Covert operations: tortilla dip layers revealed
Layered dip fits in comfortably at casual parties. We shared this variation Friday evening at the Pumpkin Potluck Party. Layered Tortilla Dip Here’s what you’ll need: 12-16 ounces refried beans 1 cup diced tomatoes 1/2 cup chopped onion 1 avocado, diced 1 sweet red pepper, chopped 3 scallions, finely chopped 16 ounces light sour cream […]
Mama’s recipe — roasted pumpkin seeds
This easy process to prepare roasted pumpkin seeds may sound like mama’s recipe. It hasn’t changed much since we hosted our first pumpkin carving party years ago in the California cookery. If you’re gearing up for your own pumpkin party, collect the seeds and roast them while your guests are creating carved masterpieces. Once pumpkin carving […]
Food writing with Monica Bhide
Food writers and food writers in the making: take a break from your recipes and browse Monica Bhide’s site. http://mbhide.typepad.com/my_weblog/ An established food writer and cookbook author who eats locally but cooks globally, Monica is challenging readers to pay it forward. She’ll be giving away a food writing class and a food writing phone consultation. So […]
Bookmark the Foodie BlogRoll
The Foodie BlogRoll continues to roll with inspiration and energy. With a small bow to The Leftover Queen and The Foodie Blogroll, here’s a note of appreciation for this diverse collection of food blogs. Check out the site’s 5 Random Blogs. If you’re looking for ideas, answers, menus and more, this well of foodie resources serves it up on […]
Recipe recycled: pumpkin bread
Feeling festive but tired of Aunt Bea’s old recipe? Try my variation for a sweet fix on pumpkin bread. Candied Pumpkin Bread For an intense pumpkin flavor, use half fresh and half canned pumpkin. 1 ¾ cups all purpose flour 1 ½ cups sugar 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt 2 eggs 1 […]
Temperatures rise over grilling dispute-one hot dish
New town, new tastes, new challenges. That’s part of the fun of moving to Austin and prepping meals together around this cookery. It all started with the bargain purchase of “Cooking from the Hip,” by Cat Cora. I couldn’t resist adding this cookbook to the cookery collection. It was marked down last week to $3.99 at Borders. […]
Mini-Portion Control
Portion control works. Serve goat cheese in mini-portions without breaking the bank or the scales. When the craving hits, lay out goat cheese on pear slices. Dip sliced goat cheese in olive oil. Dust goat cheese slices with bread crumbs and fresh herbs. Bake for 10 minutes at 350 degrees. Serve on sliced pears.
Fall Flavor . . . Pumpkin Torte
Pumpkin bread rings in autumn, but this Pumpkin Torte will tempt you to skip the meal and focus exclusively on dessert. If you love your pumpkin and don’t mind leaving the bread and pie on the shelf, try this pumpkin torte family favorite. 12 whole graham crackers crushed 1/3 cup sugar 1/2 cup margarine 2 eggs, beaten 1 (8oz.) pkg. […]
The Sisterhood of Southern Okra
Years ago, one of my sisters perfected a Southern Okra dish. Prepare this recipe using garden-fresh produce. Sister’s Southern Okra 4 tablespoons canola oil 1 1/2 cups saltine cracker crumbs 3 eggs 1/4 cup lowfat milk 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1/4 teaspoon salt dash of chile powder 2 cups sliced fresh okra (frozen really doesn’t compare) Mix dry ingredients. Set […]
Today’s temptation
While I was sleeping/packing/moving/unpacking/navigating a new city/writing/marketing/cooking/swimming/playing with the kids and weeding the garden, September snuck up on the calendar. I’m just stating the facts. These comments should not be taken as complaints! Back-to-school for the family means it’s time to learn a few new things around the cookery. Why not try something a little […]