A Global Twist on a Southern Tradition: Black-Eyed Peas and Greens

Peas for pennies, greens for dollars, and cornbread for gold — An old Southern saying In the Southern United States, eating black-eyed peas, greens, and cornbread on New Year’s Day is said to bring prosperity—luck and wealth—in the new year. There are several legends as to the origin of this custom, but the tradition in the… Read More

Mung Bean Soup

I love one-pot cooking. I’ve embraced it as my go-to technique for those times when I just have no time. When I cook, I’m anything but neat. My husband says when the kitchen looks as if a typhoon has passed through, he knows I’m happy, working on some culinary adventure and something delicious is likely to… Read More

Liberation Soup (Soup Joumou)

Each year Haitian households celebrate their country’s independence on January 1st, the anniversary of Haiti’s Liberation from France, with a traditional soup called soup joumou. During France’s rule of Haiti, the soup was considered a delicacy and forbidden to the slaves. Since Independence in 1804, Haitians have enjoyed this comforting soup as a historical tribute to… Read More

Raw Pumpkin Tart

Pumpkins are often the star of all the hard-shelled squashes. From pumpkin spiced lattes to pumpkin soup to pumpkin bread, recipes for pumpkin abound. And with good reason, pumpkins are not only delicious, but also nutrient dense. Did you know they could be eaten raw? Interestingly, raw pumpkin has a hearty, rich flavor that makes it a… Read More

Walnut and Mushroom “Paté”

Walnut and Mushroom “Paté” Adapted from All Recipes 1 cup walnuts ½ cup minced shallots ¼ cup olive oil, divided 3 cloves garlic, minced ¼ pound shiitake or maitake mushrooms, chopped ¼ pound crimini or portobello mushrooms, chopped ¼ pound chanterelle or oyster mushrooms, chopped ¼ cup chopped fresh Italian parsley 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme ½ teaspoon… Read More

Patricia’s Atelier Chocolat

I love holiday traditions and beautiful customs, especially when they involve handmade holiday gifts made with care and love.  My friend Patricia has a lovely way of celebrating friendship during the holidays. It not only involves good company, but also involves sinfully good desserts, children and chocolate mendiants! Around Christmastime, Patricia invites an intimate group of friends… Read More