AUNTIE HELEN’S TOMATO SOUP I have been visiting with my sister/cousin Helen.  She has prepared a plethora of delicious meals since I’ve been here.  She made an absolutely delicious tomato soup that contained collard greens, kale, and chicken. 1 bunch of collard greens, 1 bunch kale, 1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes with basil, oregano,…

TODAY IS ASH WEDNESDAY, I AM GOING TO START MY MEAL OFF WITH CORN MUSH Corn pudding is an old Native American dish that was shared with the Spaniards and Englishmen.  Historically the dish was stewed ground corn and water along with a thickening agent. Southerners got ahold of this recipe and repurposed it to be a…

FAT TUESDAY CASSEROLE 1/2 cup white onions, diced, 2 garlic cloves, minced, 1 stick salted butter, 1/4 pound ground chicken, 1 1/2 cup basmati rice, 2 (10 3/4 oz.) beef consomme, 1/4 cup English steamable sweet peas. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Get out a large, heavy skillet, add the butter, when the butter…

Cream sauces are an excellent addition to any dish from appetizers to desserts.  This is a dish I teach at my couple’s cooking class.  Here are two (2) of my favorite couple’s cream dreams. ALFREDO SAUCE In a heavy saucepan, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter.  Add 2 minced garlic clove, 2 cups heavy cream, 1/4…

This is one of my favorite salads.  I had this delicious salad about two years ago at an Italian restaurant here in Henderson, Nevada.  This my attempt to copy this simple salad in presentation and taste. TOMATO SALAD 4 firm red heirloom tomatoes, 4 1/2 ounces mozzarella cheese, sliced, 1 cup fresh basil, chop approximately, half…

Mexican street corn dip is a tribute to my hometown of Pacoima.  I grew up listening for the street cart with Mexican Street Corn.  As an adult, I make Mexican Street Corn dip served it with duck tacos, refried pinto beans, and yellow rice. I had a big bowl, it took me to long to…

  AWESOME SPAM FRIED RICE 2 1/2 cups jasmine rice cooked, 2 large eggs, beaten, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 6 ounces Spam, diced, 1/2 cup whole kernel frozen corn, 1/2 cup frozen peas, 1/4 cup frozen green beans,1/4 cup fresh white mushrooms, sliced, 3 tablespoons frozen diced carrots, 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1/2 tablespoon…

I celebrate Valentine Day with or without a mate.  This is a special day when I celebrate the love of life, love of flowers, love of food, love of singing, love of getting dress up, the list goes on and on. On Valentine Day I sit back prop up my feet and watch a love…

I am a foodie to the core.  I went to the $ Store where I found 3-eggplants for a dollar, shredded Parmesan cheese, and a half-pound block or Mazorella cheese. I bake a mean yummy crispy Eggplant Parmesan that I serve as the side dish with grilled salmon, and a grape feta salad.  EGGPLANT PARMESAN 2 large eggplants,…

Loggerhead turtles are named for their large heads that support powerful jaw muscles, allowing them to crush hard-shelled prey like clams and sea urchins. Caouane (pronounced Cow Ann) or Loggerhead Turtle Soup  1 1/2 sticks butter, 1 cup self-rising flour, 4 bay leaves, 3 celery stalks, diced, 4 garlic cloves, peeled and minced, 1/4 cup green bell…

I’M TALKING ABOUT SWEET AND SAVORY 2/3 cup breadcrumbs, 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning salt, 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon ground mace, 1/4 cup grape jelly, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish, 2 garlic cloves, minced, 1 cup yellow onion, chopped, 2 eggs, beaten, 1/4 cup beef bone broth,…

I got a call today from a dear sistah/friend asking for a kidney bean recipe. Dot here ya go, please let me know when you make the beans. RED BEANS AND RICE 1 pound red kidney beans, 1 large smoked ham hocks or 1 pound of smoked turkey tails, 1/2 pound smoked rope sausage, cut…