22 Jun
Old Dominion Ham Biscuits: Ask any savvy host in the South what the most popular special occasion menu item is and you’ll likely get one answer – the Ham Biscuit. Take notice and you’ll find them everywhere. They’ll show up at tailgating and football parties, on the holiday cocktail circuit, with breakfast, on the brunch buffet, for New Year’s Eve and again on New Year’s Day.
Old Dominion Ham Biscuits, continued…
5 Jun
Bacon and Tomato Cups are always a hit at family events! This is a delicious dish to pass or appetizer, the recipe which I got from my mother-in-law. Every Christmas she makes these, and they are absolutely everyone’s favorite. My mother-in-law has seemed to perfect the Bacon and Tomato Cups recipe over the many years she’s been making it, and even with the high demand, they never seem to run out! She always has some hiding in the fridge or freezer, ready to be heated up and enjoyed on Christmas morning, too!
12 May
Who doesn’t love a good cup of soup? Everyone has a favorite kind, and at only 123 calories per serving, you just might find this Creamy Broccoli and Carrot Soup to be you new favorite. The crunchy pepper relish provides an interesting counterpoint to the creamy broccoli and carrot soup. The relish serves to compliment the curry powder and yogurt in the soup. If you like, try the soup both ways, with and without the relish, I think you’ll find that the relish adds something really special and completes the Creamy Broccoli and Carrot Soup.
I used canned cream of mushroom soup as a shortcut in this recipe. Sometimes, for variety, I use cream of celery soup instead. No matter which type you use, look for brands low in fat and sodium. Don’t let this Creamy Broccoli and Carrot Soup fool you, it is simple to make and tastes really good. All the ingredients are balanced very well, nothing is overpowering. One last tip, if you have a smaller food processor like I do, puree the ingredients in batches and then mix together well.
Creamy Broccoli and Carrot Soup with Pepper Relish, continued…
24 Apr
Many cuisine-related sources carry forward a folklore which describes hummus as one of the oldest known prepared foods with a long history in the Middle East. Its historical origins are not known for sure, but what I know, is that I love hummus. I love hummus in all forms, and want to share my love of hummus with you. Traditional hummus is made from cooked, mashed chickpeas, blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and garlic.
Not only does hummus taste terrific, but its good for you too. Hummus is high in iron and vitamin C, and also has significant amounts of folate and vitamin B6. The chickpeas make it a good source of protein and dietary fiber; the tahini consists mostly of sesame seeds, which are an excellent source of the amino acid methionine, complementing the proteins in the chickpeas. Depending on the recipe, hummus carries varying amounts of monounsaturated fat. Hummus is useful in vegetarian and vegan diets and like other combinations of grains and pulses, when eaten with bread it serves as a complete protein.
The recipe that follows is a little different from the traditional hummus recipes, but is equally as delicious. If you can find tahini, it is preferred over using the sesame seed oil, but incase you have a hard time finding tahini, there is a substitute. Also, make sure you buy light olive oil. I made this using extra virgin olive oil, and it was potent. Still tasted good, but the olive oil was a little too strong. Next time I will definitely use a lighter version. There are many variations of hummus, and I plan to share with you as many as I possibly can. For now, if you are looking for a quick, nice tasting hummus to make for a party or when company comes over, look no further.
10 Apr
Chunky Guacamole, need I say more? Everyone needs a good guac recipe, this is never fail and can be made in just a few minutes. I believe that some things are best kept simple, and this recipe is no exception. Sometimes people can overload their guacamole to extra stuff. I like to taste the avocados, with a bit of heat added in. If your a purest guacamole eater, and believe that it requires cilantro and garlic, I suggest you give this simple Chunky Guacamole a try. You just might find a new love. Serve with fresh baked corn tortillas.
10 Apr
With company over this weekend I’ve had plenty of opportunity to put my recipes to the test. This grilled corn salsa is the prefect mid-day snack to keep everyone happy between meals. Grilled Corn Salsa is similar to texas caviar, except it is sauteed, and does not have beans in it. This is a sweeter salsa, and the grilled corn adds a nice smoky flavor to contrast. I severed it with tortilla chips like a traditional salsa, but it would also be fabulous served along with fish, or even as a relish on burgers. My husband also likes to eat it all by itself as a side dish with meals.
10 Apr
This Texas Caviar recipe came from my mother in law and is a favorite among company. This is a version of salsa that is tasty and filling. It is loaded with fiber and protein, which also makes it balanced. Black-eyed peas, also called cowpeas or crowder peas are a pale-colored dry bean, with a black spot that gives them their name. Black-eyed peas are an excellent source of calcium, vitamin A and folate. They are low in fat and sodium and contain no cholesterol. The grilled corn adds a really nice and subtle smoky flavor to the Texas Caviar. Serve it with baked tortilla chips or pita chips for a low-fat option.
