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CREOLE CAJUN CHEF
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Use whole chicken in kitchen
There are many different ways to buy chicken in the store. The most economical way is to buy the whole bird. There are so many different...

Tommy Centola
Feb 11, 20243 min read


Sweet Tea Oven-Fried Chicken
Sweet tea is a staple drink in the South. But why just drink it? In this recipe, it's the base for the brine for the chicken. 1 gallon...

Tommy Centola
Feb 8, 20242 min read


Roasted Citrus Chicken with Creole Mustard Sauce
This cold weather is for the birds. With that in mind, how about a couple of yardbird recipes? 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs ( about 1...

Tommy Centola
Feb 5, 20242 min read


Time to get the grills back out
It’s time to dust off the grills. Instead of loading it down with different cuts of meat, how about we take a vegetarian view? Lots of...

Tommy Centola
Feb 4, 20243 min read


Chicken and Tasso Gumbo
Often you see chicken and andouille paired together. Here's a twist by switching the andouille for tasso. 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1...

Tommy Centola
Feb 1, 20241 min read


Spicy Beef Gumbo
As cold as it has been, I know that gumbos have been gracing home kitchens. This week, I am featuring two non-seafood gumbos. 2 1/2...

Tommy Centola
Jan 29, 20241 min read


Dessert completes meal
To me, a dinner without dessert seems incomplete. Even if it’s just a cookie or a piece of fruit, these last few bites can leave you...

Tommy Centola
Jan 28, 20243 min read


Bacon Brown Rice
Does bacon make everything taste better? Try this recipe and see if it elevates rice. 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped 1 1/2 cups brown...

Tommy Centola
Jan 25, 20241 min read


Lemon-Purple Rice
How about a couple of ways to jazz up your rice this week? These are great as a side with any dish. 1 3/4 cups water 2 teaspoons lemon...

Tommy Centola
Jan 22, 20241 min read


Use duck meat in kitchen
Duck season ended in Arkansas at the end of January. If you were fortunate enough to bag a few, your a lucky person. If you’re like me,...

Tommy Centola
Jan 21, 20243 min read


Rockefeller-Stuffed Shrimp
Here's a big twist on Oysters Rockefeller. You can make this recipe either as an appetizer or entrée. Just use more shrimp per plate. 2...

Tommy Centola
Jan 18, 20242 min read


Angels on Horseback Crostini
I am staying with appetizers this week. The first one is perfect right now, since oysters are at their peak. 6 slices bacon 1 tablespoon...

Tommy Centola
Jan 15, 20241 min read


Bananas can elevate dishes
Bananas are America’s favorite fruit. Scientist say it’s a berry, but that’s one argument I’m not getting into. What I care about is how...

Tommy Centola
Jan 14, 20243 min read


Cracklin' Deviled Eggs
Here's a new twist on stuffed eggs. The addition of cracklin' adds texture to the dish. 8 large hard-cooked eggs, peeled and halved...

Tommy Centola
Jan 11, 20241 min read


Homemade Cracklin'
Here's another set of recipes which the first one is part of the second one. Of course, you could buy cracklin' at the store, but that's...

Tommy Centola
Jan 8, 20241 min read


Three kinds of pasta salad
If you are like me, you are ready for family cookouts and gatherings. As the weather keeps getting warmer, more people head to the...

Tommy Centola
Jan 7, 20243 min read


Blackened Chicken with Herb-Pecan Rice
Here's the second part of this dish. 1/4 cup of your favorite blackening seasoning 4 large boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 1 1/2...

Tommy Centola
Jan 4, 20241 min read


Herb-Pecan Rice
This week, I am sharing an entree and side. Here's the recipe for the rice 2 cups water 1 cup popcorn rice 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2...

Tommy Centola
Jan 1, 20241 min read


Marinade before grilling to lock in flavor
Grilling season is almost here. Actually for some, it’s always grilling season. If you are like me, you are always looking for ways to...

Tommy Centola
Dec 31, 20233 min read


Creole Butter Glazed Crab Fingers
One of my most favorite appetizers is crab fingers. The ony problem is that here in Arkansas, you can only find the fired. Here's a...

Tommy Centola
Dec 28, 20231 min read
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