Smoked Tea Rub for Meat

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Smoked Tea Rub for MeatWe’ve already talked about the spectacularly delicious tea, Lapsang Souchong Oolong.  It’s smoky and makes an interesting cup of tea.  But, I like to use the tea for cooking.  It is just the perfect addition to this simple dry rub for meat.  You can use it on other things, but it positively sings on beef…we’re talking a full-fledged aria.  Continue reading

Merry Christmas to All and to All a Great Dinner!

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A Heap of Happy HandsThe 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!

Bitcoin Butter-Almond Bits

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Bitcoin Butter-Almond BitsThese are rich, buttery, crunchy, caramel-y and addictive.  No one, and I mean no one, can eat just one of these.  Bitcoin Bits are candy, but they are cookie-like, too.  It doesn’t matter, because they are addictive, but in a very, very good way.  Continue reading

Cranberry Sauce with Warm, Tropical Flavors

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Cranberry Sauce with Warm, Tropical Flavors‘Tis the time of year, and as you know, The Goddess loves her cranberry sauce.  She loves homemade cranberry sauce.  She loves the stuff in the cans, too.  She’s been pining for cranberry sauce for months, so she began by making a double batch.  Hey, cranberries are only around for a short time, but cranberry sauce can be forever!  Well, almost….  Continue reading

Spicy Mexican Brownies

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Spicy Mexican BrowniesIs there anyone who doesn’t love brownies?  Really.  Is there?  But, now the big question…are you a fudgy-type or cake brownie-type of person?  I’m afraid, I’m both.  But, I definitely lean fudgy!  And these are fudgy, but with a little kick of heat at the back…Nice!  Continue reading

Bourbon Sweet Potatoes with Bacon-Pecan Topping

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Bourbon Sweet Potatoes with Bacon-Pecan ToppingSweet potatoes or yams, I honestly don’t really know the difference.  I know there is a difference.  But, if you mash ’em up with some bourbon, top ’em with bacon and pecans and a good drizzle of maple syrup…well then, I don’t think it matters one bit.  Continue reading

Hot Pepper Jelly (with a Tropical Twist)

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Hot Pepper Jelly (with a Tropical Twist)I always like to have a few jars of Hot Pepper Jelly on hand, particularly during the holiday season.  Hot Pepper Jelly is always an appreciated hostess gift.  It’s so versatile.  I love to have a bit on a cheese tray, perfect with a leg of lamb, or on a grilled cheese sandwich.  It’s a really nice glaze for chicken or pork, too.  Are you getting the impression this is a versatile sauce to have in your pantry?  You would be right…. Continue reading

Salmon-Leek-Meyer Lemon Sauce

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Salmon-Leek-Meyer Lemon SauceSalmon, leeks and lemon are a lovely combination.  I was going to make a cream-based sauce, but that just seemed too rich.  I thought it would “muddy” the clean flavor of the salmon.  This was light, very flavorful and rich enough.  What more could a Goddess want?  Continue reading

Fennel-Apple-Peppers and Onion Sauté

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Fennel-Apple-Peppers and Onion SautéI love fennel.  I love it raw, but when it’s roasted or sautéed…mmm…it’s just superb.  So many times I’ve heard people say they don’t know what to do with fresh fennel.  This is a perfect marriage…fennel and apple.  There’s no fighting here!   Continue reading

Slow-Roasted Salmon with an Orange-Maple Glaze

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Orange-Maple Glazed SalmonSlow-roasting salmon, is simple and allows for more margin of error.  In other words, it’s much harder to overcook salmon (or any fish, for that matter).  But, it really about the texture.  The texture of slow-roasted salmon is silky and unctuous.  It’s sexy salmon!  You’re going to like this.  Continue reading