Tag Archives: Cooking

Baby, It’s Cold Outside

18 Dec

I know it’s been a while since my last post but this wintry weather sent me into hibernation.  Not to mention, I’ve been eating a diet consisting of ginger bread, sugar, and chocolate chip cookies.  Ok, just kidding about the last part….not really.  On a day like this in Northern Virginia, when the wind is blowing, there is snow on the ground, and the temperature drops below 20 degrees, I want nothing more than a big hot bowl of soup.  However, I would gladly swap with someone who lives in say Tahiti where the breeze is blowing, there is sand on the ground and the temperature drops to a cool 60 degrees.  Any takers? Well, I’ll be waiting for your call, but in the meantime how ‘bout some chicken and dumpling soup?   It’s hearty like chicken noodle, and is almost like the filling of a chicken pot pie.  Perfect for weather like this, because baby, it really is cold outside.

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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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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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