Anticipation…

I started this post the first weekend in April, but Life gets in the way sometimes. This is not always a bad thing. Being forced to slow down has caused a gardening obsession to finally flourish. My entire life I’ve …

Roasted Garlic Pasta Sauce

I think this will make a great marinara for my daughter. This whole venture came about because of her. Ever since she was a toddler, I’ve tried to get her to try to eat ravioli. Well, Hurricane Katrina happened about …

Olive, Sun-Dried Tomato, and Cream Cheese Dip

A tasty dip that can be made ahead and heated up just before serving. 1 package cream  cheese, at room temperature ½  cup sun-dried tomatoes, rehydreated in hot water and chopped fine 1 cup olives, black, kalamata, or green- chopped …

Orzo Olive Salad

A simple salad using whole wheat orzo pasta and New Orleans olive salad, which is filled with with carrots and capers and garlic and oregano. The olive oil is so well seasoned that there isn’t a need to add a …

Eggplant & Zucchini Gratin

My sister makes a delicious eggplant & zucchini gratin.  She uses a lot of olive oil, good cheese, salt & pepper, a few other spices that satisfy her whim of the day (although this always includes fresh ground coriander)…and cream.  …

Lemony Shrimp Pasta Salad

This is a good salad to serve as a side for a grilled dinner or to bring to a potluck.  It’s also great as an entree, with some fruit on the side.  1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp (150-200 count), cooked in …

Leftovers: Grilled Venison and Arugula Poboy

What to do with all that leftover grilled, bacon-wrapped venison?  Put it on your favorite New Orleans poboy bread! With some mayonnaise, creole mustard, tomatoes and arugula, it’s an excellent meal.  The arugula provides an excellent bite that goes well …

Crockpot Cooking: Beef & Barley Stew

If you are looking for a hearty beef stew like Grandma used to make, this might be the ticket.  I like to make a batch of Beef & Barley Stew at least once each winter.  The memorable flavor that results …

Farmer’s Market Finds: Smothered Okra and Tomatoes

The farmer’s at my local farmer’s market grow some of the best okra.  There have been times when they were so tender I could actually eat them raw.  However, when they are a little tougher, one of the best ways …

Farmer’s Market Finds: Simple Summer Salad

I love tomatoes.  My goal has always been to grow tomatoes as tasty as my grandfather did.  That may never happen.  But, the tomatoes at my local farmer’s market have been keeping me happy for the last 10 years.  Thank …