Creole seasoning

I love Louisiana. When we get the chance to visit, we enjoy the food, culture, and spice! The above image is Jack waiting patiently for something tasty to take the bait on Bayou Sauvage just outside of New Orleans. This is an all purpose creole seasoning used to flavor soups, sandwiches, fried critters, etc.. Give…

Roasted butternut squash soup

Unfortunately, there were no butternuts emerging from the garden during this growing season. With all the garden items, I just didn’t make room this year. However, this squash is plentiful and easy to grow. Thankfully, I have access to the farmers markets and a decent selection at the local grocery as well.  This recipe is…

Chicken and Dumplings

I don’t think it would be possible for me to talk about chicken and dumplings without also talking about the Vineyard House. Also, considering that we’re in the Halloween season, I think this will be the appropriate discussion. Growing up in the Sierra foothills I remember family trips to Coloma. Coloma is where gold was…

Cured Salmon

If you’re like me and you love lox, gravlax, smoked and cured salmon, you’ll love this. This is the easiest cured salmon ever! Throw it on a bagel or two, or in some scrambled eggs and you’re good to go.

Cassoulet

Cassoulet, that famous dish from the south of France. Not from the more familiar Provence, Marseille, Nimes part of the country, but more toward the Western portions of Southern France such as Carcassonne, Toulouse, and Narbonne. I am referring to the Languedoc area of France where once lived a peaceful religious order named the Cathars….