Orange, Pomegranate, and Almond Salad with Orange Pomegranate Vinaigrette
Bring on the freshness with this salad that will liven the depths of winter. This Orange, Pomegranate, and Almond salad appeals to the eyes with vibrant orange and deep red colors along with the brightness and lightness that we crave in the midst of heavy winter dishes
Jalapeno, Ham, and Cheese Rolls
These little bites of delight jazz up the humble sandwich yet are simple to pack and easy to make. It’s bold, a bit spicy, and a little sweet. With no crumbs or drips, it makes for a perfect road trip or party food.
Potato Balls
These little balls of delight are crunchy on the outside and cloud-like fluff on the inside.
Red Bean Gumbo
Red bean gumbo brings the comfort of “Monday beans” but makes it special with the added complexity of roux and eggs.
Orange Braised and Glazed Butternut Squash
Not only does the Orange Braised and Glazed Butternut Squash have some of the bright elements of orange zest, but it also has a comforting complexity of caramelizing the natural sugars of the squash and orange juice which is enhanced with nutmeg.
Brown Butter and Garlic Cauliflower Soup
This soup has flavor for days with warm notes of brown butter and earthy tones of fried garlic and pecans that is tied together with the brightness of balsamic vinegar and pomegranate seeds.
Stuffed Acorn Squash with Sausage and Apples
It’s savory with the meatiness of pork and mushrooms yet the sweetness of apples compliments the pepper. The sausage has crunchy bits that round out the custardy sweet squash flesh.
Spiced Pear and Ricotta Salad
This salad has it all – the sweetness of fried pears are balanced by bitter and spicy greens and mellowed by creamy ricotta. The deep flavors are brightened by a fall spiced vinaigrette, and wrapped up in the crunch of roasted sunflower seeds.
Muffuletta
It’s meaty, it’s cheesy, it’s briny, and oh so good! Muffulettas (muff-a-lottas) are an Italian American sandwich invented in New Orleans by Sicilian immigrants. It boasts layers of salami, ham, cheese, and olive salad on a round Italian loaf topped with sesame seeds and happens to be my favorite childhood sandwich.
Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion Salad
A salad can’t get much more refreshing or more summery than tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions topped with olive oil and vinegar. It’s flashy and classy. It belongs equally at a potluck picnic or on a fine dinner table.
Fish with Mango Salsa
It’s fresh, light, decadent, and special. It’s summer sunshine on a plate and no one can imagine how something so simple is so delicious. No one would ever imagine it’s so simple.
Smothered Summer Squash
Smothered summer squash is a versatile side dish that plays well with almost anything. Pair it with grilled or baked meats, fish, or stews. The squash flavors are deep and sweet and will have you coming back for more.
Fish Courtbouillon
It’s spicy and soul-warming yet light with fish and bright with lemon juice. Fish courtbouillon is a Cajun dish that is often not found in restaurants and mostly unknown to people outside of South Louisiana.
Roasted Butternut Squash and Peanut Salad
This salad has almost everything I love in food, the deep notes of caramel in the squash, the brightness of fresh herbs, the grounding peanuts, and the fruity tanginess of pomegranate molasses.
Dandelion Fritters
The cornmeal gives the most delightful crunch while the petals give you a nice chew. If you’re hesitant to try them, please do, they’re delicious. The fritters remind me of fried fish but with the most delicate of herb flavors.
Grits and Grillades
Grits and Grillades are the classiest and most comforting of all brunch dishes in New Orleans. It’s pieces of beef cooked in the most flavorful and complex of gravies. While tomato sauce takes the back seat, it creates depth of flavor and cloves gives it the unexpected hint of sweet and bitter that warms the soul on the greyest of winter days.
Yorkshire Christmas Pye
Nothing like spending Christmas with George Washington. Yorkshire Christmas Pye is a savory delight that warms the soul.
Chicken and Andouille Gumbo
Gumbo is one of the only foods I can think of that equally belongs at a fine dining restaurant, school cafeteria, hunting camp, tailgate party, Christmas parties, concession stands, and weeknight meals. Perhaps gumbo fits so many occasions because of its ease of cooking, forgiving nature, bold flavor, and soul-warming capabilities.
Beet and Burrata Salad with Grapefruit Vinaigrette
It’s fabulously fresh with a citrusy vinaigrette. It’s sassy with crunchy broiled grapefruit that brings tartness but sweet with yellow beets to cut the sour. Burrata brings a creaminess to the salad, yet remains light, and pistachios compliment all of the components.
Pomegranate and Cranberry Salad with Spiced Orange Vinaigrette
It’s light and feisty with spicy greens, mandarins, pomegranate, cranberries, and pecans. The salad is perfect to pair with a rich holiday meal or to use leftover Thanksgiving ingredients to create a filling salad. The beauty of this salad is almost anything goes and the point is to have a delicious dish while cleaning out your fridge.