It is 227 days before Christmas.  If you are wondering what to give family members and friends, please consider my HOMEMADE SEASONING SALT.  This salt is as spicy as I am! This recipe makes a huge batch; bottle it and hand give out HOMEMADE SEASONING SALT as Christmas gifts. HOMEMADE SEASONING SALT:  1/4 cup fine sea…

Below is an endearing gift from my kitchen to your kitchen.  Here is my simple recipe for Champagne Jelly.  Champagne is a light sparkling wine that can only be made using Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, or Chardonnay grapes from the northeastern region of France. Last but not least, champagne must have bubbles that are created from a double fermenting process which must occur once in…

FRUITY SALSA 2 medium size tomatoes, chopped, 1 cup diced pineapple,  1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1 cup diced papaya, 1/4 cup diced jicama,  1 cup diced mango, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 large avocado peeled and chopped, 1/4 cup chopped English cucumber, 3 tablespoons chopped red onions, 3 jalapeno peppers, finely chopped, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice,…

According to the stories handed down through my family, Pouding a  la Mulatresse (translation: Mullato Pudding) is also known as Apple Brown Betty. The story has it that Betty is the name of the mullato slave who created this dish. 4 1/2 pounds (approximately 10) Granny Smith apples, 2 teaspoons apple pie seasoning, 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon, 1…

We are celebrating Cinco de Mayo.  One of the ways I celebrate is by having a GOOD margarita.  Some 200 years ago tequila was first produced in the town of Tequila which is located in the state of Jalisco. Tequila is made from blue agave.  The plant takes from 8 to 12 years to ripen for harvest. There…

When I say quick and easy, I mean just that.  I am serving goat cheese balls accompanied with toasted baguette and chilled champagne. CHEESE BALL 2 (8 oz.) packages softened cream cheese, 1 (10 oz.) package softened goat cheese, 1/2 teaspoon fresh lime juice, 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 cup chopped white onions,  3 teaspoon Cajun seasoning salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 cup…

CRISPY DUCK TACOS 1 cooked 2-pound duck, chopped.  In a bowl add 1/4 green cabbage finely chopped, 1 medium, chopped red onion, 1 bunch fresh cilantro chopped, 2 jalapeno peppers finely chopped, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne.  Mix well and set aside.  16 corn tortillas, 8 ounces…

We have a new contest.  I need all of you to vote for your favorite. MEXICAN COFFEE:  Brew a strong pot of your favorite coffee, pour kahlua liquor into a large Irish coffee cup. Now add the coffee and sugar.  Top with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle cocoa on top. FRENCH COFFEE:  Brew a…

Cinco de Mayo (Fifth of May) commemorates Mexico’s victory over the French army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. This celebration will include a fusion of Mexican and French dishes. I am gonna start off with a Breakfast Tostada. I grew up eating these tostadas. Sometimes this dish would be made into a taco.  The taco has scrambled…