If I didn't have nine children and a packed homeschooling schedule, I'd probably visit a coffee shop every day. There I would sit, for an hour or so, reading recipe books, Far Side cartoons, and H.G. Wells. The next best thing, I suppose, is to enjoy a cup of coffee while blogging at home. And it's really nice when you don't have to turn on a coffee maker or get out the French press. In the past, the single-serve answer was instant coffee granules, but I don't think much needs to be said here Continue Reading
Holiday Side Dish: Broccoli, Cranberry & Nut Salad
How about something a little bit different for a Christmas or New Year side dish? This pretty salad is easy to make, and easy to customize to your tastes and to the season. My friend brought this salad over when our newborn arrived, and it quickly became a favorite. It's easy to adapt with your preferred ingredients. Add more veggies, or substitute dried cherries for a little more sweetness. Use sunflower seeds instead of toasted walnuts for shorter prep time. First, cut up fresh broccoli. Continue Reading
How to Safely Cook Kidney Beans (They Can Be Toxic)
I don't use kidney beans that much in cooking. When making red beans and rice, one of our favorite Southern dishes, I always use red beans, not kidneys. The same goes for chili. We also like pintos, northern beans and black beans. But after visiting relatives in Louisiana, my mother-in-law brought back a little Southern treasure for me: a bag of dried Camellia kidney beans from New Orleans. The excellent flavor and creamy texture are such that many Southern families won't use anything but Continue Reading
No Fail Southern Biscuit Recipe
My mother-in-law calls these her "No Fail Biscuits," and for us - they really are. It takes about 5 minutes to mix them up and 10 to cook. Best of all, there are only TWO ingredients. Here's how! Preheat the oven to 450. You'll need 1.5 cups of good quality self-rising flour (I like King Arthur) and 3/4 cup of heavy cream or whipping cream. Mix the ingredients together in a bowl until you get a kind of sticky dough that holds together in a ball. Adding 1/4 tsp. of salt is Continue Reading
Ground Beef Substitutes That Save You Money
Ground beef is the first meat we think of when preparing things like tacos and chili, but you've probably noticed that beef prices are higher these days. We have 8 children in our family and are always looking for ways to save money, and that means substituting other ingredients. But you don't have to sacrifice flavor! Chili: Instead of ground beef, try bulk sausage (whatever is on sale). Pork adds a more savory flavor and pairs well with all the ingredients that you would normally use in Continue Reading