Archive | November, 2010

Greens: A Southern Tradition

19 Nov

In my family no Thanksgiving would be complete without greens.  Last year, I hosted my first Thanksgiving Dinner and it was also my first year as head chef.  Of course, I was under the watchful eye of my Mamaw, but I did the majority of the prepping, and I’m happy to say I think I’ve finally mastered the art of making greens.  However, I must admit, earlier today I placed a call to my Mamaw just to make sure I was doing it right. After all, she was raised in Rappahannock County Virginia (Vah-ginah, as she says), where you ‘bet not mess up dem greens.

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Easy Macaroni and Cheese

17 Nov

I have to admit for many years I was intimidated to make my Mom’s famous macaroni and cheese.  She made it so well, I didn’t want to mess it up.  Besides, grating tons of cheese by hand, and cooking pounds of elbow macaroni seemed so tedious.  In my house, her dish has become a Thanksgiving staple, and is usually the first to go at all of our family events.  Yes, it is that good.  Finally, when it was my turn to learn how to make my Mom’s legendary mac and cheese, I knew it would be a battle grating all of those special cheeses, and trying to combine all of the ingredients that made it so tasty.  I remember she started listing all of the ingredients and in two seconds, she was done.  Wait, that’s it?!? You mean you don’t add eggs, or flour?  You only use cheddar cheese?  I thought there was a lot more involved.  She laughed and said, “Gotcha!” 

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Apple Foster Cupcakes

12 Nov

July 25, 2010, a day that will forever be engraved in my memory.  The day I ruined a birthday.  Ok, I know it sounds dramatic but it’s true.  Every year, I try to do something special for my boyfriend… Side Note: I read so many blogs with women and men who have such cute little nicknames for their significant other, like Mr. ABC or my love, my sweetheart, my baby, etc.  It brings me back to when my boyfriend and I first started dating and decided to give each other nicknames.  I didn’t want to give him a typical name like pumpkin, muffin, dumpling, or sweetie.  Since everyone else likes to use food as a nickname, I chose Donut.  Yep, that’s right, Donut.  It’s got a ring to it don’t ya think?  Now that we are older I think I’m going to change it to Mr. Donut.  It sounds more sophisticated.

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Tortilla Española

9 Nov

This picture was taken in Parque Güell, (Güell Park) with the beautiful city of Barcelona, Spain, as its backdrop.  I was visiting the city over the summer, and I was fortunate enough to have a guided tour of the park by my cousin Karina.  Not only was it my first time in Barcelona, but it was the first time I’d ever met my cousin.  I did not know what to expect as she spoke no English and I speak Spanglish.  After giving a tour of the park she asked, “Tienes hambre?” (Are you hungry?) After a long, hot day in Barcelona I said, “Claro, que si!” (Of course!)  Then the most amazing thing happened.  Karina said she was going to make an authentic Spanish dinner.  I had to hold my composure, I was too excited to finally get a home cooked meal.

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