Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley.  Buddist monks discovered gluten. The monks were vegetarians that were trying to replace meat or the texture of meat in their diets which lead to the discovery of gluten.  They found that when they submerged wheat flour dough in water the starch washed away. This was…

I was invited to a Memorial Day barbecue. I was genuinely struggling with what I was going to make. The host and her children had dinner with me , where I had cooked baked ham, one of the side dishes was glazed carrots. Her kids loved them. I got a call and they asked me…

  This is another rich tradition associated with food originating in New Orleans, Louisiana. The word on the street, told by the Times-Picayune, is the Martin brothers invented the po-boy to feed some 1,800 striking streetcar drivers and motormen in New Orleans in 1929.  The sandwiches were given to the striking men for free.There is not end…

Hummus is an Arabic word that means chickpeas.  Chickpeas date back some 10,000 years.  The basic ingredients to make hummus are chickpeas, sesame seed paste, lemon juice, and garlic. HUMMUS DIP 1 1/2 cups drained canned chickpeas, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 1/4 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon sea salt, 1/8 cup…

Try these mushrooms the next time you have a grilled steak rather than a baked potato. 1 1/2 pounds large portabella mushrooms, 1 cup self-rising flour, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 1/2 cups dark ale beer,1 cup seasoned Texas toast croutons, 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon…

This is my daughter Wendy’s favorite cake.  It was a family tradition for us to gather at my parent’s house on the 4th of July and Thanksgiving.  One year my daughter was almost in tears when she told my Mamma that she didn’t get any of her pound cake.   There were probably 6 other…

I went to the $.99 store today to pick up some stuff for dinner.  Dinner tonight is going to be seafood stuffed portabella mushrooms, grilled asparagus, and sliced heirloom tomatoes.  4 mushrooms $1.98, 2 pound asparagus $1.98, 3 heirlooms tomatoes $.99, 6 ounces imitation crab, $.12, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese $.50, 4 ounces small cooked…

Brussel sprouts are part of the cabbage family.  Brussel sprouts are at the peak of their season from September through May.  This might be your last chance to pick fresh peak of the season brussel sprouts.   When I am picking brussel sprouts, I want them to be small, firm and a brilliant green color. Remove…

Spring demands Pineapple Upside Down Cake.  The thought of a Pineapple Upside Down Cake screams Aunt Mary. If you follow this recipe to a “T” you will have a perfect cake every time and you will also have a piece of my Auntie in your heart! PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE 1 ½   cups sifted cake flour,…

What am I gonna do, I’m gonna eat breakfast. Eating breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  People who eat breakfast have proven to be thinner and frequently healthier than those who do not.  I suspect the reason is breakfast is usually loaded with protein and fiber.  Protein and fiber as the first meal will…

FOOD EQUIVALENT All-Purpose Flour 1 pound = 3 ½ cups Apples 1 pound = 3 medium apples Bananas 1 pound = 3 medium bananas Bread 1 loaf  16 – 20 slices Butter 1 pound = 2 cups or 4 sticks Cake Flour 1 pound = 4 ½ cups Chocolate Chips 6 ounces = 1 cup…

I don’t usually post on Sunday, BUT I am making an exception today. Below is one of my favorite appetizers Crab Stuffed Mushrooms.  I am gonna have these today with some sparkling champagne while I am watching the NBA Western Region Playoffs. Here’s a toast to all you Mamma’s out there. CRAB STUFFED MUSHROOMS 2 pounds…