30 Wednesday Dec 2020
Posted in Appetizers, Cheese, Gluten Free, Holiday Fare, Make Ahead, Vegetarian
Tags
cheddar, Chives, cream cheese, Greek-style yogurt, parsley flakes, red onion, Worcestershire sauce
At our house, a cheese ball is synonymous with the holiday buffet table. I it’s perfect holiday food…best made ahead, keeps well and is just plain delicious. Have you ever really tasted a bad cheese ball? I haven’t, but this one is stellar. Continue reading
16 Saturday Nov 2019
Posted in Apples, Bread, Gluten Free Option, Holiday Fare, Side Dishes
Tags
apple, Asiago cheese, bacon, Celery, cornbread, cremini mushrooms, dried cranberries, Garlic, herbs, Leeks, Orange
This is a slightly fruity version of cornbread dressing, but with savory flavors dancing around in the back. Cornbread and apple compliment each other, then throw in the bacon and cheese that temper the sweetness and add a lovely savory aspect. Continue reading
01 Tuesday Jan 2019
Posted in Cake, New Year's Eve
Tags
“I don’t think any day is worth living without thinking about what you’re going to eat next at all times.”—Nora Ephron
The late Nora Ephron was known both as a great cook, and for not eating dessert. But, later in her life, she would have lunch with friends and they, at her insistence, ordered multiple desserts, having small, reasonable bites of all of them. Isn’t that a lovely concept? Sharing…and eating!
Mmmmmm…cake! And chocolate cake at that. Isn’t it a delightful way to ring in 2019? Seriously, this is one of the best chocolate cakes I’ve eaten in a long, long time. This lovely cake was baked and decorated by a talented friend and she made it from scratch, too. Oh yes…did I mention she is “almost twelve-years-old”? Isn’t that wonderful? This young woman is a serious baker and should be an inspiration to us all. She reminds us to attempt the things we enjoy, but we perhaps find a bit daunting. To have courage to attempt those daunting things. To challenge ourselves. To look for the good in others. To find joy in simple things.
I think that’s what the New Year is all about. The potential of what may be. Or maybe, what will we make of the opportunities that come our way. And at this time of year, when many of us are thinking about diets, remember to enjoy the good things in life, too. Like cake. Happy New Year!
24 Monday Dec 2018
Posted in Christmas
The Goddess and The Latin Lover are hoping you experience the pure joy of the season and make many happy memories to share through the ages. Happy Holidays to ALL!
15 Thursday Nov 2018
Posted in Dry Rubs/Spice Blends, Gluten Free, Thanksgiving, Turkey
Tags
12 pound turkey, Cajun seasoning, Dijon mustard, fines herbes, garlic granules, herbs, maple syrup, olive oil, onion granules, tarragon
Spatchcock? Or not spatchcock? That is the question. It’s such fun to say “spatchcock”…go ahead, say it over and over. Turns out, it’s a great way to save time cooking your turkey, too. I have done this with a twenty pounder, but today, it’s a smaller twelve pounder. Then, place your different types of seasoning on each quarter for four different flavors, because variety is truly the spice of life! Continue reading
07 Saturday Jul 2018
Posted in apricots, Holiday Fare, Make Ahead, Side Dishes, Sweet Potatoes, Vegetarian
Tags
apricot nectar, apricots, lemon juice, mulling spice, orange juice, parmesan cheese, pecans, Sweet Potatoes
This is particularly delicious with fish, seafood or pork. The thing I like about this, is that even though it’s nice Thanksgiving side dish, it’s wonderful when fresh apricots are in season. It’s quick, easy and totally delicious. Continue reading
24 Saturday Mar 2018
Posted in Baking, Broiling, Casserole, Cheese, Cheese, Gluten Free, Holiday Fare, Sweet Potatoes, Vegetarian
Sweet potatoes are a nice change of pace and they shouldn’t be relegated to being served as just a Thanksgiving side dish. And savory is the way to go, as sweet potatoes are sweet enough…you know, like The Goddess! Continue reading
28 Thursday Dec 2017
Posted in Gluten Free, Holiday Fare, Oysters
Tags
celery hearts, fennel bulb, half and half, heavy cream, oyster liquor, Oysters, Shallots, Spices, Spinach, tarragon, whole milk
Tradition! Tradition! Can you hear the music soaring? Can you see the fiddler on the roof? Well, Oyster Stew was a New Year’s Eve tradition in my home. It was a simple version—butter, finely minced onion, whole milk, heavy cream, oyster and their liquor and heaps of black pepper…any oyster crackers. Simple and simply delicious. Continue reading
27 Wednesday Dec 2017
Posted in Beef, Gluten Free, Holiday Fare, Make Ahead, Roast
Tags
butter, egg yolks, peppercorns, prime rib beef roast, seasonings, tarragon, white wine, white wine vinegar
Everyone should know how and feel comfortable making Prime Rib…It is Perfection! The process for this “perfection”, is what’s referred to as a “reverse sear”. It produces an incredibly delicious slab of meat. We’re talking salivatingly delicious. Continue reading
25 Monday Dec 2017
Posted in Christmas
Tags
The Goddess wants to take a moment (and I do mean just a moment) to wish One and All—Happy Hanukkah, Feliz Navidad, Bon Natal, Joyeux Nöel, Buon Natale, and Merry Christmas! Yes, I know there are a ton more options, both from a linguist and religious standpoint. But, alas the language matters not, it’s the sentiment, the warmth and the joy of the Season, whichever holiday you and yours celebrates, that matters. Let’s join hands around our tables, look across those tables and see the best in each other. We all need to be seen in our best light.
The hands above are those of The Middle Progeny’s family. We welcomed a new addition, a Goddess-in-Training, if you will, this past September. She is spectacular and spectacularly healthy. Without a doubt she is the smartest, cutest baby in the world! She’s loaded with personality. I think her fist says it all, don’t you? And, of course, we are totally unbiased.
So may blessings galore rain down on our home and family. And may you experience untold joy and warmth this holiday season. Now, have that second helping of whatever your heart desires! Happy Holidays!
