Tag Archives: corn

Spicy Polenta Tarts with Okra and Sweet Corn

Posted on by January 23, 2015

These Spicy Polenta Tarts with Okra and Sweet Corn were inspired by a recipe I saw online. It’s funny how some of these pinterest recipes work (p.s. Are you following me on pinterest? You should be), you keep tracing them back and tracing them back to their original incarnation, only to find that they were inspired by another earlier recipe, and now mine is part of the chain. Often, (for me anyway) pinterest recipes are filed away, never to be thought of again. But these Spicy Polenta Tarts with Okra and Sweet Corn were so appealing, and I’d been looking for something unexpected, but Southern inspired, so they made it to the top of my “try it out” list (I’m so glad they did). Not only were they beautiful, but they featured a new okra application that was a fun surprise for guests and as a side the tarts were a welcome departure from the traditional mashed potatoes and biscuits. Since I served my fried chicken on the good linens with the new French wine glasses, fresh peonies, and a gorgeous Summery rosé wine, a more elegant side was in order. My Updated Southern Supper proved the perfect occasion for … Continue reading →

Portabella Poblano Tacos

Posted on by October 27, 2014

I love these easy, quick, healthy, Portabella Poblano Tacos; they’re great for a weeknight meal. They’re flavorful and satisfying and are easy to make at high quality regardless of the season. Because of how beautifully the Portabella Poblano Tacos present, they’re great for guests, too. If you’ve never made them before, I challenge you to take this as an excuse to work on those tortilla making skills. Tortillas are surprisingly easy to make, and the homemade ones bring this dish to the next level. Another versatile element of this dish is that by changing up the peppers, you can change the spice level with ease. If you prefer mild, you may wish to use bell peppers instead of poblanos, or go half and half. The poblanos aren’t super hot, but they definitely have a little kick. Like things really hot? Add is some jalapeño as well. I’ve included amchur powder as an ingredient in these Portabella Poblano Tacos. Amchur powder is really cool and totally worth tracking down in an Indian grocery store or online. Amchur powder is dried mango powder and while lemon juice substitutes well, this is a great spice to have on hand. It adds a great depth … Continue reading →

Chili Cheese Cornbread

Posted on by April 24, 2014

Chili demands cornbread and while it is always delicious, a simple tip and some extra ingredients will make yours stand out. Preheating not just the oven, but the skillet too, creates the excellent crust the best corn breads have. This works for muffin tins as well. ½ cup butter or margarine—softened (can use a little less) ⅓ cup sugar 4 eggs 8 oz canned diced green chilies 1 cup canned corn or corn salsa (I buy a jar and split it in the chili and the corn bread) ½  cup cheddar cheese–shredded ½  cup queso fresco crumbled 1 cup flour 1 cup yellow cornmeal 2 tablespoons baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt Pre heat oven to 325°. Blend the butter and sugar until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time mixing well before adding the next one. Add the remainder of ingredients and mix well. Grease a greased 10″ skillet and heat in the oven for 10 minutes. Pour the mixture into the hot skillet. This created that good crust a cornbread should have. Bake for 35-45 minutes or till firm in the center. Serve hot and with the chili. … Continue reading →