Recipes
Blue Cheese Dip
There ain't nothin' like homemade! I like mine with a little more lemon than most recipes call for. [ Vegetarian, Raw ]
Charleston Grits
A South Carolina Lowcountry classic I first tried at the always wonderful Old Post Office Restaurant in Edisto Beach, South Carolina. [ Vegetarian ]
Country Ham
Slices or a whole ham with red-eye gravy. Warning: Regular "city" ham may forever disappoint you once you've tried the real thing.
Crazy Cake
This is one of Mrs. phrits's favorite go-to recipes. It's not terribly sweet, and it has an almost bread-like texture, so it's very versatile. You can slice and toast it. Or break it up and layer with whipped cream for a trifle. You can frost it, dust it with cinnamon and sugar, or drizzle with caramel sauce. Or serve it under fresh peaches and cream or cherry compote. [Vegetarian, Vegan]Eastern North Carolina Barbecue Sauce
"Barbecue" is a noun, and in my part of the United States, it's a religion. East of here, the sauces are mostly vinegar and pepper, and if it's good pig, why would you need more?Eggs in Bologna Cups
The first cookbook I remember owning or reading, Betty Crocker's Cookbook for Boys and Girls (1975) included a recipe for shirred eggs in bologna cups. I made it a few times when I was a kid. Decades later, when my wife and I blended our families, she introduced a tradition of having a big breakfast on Christmas morning. These have been a favorite part of that meal ever since.Flour Tortillas
Easy to make and far superior to anything you can buy in a grocery store. ¡Muy sabroso!French-Fried Onions
You know those delightful, addictive crunchy onions that come in a can and get used for that gloppy green bean casserole at Thanksgiving? These are immeasurably better. [Vegetarian, Vegan]German Red Cabbage
Sweet and tangy with onions and apples, it's a perfect side, especially with pork. You can make it a day or two ahead of time if you like, or freeze it for months.Guacamole
My version of guacamole. I've found that simply by not mashing the main ingredient, it lasts longer in the refrigerator without turning brown. [Vegetarian, Vegan, Raw]London Broil
Steak for a crowd. Simple and comparatively inexpensive.Microwave Lunch
Just because you're at work with only a microwave oven doesn't mean you can't eat good food.Pernil (Puerto Rican Slow-Roasted Pork)
Tender and succulent, inexpensive, and really easy to make.Popcorn
Stove-popped popcorn is easy and always a big hit, and there is no end to the flavors you can include. You may never buy one of those microwave pouches again. [Vegetarian]Pumpkin Mini-Muffins
There are thousands of variations out there. Here's mine. [Vegetarian]Quickle Pickle and Variations
A tasty break from coleslaw you can customize with your favorite vegetables. No one will even notice or care that it also happens to be fat free. [Vegetarian, Vegan, Raw, Fat Free]Restaurant Style Salsa
This is how the pros do it: Lots of flavor, minimal effort. [Vegetarian, Vegan, Fat Free]Stuffed Shells
A hearty Italian-inspired dish that's easier to make than lasagna. Make extra and freeze the rest for another day.Savory Butternut Squash Soup
A fellow kithen volunteer was disappointed that her Butternut Squash Soup came out sweeter than she'd hoped. Here's a take on a more savory one.[Adaptable to Vegetarian or Vegan]