Crab Jalapeno Hushpuppies
I love hushpuppies. I mean, who does not like golden grown, deep fried balls of delicious cornbread? When I was growing up we had them with fried fish and shrimp dinners and they were the item I ate most greedily. These days I make hushpuppies for all sorts of occasions and I have found they make an excellent appetizer, especially if I add a little seafood directly to the batter. These hushpuppies are very rich. Lump crab meat is...
Grilled Shrimp and Cheese Grits
Over the weekend I went to Food Blog South, a celebration of Southern food and Southern bloggers. This first time conference was, overall, a wonderful experience and I highly recommend those interested in the food culture of the South to consider attending their next event. Our lunch during the conference was a favorite of mine – grits! We had three options for topping the grits: green beans, braised pork cheeks, and Gulf...
Jalapeno Cheddar Pigs in Blankets
Ok, sometimes you need things … I am serious when I say need. A few days ago I was discussing pigs in blankets with some friends on the Twitter. It became apparent to me that, despite our love of the finer things, a good old-fashioned pig in a blanket could reduce us to children. Happy, and often naughty, children. (Linda, I’m looking at you!) When a desire strikes, who am I to say no? My little piggies, all natural...
Cream Cheese Pancakes with Smoked Salmon
The end of the year is rapidly approaching, and it is time to plan those New Years Eve parties! This year, like every year, I will spend the evening with my family before returning home to ring in the new year with my husband and dogs. It is our little tradition. My mom serves the traditional NYE line up – cabbage, black eyed peas, and all sorts of yummy nibbles. When we get home I like to have a few more munchies to help...
Chorizo Dip
I find when guests come to visit that a good dip can make the evening. I’m not sure what it is exactly about dip that is so enticing, but I do know that a good dip recipe, or two, can be a life saver. Perhaps it is the communal aspect of dips, the fact that they force interaction, that make them not only a great party nibble but an activity everyone can enjoy! I decided that I needed more warm dips in my life. It goes with...
Boudin and Green Pepper Quiche
Breakfast for a crowd can be something of a nightmare. It is not that I dislike having people over – far from it – but when it is breakfast we are talking about it can get a little tense, especially if eggs are involved. Cooking eggs in a manner that appeals to everyone is a tricky thing. Some like their eggs fried with a soft yolk, others like scrambled eggs so hard they resemble rubber. I have found only one way to...
