers & Restaurant! (Located at 1814 Washington Street, Houston, Texas). I’m so honored and proud to accept B&B Butchers sponsorship for my third year competing in the Bacon Category at WFC 2019. I…
It’s been almost a year since I went to Pendleton, Oregon for the Team Saucy Mama Retreat, hosted by the Saucy Mama herself, Suzie Barhyte. MaryAlice Alderman, longtime supporter, friend and loyal comrade of Saucy Mama, Collette Becker and Social Media Mavin hosted us as well — sweethearts all around. Promises: The trip was Suzie’s…
Tonnino Tuna is looking for inspirational ideas to create “Simply Better Tuna Recipes” that occur when creativity is fused with unexpected flavors and ingredients that are made with the best tuna served either hot or chilled that makes everyday dishes into gourmet dishes. http://www.tonnino.com/ I believe I’ve accomplished the task of creating “simply better tuna…
When I was young and single, I would spend my Sundays making several meals that were easy to store for several days in the refrigerator that I could later reheat and eat quickly. One of my go-to meals was my Mother’s Tuna Noodle Casserole. It was economical and pretty darned tasty despite the fact it…
Cedar Planked Grilled Salmon Salad is so refreshing this time of year, and a cinch to make using Cedar Bay Grilling Company‘s pre-seasoned cedar planked salmon. Cedar Bay Grilling Company takes all the guess work out of preparation when it comes to seasoning and grilling planked salmon. Cedar Bay salmon products come pre-seasoned and ready…
Dressed to impress, my Creamy Lemon Pepper Tuna on Endive are garnished with edible mini orchids and capers. This original recipe is my first submission for the Appetizer Category of the Tonnino Tuna Blogger Recipe Challenge. Impressive yet easy to make: Impress your guests with this STAR of an appetizer and savor the flavor of…
Cedar Bay Grilling Company Located in a tiny South Shore hamlet of Blandford, Nova Scotia, Cedar Bay Grilling Company is an award-winning producer of frozen Salmon products that bring the best of Atlantic Canada to homes around the world. Cedar Bay Grilling Company’s Cedar Planked Atlantic Salmon products are easy to prepare, yet have a…
Cedar Bay Grilling Company Located in a tiny South Shore hamlet of Blandford, Nova Scotia, Cedar Bay Grilling Company is an award-winning producer of frozen Salmon products that bring the best of Atlantic Canada to homes around the world. Cedar Bay Grilling Company’s Cedar Planked Atlantic Salmon products are easy to prepare, yet have a…
I recently invited several of the neighbor ladies over for a Girls Night Out Pasta Making Party. We had a wonderful night that consisted of drinking wine, eating yummy charcuteries and imported cheeses, all while we made Samin Nosrat’s Pasta all’Uovo. Samin is an American chef and food writer and a regular food columnist for…
Freezing weather got you down? Try my heart warming Bacon Sriracha Tomato Soup with Bacon Croutons made with Red Gold Diced Sriracha Tomatoes & Red Chilies to warm your chilly bones. Inspired by the World Food Championships 2018 Bacon Category Sponsor, Red Gold Tomatoes, I created this 30 minute recipe that will satisfy your hunger with delicious…
Impossible to fit eleven days of Food Sport into just two posts, so here’s WFC 2018 Recap – Part 3. The “Grand” Throwdown: After a long week of competing at the World Food Championships and hosting the 2018 Yacht Club Progressive Dinner Party, my friend and sous chef Lisa Keys were faced with a totally…
Impossible to fit eleven days of Food Sport into just one post, here’s WFC 2018 Recap – Part 2. The Joy of Food Sport: I love competitive cooking and sharing my love of Food Sport with others. World Food Championship 2018 was filled with non-stop action and a whirlwind of excitement. As the returning…
Chef Ava Marie Romero: My friend and fellow food competitor wowed the world when she won a Golden Ticket in the Taste of America Challenge , and a chance to compete at the 2018 World Food Championships in the Dessert Category. What’s so special about Ava is the fact that she was the very first autistic chef to…
Imagine a Christmas Cookie that is Good for You and Still Tastes Delicious Look no further because my Holiday Peanut Butter and Jelly Thumbprint Cookies will not only make your mouth say “thank you,” but will also supplement your body’s nutrition with 100% natural The Nutty Peanut’s Premium Nut Butter, Butterscotch Crunch Blend, and the…
Your Holiday menu will be complete with my Cheesy Butternut Squash and Apple Galettes – Side Dish Galettes may look difficult to make but nothing could be further from the truth. These savory-sweet pastries are made with store-bought pie dough and cooked to perfection in individual cast iron skillets. There is no need for perfectly shaped pie crust…
It’s taken me five weeks to process my experiences at the 2018 World Food Championships, and figure out how to wrap the entire adventure into just one blog post. I’m going to try to accomplish that goal – so hold on tight, it was a wild and crazy ride. Returning To Defend My Title: Returning…
Mahón-Menorca Cheese Fondue Dip with Roasted Veggies is all you need for a hearty dinner this Holiday Season. Share it with your special someone or enjoy it alone, either way, you’re sure to be filled with the delicious taste of Mahón-Menorca Spain. I really like the idea of having a heavy appetizer for dinner to keep…
Potato Cheese Latkes with Cranberry Sour Cream are the perfect Hanukkah appetizer for your holiday table this season. I love the traditional crisp texture of latkes, so when developing this recipe I knew they would pair beautifully with the unmistakable milky taste, and slight buttery characteristic of Mahón-Menorca Semi-Cured cheese. When paired with the creamy, sweet flavor of…
Venison Egg Rolls with Citrus Hoisin Dipping Sauce – Twin Dragon Asian Wrapper Blogger Recipe Challenge ABOUT THE CHALLENGE: Take the challenge and be amazed by the versatility and ease of use when cooking with JSL Foods Asian Twin Dragon Wrappers. Twin Dragon Asian Wrappers include Won Ton Wrappers, Gyoza Wrappers (Potstickers), and Egg Roll…