Duck and Turnip Stew with Dandelion Greens

Duck and Turnip Stew with Dandelion Greens Garnished with Pickled Okra

Often when we think of Southern Soul food, we think of mac and cheese, fried chicken, collard greens, and potato salad–to name a few dishes. In reality, it’s about the first animal shot in the morning and served in a stew in the evening. Depending on the size, it’s served in various forms within the next few days. Bellies are salted and cured for preservation (Read: Bacon). Bones, such as poultry backs with little meat, are used for broth. Inners are fried to a crisp or simmered in broth. Fat is rendered into lard for baking or frying. Brains are served in rich root vegetable gratin dishes freshly made with butter, cream or buttermilk (that generation wasn’t lactose-intolerant). Generations ago, our grandparents feasted on wild possums, doves, turtles, squirrels, rabbits and deer. As Craig Samuel, co-owner of Peaches Restaurant in Brooklyn, mentioned, “…it’s the food that kept our grandmothers…[and families] alive…” Read more

Rosemary Lamb Chops with sauté Beet Greens, Roast Beets and Artichoke Risotto

Rosemary Lamb Chops with sauté Beet Greens, Roast Beets and Artichoke Risotto

A promise was made to my boyfriend to never cook lamb chops again because of his ethical beliefs against eating red meat. Out of respect, my compromise is eating lamb chops when dining with girlfriends. It’s an expensive dish on most menus, but the price is pretty fair when cooking them at home. Recently, he started working on a major Broadway play. His rehearsals are on Sundays, our sit-down dinnertime. Out of all the promises and compromises we’ve made to each other, his good fortune is being celebrated by breaking the ‘no lamb chop in the house’ rule for my lonely Sunday dinners. Read more

Asian-Inspired Roast Peanut Butter Chicken

Asian-Inspired Roast Peanut Butter ChickenThe inspiration for this recipe comes from Thai chicken skewers served with peanut sauce. Instead of bite-sized chicken chucks on a stick, a whole chicken is roasted in a similar sauce. With peanut butter being rich in oil, the result of this Asian-inspired roast chicken and vegetables is a sweet, savory and juicy flavor. Set aside a small proportion of marinade for use as a dipping sauce, too. In addition, since vegetables are roasted with the chicken, a majority of dinner is done. Serve a crispy Red Cabbage and Snow Pea Salad with an Asian-inspired vinaigrette to complete the meal. Read more

A Super Bowl Menu with Roast Red Pepper Chili Buffalo Wings and Blue Cheese Yogurt Dip

Roast Red Pepper Chili Buffalo Wings marinated in Beer

The commercials, half-time shows and spending time with friends are a few reasons why I like Super Bowl weekends. With the sport’s masculine influence, most menus are quick, gooey, greasy and salty. Here are a few vintage recipes ideas to serve at your Super Bowl party, including a new recipe for Roast Red Pepper Chili Buffalo Wings. Read more

Lamb Chops with Apple Cider Sauce over Couscous with Dried Fruit

Lamb Chops with Apple Cider Sauce over Couscous with Dried Fruit

Lamb Chops with Apple Cider Sauce over Couscous with Dried Fruit

Confession: I used to think red meat and pork was unhealthy. While at a dinner party a few years ago, someone ordered seared lamb chops. They looked irresistible. He sliced into one and offered a taste. How could I resist? I blame the wine for having the courage to say yes. Like a crack addict, each medium-rare chew was a sensuous flavor of high delight. It was unforgettable. Read more