Sunday, November 14, 2010
HOW TO MAKE THE MOST DELICIOUSLY MOIST, SO-SOUTHERN CORNBREAD
Simple Cornbread
Makes 8 servings
Prep: 5 min., Bake: 30 min.
Be sure to grease your cast iron skillet with a little shortening to keep the cornbread from sticking if it's on the newer side.
1/4 cup butter
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup whole buttermilk
2 large eggs
11/2 cups self-rising white cornmeal mix
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Heat butter in an 8-inch cast iron skillet in oven 5 minutes or until melted.
Whisk together sour cream, buttermilk, and eggs until well blended; whisk in cornmeal mix, then whisk in melted butter. Pour batter into hot skillet.
Bake at 400 degrees for 25 to 27 minutes or until done. Serve with butter.
Enjoy.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
LET YOUR KITCHEN BE "A GREAT LITTLE SEAFOOD PLACE" THIS WEEKEND
Delicious by themselves, dunked in a fabulous sauce, or piled high on buttery, toasted French bread with all of the Po' Boy fixin's (just remove the tails), you can't go wrong with this tailgate or anytime treat.
Meet Scott and Timmy: http://www.southernliving.com/travel/south-central/meet-timmy-cheramie-video-00400000035864/
The Goods...as in yum
Bayou Fried Shrimp: http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=10000001806891
Two Die-For Dipping Sauces
Spicy Cocktail Sauce: http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=10000001821014
Remoulade Sauce: http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=10000001821013
Photo and recipes courtesy of myrecipes and Southern Living.
Enjoy.
Friday, October 15, 2010
COAT CHECK: 3 STYLES WORTH SPORTING ON GAME DAY
Now, hurry up-- I'm sure sizes will go quickly!
Saturday, October 9, 2010
CREATE FANFARE WITH THIS EASY TAILGATE FAVORITE: HOT SPINACH-ARTICHOKE DIP
WARNING*****WARNING*****WARNING*****WARNING
Once you serve this delicious dip, you'll be expected to bring it to every get together moving forward. O-M-Gosh... I promise, it's that good.
What sets it apart from its counterparts? No artificial flavors here. Fresh lemon adds zing complimenting the spinach, artichokes, and Parmesan cheese. Pepper jack adds just the right amount of zip and body. The extra step of grating the cheese is well worth the effort providing a more smooth and pleasing texture. Light sour cream cuts the fat and helps provide just the right amount of creaminess when heated with the other ingredients.
Seriously. I don't mean to take this dip so seriously, but I encourage you to give it a try.
A FEW TIPS:
Use a microplane grater to grate the Parmesan cheese. It will have a feathery light texture, so be sure to pack it in the cup to ensure an accurate measurement.
The size of green onions can vary, if they're on the larger side simply reduce from 4 to 2.
Smaller artichokes will be more tender. If you can't find the medium ones then size down rather than up. I prefer the Cento brand.
Green Giant makes a 9-oz. package of frozen chopped spinach. Thaw the spinach in the refrigerator overnight and drain well. I wrap the spinach in triple-ply paper towels and ring out the excess water. If the spinach looks rather stringy, run your knife through it several times to chop a tad more.
Hot Spinach-Artichoke Dip
Makes 10 servings
Prep: 15 min., Bake: 30 min.
Game Plan: Ideal for tailgating at home. Prepare up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Bake an additional 10 minutes or until center is hot and edges are bubbly.
1 cup light sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
4 green onions, sliced
3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 garlic clove, pressed
1 1/4 cups shredded pepper jack cheese, divided
1 (9-oz.) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained
1 (14-oz.) can medium artichoke hearts, chopped
Freshly ground pepper to taste
Corn chips
Stir together first 6 ingredients and 1 cup pepper jack cheese. Fold in spinach and artichokes. Spoon into a lightly greased 1 quart casserole dish. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup pepper jack cheese.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until center is hot and edges are bubbly. Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper and serve with corn chips.
The Extra Point: Portion into several smaller ovenproof dishes or ramekins and bake a few at a time to keep food fresh throughout the party. For a fancier affair, spread on toasted baguette slices and bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes or until bubbly for an easy crostini. Great with crackers, tortilla chips, and bread sticks too.
Give it a try and let me know what you think.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
GAIN KITCHEN CONFIDENCE BY BREAKING A FEW RULES WITH THESE 3 QUICK AND EASY TAILGATE DIPS
Relax. Cooking should be fun. So if you don't think you have time to prepare that nibble you've been meaning to try just because you don't have a specific piece of equipment to do "such and such" or "the recipe says to ____, and I don't know how to do that." Well, let me show you how to take those deal breakers and turn them into your new--most requested-- signature pot luck superstars.
Chow.
