Whatever happened to Jell-O? It was once a staple on the kitchen table of most American families, and now it’s spotted about as often as an Elvis sighting. Kids today don’t like Jell-O. But how can you not like Jell-O? One of my favorite – if not my very favorite – desserts was a bowl of Strawberry Jello with homemade boiled custard. My Mama Ida made that for me every time I can to visit or … [Read more...]
Homemade Hot Dog Chili
We had a big gang at our house over Thanksgiving and decided to have a Hot Dog Extravaganza the day after the big meal. The challenge was to see who could eat the most dogs. It ended up in a tie as multiple parties wolfed down three each. To set the stage, I had three varieties – Gourmet Hot Dogs from Omaha Steak, Nathan’s All Beef dogs and some plain old wieners made of who knows what. They … [Read more...]
I’ll Volunteer!
“I’ll volunteer,” said the little tomato plant that had come up on its own. Hmmm! That could be the subject of my next children’s book, but in reality, we now have a volunteer tomato plant living with us in our bedroom, soaking up as much sun as its little vines and roots can gather. The little plant sprouted in Nancy’s above-the-ground garden beds. She saw it as she was pulling up and … [Read more...]
It Was Buttermilk!
My mind was asleep at the wheel last week when I wrote about Air Fryer Chicken. I said the secret to great chicken was to marinate it in one egg and Half & Half. I meant Buttermilk – though the chicken would probably have been good in Half & Half. Some folks soak their chicken in plain milk before frying. But Buttermilk not only adds a wonderful flavor, but it also acts like Velcro to … [Read more...]
Bundle Up and Catch Some Fish
As we ease into December, the cold-water fish are taking center stage. The croakers, spot, cobia, flounder and spadefish have moved out of the bay. Remaining are the rockfish, speckled trout, tautogs, sea bass, bluefish and red drum. December is the peak time for big rockfish as they migrate down the Atlantic Coast and hang a right into the Chesapeake to gorge on baitfish. The best action is … [Read more...]
The Ghosts of Thanksgivings Past
Thanksgivings were always a big occasion for my family. In the earlier years, our family would load up our Pontiac sedan and leave the Wet Virginia mountains en route to Raleigh to spend the holiday with Mama Ida. In December, she came to our house for Christmas, but for Turkey Day, it was North Carolina. Mama Ida always had a huge spread with a big bird and all the sides, and I remember enjoying … [Read more...]
Shepherds and Gnomes
It’s the holiday season and I’m at my usual job – hustling my latest publications. Two years ago, I wrote a small booklet called While Shepherds Watched. It’s a short story about a young shepherd boy who was watching over his sheep when the Angel of the Lord appeared, announcing the birth of the Christ Child. I printed enough to get the price down to $5 each, including a festive red envelope. They … [Read more...]
Air Fryer Fried Chicken
I am coming to rely more and more on my Emeril Agassi Air Fryer. It’s great for toasting bread, heating up meats and veggies, cooking chicken wings and most any chore you can assign. Recently, I saw a recipe for Fried Chicken in an air fryer – perhaps the ultimate test. I was not optimistic, but I bought a half dozen bone-in, skin on chicken thighs, my favorites for real fried chicken, and the air … [Read more...]
Aldi’s Sausage
As most know, I am a huge fan of Aldi’s. Their prices are hands down the lowest anywhere. Even Wal-Mart, and I like their products. One especially. Their sausage from Appleby Farms. I am a sausage lover. I prefer Gunnoe’s over Jimmy Dean, but if it’s sausage, I’ll eat it. One thing I’ve noticed about inexpensive sausage is that it’s full of fat. Fry a half dozen pieces and they float to the top … [Read more...]
