Aunt Gay’s Stuffed Cabbage

Boiled cabbage and black-eyed peas are traditionally served on New Year’s Day in the South for luck and prosperity. My dear Cajun neighbor always fixed these dishes for us. To honor her memory, I’m cooking cabbage. But this year I’m preparing Aunt Gay’s Stuffed Cabbage. It is a traditional recipe for the new year.Gays Stuffed Cabbage - IMG_2709 Continue reading

Louisiana Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie

Pecan Pie is a traditional Southern dessert especially popular in the fall and winter when the pecan crop is picked. The pie is very rich and a bit high on the calories. But it is delicious. Once a year–I’m making the pie!  I brought it to our Thanksgiving family dinner; everyone loved it. Here is a recipe from my old file box for a variation on pecan pie which contains chocolate chips. Darck Chocolate Pecan Pie Variation - 1 - IMG_6125_1R

Continue reading

Homemade Pimento Cheese Spread

I had never considered making Pimento Cheese Spread from scratch until my mother-in-law prepared some a year or so ago. The spread was delicious; much better than anything store bought. It was mild with just enough pimento flavor and bite. With the holidays here, I remembered the spread as a colorful recipe to serve with vegetables and crackers at a buffet–something healthy. However, the recipe became misplaced and no one seemed to have a copy.Pimento Cheese Spread - 4 - IMG_2942

Continue reading

California Banana Zucchini Bread

Homemade gifts for the holidays are special. I appreciate the time and thought that goes into making something unique. Here’s a recipe for a dessert bread from my relatives in California which is moist and flavorful. It uses fresh zucchini from their garden, as well as bananas, dates and nuts. It is a good recipe to make in small loaves for gifts and some extra for the family, too!California Banana Zucchini Bread - 2 - 20151126_090535 (3)

Continue reading

Southern Mustard Greens and Smoked Turkey

Fresh mustard greens are nutritious, tender, flavorful and easy to prepare. Of all the greens available in a market, I prefer mustard greens the most. This recipe is a true Southern recipe; the smoked turkey gives a full flavor and southern flair. The recipe comes from my brother-in-law, Larry, and he supplied a detailed journey into making the dish. So, follow along as we prepare it.Mustard Greens and Smoked Turkey - IMG_5447_1

Continue reading