Monday, October 4, 2010
FORGET ABOUT IT... EASY ROAST BEEF YIELDS MANY QUICK MEALTIME SOLUTIONS
We do all sorts of things with it:
- Slice thinly for sandwiches. At about $4.39 per pound, it's much more economical than deli meat and it tastes better too. Horseradish sauce, spicy brown mustard, or blue cheese dressing make delicious spread options. Great on dinner rolls, French bread, or ciabatta with Cheddar, Swiss, or provolone cheese slices. Try it hot or cold.
- Add to torn Romaine lettuce, blue cheese, toasted pecans, sliced green onion, and grape tomatoes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, squeeze with half of a lemon, and drizzle with homemade Ranch dressing just before tossing for an easy weeknight meal.
- Saute sliced green bell peppers and onions and serve in warm corn tortillas with salsa and guacamole for faux fajitas.
- Serve Marrow-style with Beef Oven Rice and a green vegetable. No frills here, just simple and good the way he likes it.
So-Easy Oven Roast
Makes 4 to 6 servings
Prep: 5 min., Bake: 12 min., Stand: 2 hrs., 20 min.
Prepare roast the day before serving so you don't experience oven overload.
1 (2 1/2 lb.) eye of round roast
Creole seasoning
1 tsp. dried thyme
Let roast stand at room temperature 20 minutes. Coat all sides of roast with with Creole seasoning. Press in thyme. Place on a rack in a roasting pan (I actually use my grill skillet.)
Bake at 500 degrees for 12 minutes (Add 3 minutes for a 3 lb. roast.). Turn off oven and do not open oven door for 2 hours. Remove from oven, slice super thin, and serve or use as desired.
Beef Oven Rice
Makes 4 to 6 servings
Prep: 5 min., Bake 45 min.
3 Tbsp. butter
1 cup long grain rice
1 (14.5) can beef broth
1 cup water
Salt and pepper
Melt butter over medium heat in an oven proof saucepan. Add rice and cook, stirring occasionally, 4 minutes or until fragrant. Stir in broth, water, and desired amount of salt and pepper-- a hefty pinch will do. Bring to a boil and pop in the oven.
Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. (Rice will form a crust over surface.) Serve with roast.
Tip: Spray meat with Pam when you remove from oven for a glossy, appealing look.
The green vegetable? Here are a few suggestions courtesy of myrecipes.com and Southern Living:
Green Beans with Shallots and Red Pepper:
http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1589364
Sauteed Garlic Spinach:
http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1831969
Cheddar-Pecan Green Bean Casserole:
http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1851579
Chow.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
NO, I'M NOT AN ALABAMA CHEERLEADER, BUT I PLAY ONE ON TV
Speaking of Thanksgiving, our family's fondest memory is when my aunt didn't offer any gravy for the roast beast. The oversight seemed so scandalous at the time... or at least for a gaggle of elementary school aged kids. My cousin couldn't get past it and it consumed the kid's table conversation not just that day, but every Thanksgiving moving forward, too. My mom felt so badly for her that she ended up carting gravy every year afterwards from Birmingham to Montgomery.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
YOUR TRICK IS OUR TREAT, OSCAR: HALLOWEEN PET CONTEST BRINGS OUT THE FIGHTER IN THIS O.C.D PUP
Check out all of the "sweet baby angels sent straight from heaven" that came out:
http://www.southernliving.com/healthy-living/mind-body/pet-halloween-costumes-00417000069018/
Even though he wasn't the most cooperative of the bunch (nor the least), that's ok by this closet stage mom.
Photo courtesy of southernliving.com.
ENJOY!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
THE ULTIMATE TV TAILGATE EATS: COWBOY NACHOS
Plan to make the brisket ahead of time, so all you have to do is make the nachos on game day. And it's so worth it-- trust me. The bonus? There will be enough brisket to use in several other recipes as well.
I'm not kidding when I say: DE-LISH!
Cowboy Nachos: http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1932564
CHOW.
Photo and recipe courtesy of myrecipes. And a special thanks to Ree Drummond for sharing her delicious recipe with Southern Living!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
A WIN-WIN: EASY TO MAKE BAR COOKIES WILL BE LOVED BY ALL
Chocolate Chip-Pecan Blondies
Makes about 4 dozen
Prep: 15 min., Bake: 35 min.
Game Plan: Prepare Friday evening and cool completely. Cut bars Saturday morning so the edges don't dry out. Pack in an air-tight container if traveling or stack on a pretty platter.
3/4 cup butter, softened
1 lb. dark brown sugar
3 large eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. salt
1 (11.5-oz.) package milk chocolate morsels (Ghirardelli)
1 cup bittersweet chocolate morsels (Ghirardelli)
1 (6-oz.) package pecan halves, toasted, cooled, and coarsely chopped
Cream butter and sugar with a heavy-duty electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, and mix until well blended. Add vanilla.
Combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to butter mixture, all at once, and blend on low speed; add morsels and pecans, blending just until combined. (I add the morsels and pecans just before all of the flour mixture is completely incorporated to prevent over mixing the dough.)
Spread dough in a lightly greased 13 x 9-inch baking pan (Tip: pan=metal/ dish=glass).
The Extra Point: Having a few friends for supper? Cut bars into 15 squares, microwave a few seconds until warm, and top with a generous scoop of Haagen Dazs coffee or vanilla ice cream. Drizzle with Easy Chocolate Sauce.
Monday, September 13, 2010
5 EASY AND TO-DIE-FOR TAILGATE DESSERTS
Saturday, September 11, 2010
DECK YOUR DOG IN TEAM SPIRIT
Unfortunately, the jersey missed the shoot by meer hours due the the Labor Day holiday and a backup on the printing machine, so I scrambled at the last minute and found a fireman suit that he wore instead. He looked pretty good in it. Go ahead and order now for Halloween, it's only going to get busier.
Roll Tide!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A SOUTHERN LIVING FOOD STYLIST
MARROW'S COLLEGE FOOTBALL PICKS: WEEK 2
I took it on the chin last week. The Hokies really let me down. Hopefully, I can make it up this week.
- Auburn (-2.5) at Mississippi State: Both looked good in the openers. Give up the points and take the Tigers.
- Georgia at South Carolina (-2.5): This is a good match up, but A.J. Green is out and he is a big weapon. Go with the Cocks and give up the points.
- LSU (-9.5) at Vanderbilt: LSU looked poorin the 2nd half vs. UNC, but I think they'll handle Vandy. Give up the points.
- Georgia Tech (-7) at Kansas: Turner Gill had a horrible opener last week. This looks like a sure bet. Take Tech and give up the points.
- Colorado at California (-4): I really don't know about this one, but I'm going with the Bears and giving up 4.
- Miami at Ohio State (-10): Both looked tough this past weekend, but unfortunately I have to give up the points and go with the Buckeyes. Maybe I'll jinx them.
- Michigan at Notre Dame (-6): Michigan may have found a quarterback and ND played well against Purdue. Give up the points and take the Irish.
- Florida State at Oklahoma (-10): FSU looked great and the Sooners looked terrible, but I say give up the points and take Boomer Sooner in Norman.
- Oregon at Tennessee (+13.5): Oregon looked really impressive at UT won big. This game is in Knoxville and I say go with the Vols and take the points.
- Penn State at Alabama (-9.5): We've been waiting a long time for this rematch of two of the richest traditions in college footall. I wish they played every year. Hopefully, the team will be as pumped as the fans are and the Tide will roll. Our defense and the crowd should give Bolden some problems (even without Darius). Give up the points and take the TIDE.
3 MUNCH-WORTHY GAMEDAY DIPS
Sweet 'N' Salty Honey Cheese Spread http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1886360
Bacon-Onion Dip http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1924733
Photos courtesy of myrecipes.
CHOW.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
"MAKE NEW FRIENDS, BUT KEEP THE OLD" WHEN YOU PACK YOUR TAILGATE COOLER WITH: YUMMIEST "TO-GO" BANANA PUDDING
This version happened to be inspired by two of the very best banana pudding-esk numbers I've ever had. You should really give all three a try. You won't be disappointed.
One component I knew I really wanted in my version was this to-die-for vanilla wafer crust from Banana Pudding Pie that originally ran on the Southern Living cover in February 2007: http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1578375, but since there wouldn't be any baking allowed in my plastic dish, I opted to freeze the crust instead and add a touch of salt to really make everything sing.
Secondly, I'm a whipped cream fan instead of a meringue fan, but I also knew the meringue wasn't an option anyway, again because of the plastic container. I took a peak at Nutter Butter Banana Pudding Trifle that originally ran on the Southern Living cover in February 2009: http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dynaction=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1873387.
Although this one is truly delicious, Marrow was craving a straight up banana pudding sans the peanut butter cookies. However, the vanilla pudding looked like a good starting point.
Yummiest "To-Go" Banana Pudding
Makes 12 servings
Prep: 20 min., Cook: 15 min., Chill: 4 hrs.
Game Plan: Prepare Thursday or Friday evening, start to finish. The pudding will be cool enough to go ahead and add the whipped cream and should hold up fine until serving on Saturday. The banana flavor will only get better if allowed to chill out until then.
Note: This pudding is on the looser side and will thicken as it cools. If you prefer a firmer texture, bump up the flour from 1/3 cup to 1/2 cup.
1 (12-oz.) box vanilla wafers (Walmart brand is fine.)
