Dcooler weather is coming. How about a couple of cream soups this week? 2 1/2 ounces dried wild mushrooms 1 1/2 pounds mixed fresh mushrooms 4 tablespoons butter, or as needed, divided 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 cup chopped onion 1/4 cup chopped garlic 1/4 cup red wine or port 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 teaspoon dried thyme Pinch of cayenne Salt and pepper to taste 5 cups beef stock 1 cup half & half 2 lrge egg yolks Put the dried mushrooms in a small heatproof bowl and cover

Galatoire’s is my favorite French Quarter restaurant. The food is traditional and classic. I have never had a bad meal there. But what they do on two special days of the year, makes you realize that Galatoire’s is more than just great food. Friday lunch are always very busy. For two special Fridays, the one before Christmas and Mardi Gras, they auction off the tables. This money is distributed to various local charities. There are many ways that the food industry gives back.

Walk down the grocery isle and look at the options for boxed potatoes. Do yourself a favor, bypass these and make your own. The taste is 1000 times better. 1 stick butter, in all 4 cups thinly sliced leeks, white and green parts only 6 garlic cloves, minced Kosher salt to taste 1 pound mixed mushrooms, coarsely chopped Pinch of cayenne pepper 1 generous teaspoon dried thyme leaves, crushed 2 cups chicken stock, in all 1 3/4 cups half & half 3 1/2 pounds waxy potatoes, peeled,

This week, I want to share a couple of recipes from years past. Let's start with a predecessor to spinach dip. 4 tablespoons butter 1 cup finely chopped onion 2 tablespoons flour 1/2 cup heavy cream 1/2 cup chicken stock 6 ounces pepper Jack cheese, cubed 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 3/4 teaspoon celery salt 3/4 teaspoon granulated garlic 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2teaspoon thyme 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg Creole seasoning to taste 20 ounces f

I am a hands on cook. I like to stand in front of my stove and add ingredients throughout the cooking process. As someone who works from...

One of my favorite way to eat potatoes are roasted. Here's a recipe using sweet potatoes. 7 cups 1-inch-cubed peeled sweet potatoes (...

With the holidays coming up, let's look at a couple of side dishes using sweet potatoes. Today, we will start with a salad. 1 1/2 pounds...

The biggest football game of the year is upon us. It’s time to plan your menu. Whether you watch because of the game, the halftime show,...

Here's an oldie but a goodie. It was popular in the 1980's. 2 cups sugar 1 cup shortening 4 eggs 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt...

This week, I want to feature some iconic cakes. Let's start with on from the 50's. 3 cups sifted cake or all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon...

If I had to choose between chocolate or caramel sauce on desserts, I will almost always choose the flavor of caramel. Caramel is a simply...

There are two schools of cornbread, sweet and non-sweet. This one falls into the second group. 6 tablespoons bacon drippings, divided 2...

This week, I want to share a couple of breads to complete your meals. 1 teaspoon canola oil 12 ounces andouille sausage, diced 1 1/2 cups...

I find that vegetables are often warmed up and served. That may be why people shy away from them. They should be treated like other...

Here's a slow cooker take on barbecue sauce. 3 tablespoons canola oil 2 large red onions, chopped 1 bell pepper, chopped 2 jalapeños,...

Let's continue with some sauces that are made in the crock pot. 3 pounds ripe tomatoes 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 large onion, chopped 5...

Do you have a go to spice? After the Trinity (onions, bell peppers & celery) and garlic, basil is usually the next thing that I grab....

Here's a great sauce for poutry or beef. Canola oil 1 cup all-purpose flour 2 1/2 quarts beef stock 2 large onions, chopped 5 garlic...

This week, I want to share a couple of sauces that are made in a crock pot. The first is a Cajun Velouté Sauce. 2 sticks butter 1 cup...

It’s Carnival time! It’s the time of year when the New Orleans delicacy makes its appearance, the King Cake. As I usually share different...