Peace, Love, and Beignets………

I’m sure I’ve mentioned once or twice that I spent the first 12 years of my life in Louisiana.  New Orleans and Baton Rouge to be geographically correct.  I have a great love for all Cajun food, southern food, and generally anything fried with powered sugar on top.   Have you experienced a beignet during your lifetime?  If not, do head on over to Cafe’ Du Monde and order up a box of the beignet mix for yourself.   Beignets are easy to make.  The trick is to know when to take them out of the oil so they are just right, golden brown.

All this snow made me wish for a more southern location on the map, and with thinking about southern locations – I think about Louisiana, my friends and family still living there. My grandparents and how much I miss them every single day. My childhood. My neighbor, Mrs. Spruell, who cooked beignets when I spent the night at their house. All good memories. And, cooking food that brings back those memories makes me happy – even in the middle of all this snow we’ve had in the past two weeks (with the possibility of up to 10 more inches of snow tonight).

Is it spring yet?  Peace, love and BEIGNETS y’all! 

Recipe: Foccacia Bread

Once upon a time, I wouldn’t attempt to make homemade bread of any kind.   Then, I thought about it and realized ‘so what if I ruin a little flour and water.  I can make it until I get it right’.   And, let me tell you – it has been worth it.  From my Mother-in-law’s holiday homemade dinner rolls, cinnamon rolls, to this fabulous Foccacia Bread.  It’s all good!  So, get out our bread bowl and whip up this recipe.  It is so wonderful to serve with flavored olive oils, a big tray of fruit and cheese with a great bottle of wine.  Heck!  That’s dinner at my house. 

Foccacia Bread

1 Tbsp. dry yeast
1 Tbsp. sugar
1 cup warm water (105-115 degrees)
2 ½ cups white flour
1 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. fresh rosemary, chopped
1 Tbsp. canola, olive or peanut oil
nonstick cooking spray
2 Tbsp. butter
course salt
olive oil & herbs 

Place yeast, sugar and water in large bowl or food processor and allow mixture to become bubbly.  Mix in 2 cups of flour and the salt.  Add one tablespoon of the fresh chopped rosemary. 

Knead for about 10 minutes by hand or in food processor about 30 seconds until smooth and elastic.  Add flour if necessary.  Oil a bowl, put dough in it and cover with a towel.  Let dough rise in a warm place for one hour until doubled in size.  Punch down the dough .  Let dough rest about 5 to 10 minutes. 

Spray baking pan (large cast iron skillet) with cooking spray.  Shape the dough into a large round loaf and place in pan.  Melt margarine or butter and brush over the top of the loaf.  Sprinkle remaining 1 tablespoon of rosemary over the loaf and press lightly into the surface.  Let loaf rise again until doubled, about 45 minutes.  Preheat oven to 450 degrees.  Lightly sprinkle course salt over the loaf.  Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until lightly browned.   Serve with olive oil mixed with herbs for dipping.

Y’all Enjoy! 

Recipe: Angel Biscuits

I've loved Bisquick all my life!

This is a really simple, very easy recipe for biscuits. ‘Cuz you know, I’m all about keepin’ the cooking easy, and simple, and delicious, and well dork-proof so I can make it.

Angel Biscuits

4 cups biscuit mix (you know, Bisquick stuff)
8 oz. sour cream
¾ cup Sprite or Club Soda
½ stick margarine , melted in pan

Hint: Oil hands before handling dough.

Mix ingredients and pat into biscuits. Place in melted butter in baking dish and bake at 375 degrees until golden brown.

Y’all Enjoy!