I HAVE THE SECRET TO MAKING THE BEST SALSA, AND I WANT TO SHARE THAT SECRET RECIPE WITH YOU FRUITY SALSA 2 medium size heirloom 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, 2 minced garlic clove, 2 large avocado peeled…

Light Skinned refers to the color of your pie. Yellow sweet potatoes make a yellow or light skinned pie LIGHT SKINNED My grandson Robert asked me what is the difference between yams and sweet potatoes.  I told him I make sweet potato pies out of yams.  Yams are orange in color and sweet potatoes are yellow.  For…

Growing up we did not have a lot of money; we had a lot of love, friends, relatives, and delicious food. One of those delicious dishes was round steak cooked down in tomato gravy. PACOIMA ROUND STEAK 2 pounds round steak, 1 1/2 tablespoons white vinegar, 3 garlic cloves minced, 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning salt,…

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…

Let’s prepare the ultimate loaded potato bar. Our bar is going to be fun, economical, nutritious and easy to make last but not least our bar will allow your guest to be creative using baked russet and yams. LOADED BAKED POTATO BAR Try to get potatoes around the same size.  Wash the potatoes under lukewarm water using a vegetable brush, poke…

I am declaring today, National Comfort Dessert Food Day. RICE PUDDING 2 cups cooked long grain rice, 2 cups condensed sweetened milk, 1 egg beaten, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 3 tablespoon butter, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1/4 cup toasted coconut flakes, 1/4 cup raisins. In a bowl soak the raisins in the milk for at least 10 minutes….

CHICKEN POT PIE 02 pounds chicken thighs, 1 celery stalk, 1/2 cup white onion, 1 carrot, 2 tablespoons red bell pepper, 1 stick salted butter, 3 tablespoons self-rising flour, 3 cups chicken broth, 1 cup evaporated milk, 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables, 1/4 cup frozen green peas,  1 teaspoon ground thyme, 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley,…

CLASSIC TOMATO GRAVY Tomato gravy is a southern breakfast staple.  Tomato gravy is traditionally served over a split buttermilk biscuits topped with an over medium egg  with crumbled fried bacon 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1/2 cup yellow onions, finely chopped, 1 tablespoon salted butter, 1 tablespoon bacon drippings, 4 large ripe tomatoes, chopped, 1/4 cup…

3 (5 oz.) packages yellow rice, prepared according to the box directions, 2 green onions, chopped, 4 bone-in pork loin chops, 1 1/4 inch thick, 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic, 3 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon shortening, melted. Cook the rice according to the package directions with…

The surprise is how we are going to repurpose our leftovers and love them. It has been cold and raining this week.  Today the sun is out and it’s beautiful outside. It’s a surprise, surprise, surprise day.  Chili Nachos are ready in 10 minutes. LOADED CHILI NACHOS In a microwavable dish layer the following ingredients:  corn tortilla…

Saints Patrick’s Day is March 17th of every year.  St. Patrick’s Day is to honor the patron saint of Ireland.  St. Patrick’s Day is a celebration, a party, a parade, green beer, music, dancing, food, and mass SHEPHERD’S PIE CHEESY POTATOES:  1 1/2 pounds yellow Yukon potatoes, 1/4 cup evaporated milk, 2 tablespoons butter, 3/4…

Lobster meat has a mild sweet flavor.  I think the tail is the best part of the lobster.  To ensure I have the best bisque I only use the tail and claws. LOBSTER BISQUE 2 (4 oz.) lobster tails, 5 lobster claws, crackered, 3 tablespoons self-rising flour, 1 1/2 cup iced water, carrots, peeled and chopped,…