Yankee Cornbread Stuffing

Do you have stuffing or dressing for Thanksgiving? My family has always had traditional stuffing. What is known in the South as Yankee Stuffing. Of course, my Mom makes the best Yankee Stuffing ever! Dried bread cubes with aromatic veggies, herbs and broth; baked in a casserole dish. Cornbread Dressing is traditional in the South…

Countdown to Thanksgiving Tip ~ Turkey Stock

I woke up early this morning with anxious thoughts of Thanksgiving in my mind. What is it I need to do today to get ready? Turkey stock! Thanks to my brother-in-law and his fabulous turkey smoking skills, I will not be roasting a turkey for Thanksgiving. Yay! So today, I roasted some turkey thighs and…

Countdown to Thanksgiving ~ Pumpkin Puree

This is the first year I have tried roasting my own pumpkin puree and I love it! I really didn’t think I would be able to tell the difference, but I find home roasted pumpkin more flavorful and less watery. If you try this, make sure you buy the Sugar Pie variety of pumpkin for…

Cornmeal Buckwheat Crepes

These crepes are a quick and easy option for busy back-to-school schedules. Fill with sweet or savory ingredients for breakfast, lunch or a snack. They also just happen to be gluten free! Serve them for breakfast with fruit and yogurt cream (one cup of Greek yogurt mixed with 1/2 cup of light cream or half…

Citrus Marsala Sangria

A lovely Friday Refresher to fortify you for the weekend! 1 tablespoon granulated sugar ~ I used Turbinado sugar 1/3 cup freshly squeezed citrus juice (a nice variety of lemon, lime and orange) orange, lemon and lime slices 1 cup Marsala wine* 2-3 cups sparkling mineral water or selzer Combine all in a pitcher or…

Kid Friendly Mahi Mahi Fish Sticks

Mahi Mahi is a great fish for kids.  Mild flavor, firm texture, nutritious and sustainable. Three ounces of Mahi Mahi deliver 20 grams of protein and 133 milligrams of Omega 3 fatty acids!!!  Serve it in place of chicken fingers or store bought fish sticks for a healthy and delicious alternative.  Here I serve it…

Savory Grits Pie

Short post. Leftover grits, eggs and cheese. Classic Pyrex pie plate. Grandma’s linen napkin. Simplicity. For the Grits Pie: 2 to 2 1/2 cups leftover grits (already cooked according to package directions) 1/3 cup milk 2 to 3 eggs divided 1/2 cup cheese, your choice, I used Cheddar here 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon cayenne…

Southern Gluten Free Mac N Cheese

Last weekend we had a family birthday party at my Sister’s house. A real Southern BBQ with the most delicious smoked brisket and chicken, and two different kinds of Mac N Cheese-regular and spicy, the spicy dotted with jalapeno. All prepared by my Brother-In-Law. For dessert, my Sister made Spice Cake (an old family favorite)…

Corn & Tomato Pasta Salad with Basil Corn Goddess Dressing

I have made some kind of corn and tomato pasta salad for years based on a recipe that won me $400 in Better Homes & Gardens monthly recipe contest. This weekend as I was making the salad for our family Easter gathering, I used white balsamic vinegar and wasn’t thrilled with the flavor of the…

Pepper Crusted Eye of Round with Tipsy Mushrooms

My Grandma K made the best roast beef on the planet!  I was a picky eater as a child and did not eat much meat.  I had a thing about food touching my lips and wouldn’t eat anything that was in danger of dripping on them. Grandma K’s roast beef and mashed potatoes were something…

Buffalo Chili with Avocado Ranch Sauce

Perfect for sports night, movie night or game night, this Buffalo Chili is spicy with the flavors of a restaurant favorite!  It’s a welcome variation from regular tomato based chili.  And don’t forget to make the Avocado Ranch Sauce, it tones down the heat! For the Avocado Ranch Sauce:  Puree one peeled pitted avocado in the…