Recipes and menu ideas: fish with Thai coconut red curry sauce, blackened skipjack tuna, green beans with mushrooms and herbs, shrimp scampi, Southern tomato pie, and pork Milanese. ~~~ Ocean Isle Beach We spent a few days visiting cousins who were vacationing at our regular coastal haunt, Ocean Isle Beach—where I met my honey. Usually …
This corn casserole is great in any season with fresh or frozen corn. Serve alongside Mexican or Tex-Mex dishes. It’s even good for breakfast. Here I am posting a corn recipe in the winter, what’s up with that? I know, I know, but I made this again the other night and it’s so good, I …
Take sweet potato fries, add some pimento cheese and top it all with andouille gravy—that’s southern poutine. ~~~ Last night, as I pinned a recipe for pimento cheese stuffed chicken and yet another recipe for pimento cheese (that makes seven now), I remembered a recipe featuring pimento cheese that I’ve wanted to post here on …
This healthy cole slaw delivers southwestern flavor without the heaviness of mayonnaise. ~~~ If you’re looking for a dish to bring to a 4th of July cook-out this weekend, I’ve got a contender for you—Southwestern Slaw. Even if someone else brings cole slaw to the party, theirs will probably be full of mayonnaise and not …
This chickpea salad features roasted red bell peppers, toasted pita, cucumbers, walnuts, raisins and capers with a spicy, herby, bold dressing. ~~~ Charmoula (or chermoula) is the star of this chickpea salad. According to NPR: “Born in Morocco, chermoula is a blend of spices like coriander and cumin along with fresh chilies, giving it a …
When I made Greek-style pan-fried porgy a few weeks ago, I decided to stick with the Greek theme for one of the sides. On a whim, I googled “Greek potatoes” and found this recipe from Bobby Flay. I ended up sautéing turnip greens with onion and garlic for my other side—nothing Greek about that one. Bobby …
Gnocchi with butternut squash and kale is one of the most delicious dishes I’ve made lately. It’s a quick recipe that will leave you swooning. ~~~ Last Friday night, Jim said those magical words to me. “This is better than a restaurant.” Now, it’s true the guy doesn’t get out much but I’ll take that …
Bring out the best in winter’s harvest with this turnip, sweet potato and greens gratin. A comforting, and slightly decadent, side dish for any old weeknight or a special dinner, like Valentine’s Day. ~~~ I’m not a big fan of turnips. I’ll come around I’m sure, but in the meantime, this gratin really helps. You …
Basil pesto, parsley, garlic and two kinds of cheese make this easy Basil Pesto and Garlic Breadstick Knots recipe absolutely irresistible. ~~~ I’m going “semi-homemade” on y’all today. Even though I recently rediscovered my long lost love of bread baking, let’s be serious, you have to plan and make time for that type of thing. …
A macaroni and cheese recipe with a hidden surprise — cauliflower. ~~~ Thanks to the chameleon of the kitchen, cauliflower, what was once a naughty indulgence – mac and cheese – is now a (sort of) virtuous addition to your menu. Steamed and puréed cauliflower provides a great deal of oomph (and volume) to the …
Grabbing the Gusto 