As we age we all become afraid of the dreaded word ALZHEIMER, The biggest question is how do we keep our brains sharp.  Here are a couple of ways you can do that: Minimize trans-fat. This can be achieved by not frying your food. Minimize saturated fat intake.  Fatty meats and full-fat dairy products contain…

BLACKENED HALIBUT Blackened Seasoning: 1 1/2 tablespoons smoked paprika, 1 1/4 tablespoons ground cumin, 1 1/2 tablespoon granulated garlic, 2 teaspoons onion powder, 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 1/4 teaspoons black pepper, 1 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 1/4 teaspoons cayenne pepper, 2 tablespoons creole seasoning salt, my secret ingredient is 1 teaspoon dry…

BOUDIN (pronounced boo-dan) Boudin is a king dish. Boudin is the perfect dish that is served for breakfast, brunch, dinner, supper, and grab and go snacks! 1 pound boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, ¼ pound pork liver, cut into 1-inch cubes, 1 jalapeno, leave in the seeds and chop, 2 celery stalks, chopped, 2…

Every day I look forward to a new experience. Cooking allows me to potentially learn something new every day.  For example, today I am going to prepare Shrimp Creole for dinner, I am going to replace Worcestershire Sauce with fish sauce; let’s see how that taste.  Try something new and different every day. Share with…

My granddaughter Roo called me this morning, she asked for my macaroni and cheese recipe. Roo is my firstborn granddaughter.  My Dad gave her the nickname Roo.  She was the sweetest little girl, that was always dancing and looking for trouble to get into that’s how she got her name MACARONI AND CHEESE 1 (1…

Football season is on and popping, let’s get ready for the next game. As you already know, I have picked the Kansas City Chiefs to win it all. Kansas City is noted for BBQ, coleslaw, baked beans and a host of other southern dishes.  Today I am serving a Kansas City Chiefs omelet for breakfast. SWEET…

WHAT ARE YOU SERVING WHEN YOU WATCH THE GAMES TODAY?  I’M SERVING EASY, PEASY, DELICIOUS CHEESE BALLS When I say easy, peasy and delicious, I mean just that.  I am serving sharp cheddar and goat cheese balls accompanied by toasted baguette, almonds, slices of green apples, dried apricots,  salami, sauteed shrimp, and chilled pink champagne. CHEESE BALL 2 (8 oz.)…

MY SISTERS ( left to right me, Pat, LaLa standing behind us Tiny) My paternal roots are from the savannahs and jungles of West Africa.  We came to America on wooden ships and chains.  To be sure, there was no Ellis Island welcoming committee we were greeted by a slave auction.  Hodges DNA can be…

  EYE ROUND OF BEEF FOR MY BEEF WELLINGTON According to Foods of England, the name Beef Wellington came from its form or shape which resembles the Wellington boot.  Beef Wellington originated in central Africa.  I have also heard that the dish was named after the 1st Duke of Wellington, Arthur Wellesley who conquered the Napoleon army…

Potato Suzette is a very old recipe, for all intent and purposes a Potato Suzette is a twice-baked potato.    I have tried to google the basic recipe from a historical perspective to no avail. POTATO SUZETTE 6 large russett potatoes, 1 cup heavy whipping cream, hot, 1/2 stick butter, melted, 6 eggs, 6 tablespoons…

It’s football season, and this is a great dish to serve and snack on while you watch the games. PARTY BALLS 3 cups baking mix, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 pound grated sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 pound hot breakfast sausage, 1/2 pound spicy Italian sausage, casing removed, 1 chopped celery stalk, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 1/4 cup…

Aunt Sweet Aunt Sweet is my maternal great aunt, my grandmother Ola’s sister Rachel.  When I lived in Sledge, Mississippishe would frequently come to visit and make all kinds of baked goodies.  The most remarkable feat is she would cook delicious cakes and pies in a wood stove.  This is not her recipe, but, whenever…