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
3/4 cup + 2 Tbsp. sugar
1/3 cup flour
3 large eggs
3 cups milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 large bananas
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/3 cup sugar
Reserve 28 vanilla wafers and set aside. Crush remaining wafers in a zip-top plastic bag with a rolling pin (I like them a little chunky). Combine with butter and salt. Press mixture into a 13 x 9-inch (give or take an inch) dish/pan/container or whatever you'd like to use. Freeze while you prepare the pudding.
Whisk together 3/4 cup + 2 Tbsp. sugar, flour, and eggs in a 3 qt. saucepan; whisk in milk. Cook mixture, whisking constantly, over medium-low heat 15 to 20 minutes or until thickened-- make sure there's a slow bubble before you pull it from the heat (Mixture will not be pudding consistency at this point, but will continue to thicken as it cools). Remove from heat. Whisk in vanilla. Place saucepan in a large bowl filled with ice, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes or until well chilled. (Add additional ice to the bowl, if necessary, as some will melt right off the bat.) See photo left.
Slice 2 bananas over frozen wafer crust, pour half of chilled pudding over bananas, and top with reserved vanilla wafers. Repeat with remaining bananas and pudding.
Whip cream and 1/3 cup sugar until soft peaks form with an electric mixer. Spread cream over pudding layer. Chill at least 4 hours or up to 2 days.
The Extra Point: Mix it up and add some crushed pretzels to the crust and the layers or try with your favorite cookie. Graham crackers, chocolate wafers, or gingersnaps would be delicious substitutions. You could even add some sweetened flaked coconut to the pudding, if you choose.
Enjoy!
Monday, August 30, 2010
TAILGATE GRUB THAT'S YUM-YUM IN YOUR TUM-TUM
Friday night:
1. Prep Herb-Marinated Flank Steak and refrigerate. (Easy as Pie-- just stick the flank steak in a bag with the seasonings and what not.)
2. Cut onions and peppers, season with salt and pepper and place in a large tupperware container that will allow you enough room to toss it around with some olive oil.
3. Slice ciabatta rolls.
Game Day morning:
1. Pack a food cooler with Herb-Marinated Flank Steak, onions and peppers, blue cheese, and arugula.
2. Place ciabatta rolls on top.
3. Don't forget to pack a little olive oil for the vegetables.
Wheel to campus, find your spot, and grill away according to recipe instructions.
Ummm...Delish.
Flank Steak Sandwiches with Blue Cheese: http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1906316
Photo courtesy of myrecipes.
Chow!
Saturday, August 28, 2010
I'VE FALLEN AND I CAN'T GET UP...
Photo courtesy of Saks.
after spotting this drop dead gorgeous ensemble by Marc Jacobs. If I'm ever rich enough and it actually gets cold enough to sport around campus on gameday, this is what I'll be wearing. Adorable!
Marc Jacobs Button-Back Eyelet Dress: $1800 (Only 3 sizes left.)
Marc Jacobs Three-Button Reefer Coat: $1900 (No longer available online.)
Available at Saks:
http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446374819&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=282574492462039&bmUID=iGBV7V8&ev19=1:7
Uhhh... will someone please sign me up for whatever those peeps are doing that were lucky enough to have snagged this?
Chow!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
WOW HUNGRY FANS WITH A TASTY, TOTEABLE DIP
Of coarse it's yummy to dunk your pita chips in, but have you ever tried it as a sandwich spread? Can you say loads-of-flavor without all of the fat and calories of most bread spreads, i.e. mayonnaise. (Sorry, mayo. I know you know how much I love you, but I'm 37 now and I can't invite you to lunch anymore in that capacity. I must save you for the more crucial foods such as potato salad, chicken salad, and deviled eggs. I promise, it's not you, it's totally me and my decreased metabolism.)
Anyway, let me know what you think!
Note: Tahini paste has a wonderfully nutty aroma and is made of ground sesame seeds (a little peanut butter-esk without the sugar, of course.) Look for it at Publix, Walmart, and Mediterranean markets.
Chow.
Boiled Peanut Hummus: http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1654580
Photo courtesy of myrecipes.com.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
CONSIDER ONE OF MY FAVORITE TAILGATE TREATS ON GAMEDAY (OR ANY DAY FOR THAT MATTER)
Check a recent blog post of mine on southernliving.com's Eating Our Words for some tasty tips on purchasing your next package of juicy filled goodness. So get ready to fire up the Barbie, toss on the hot dogs, and nestle them in a snuggly warm bun with some lipsmacking toppings. Mmmmm... dog gone heaven. http://eatingmywords.southernliving.com/eating_my_words/2010/08/football-season-is-just-around-the-corner-hot-dog.html
Enjoy!
Sunday, August 22, 2010
MARROW'S PICKS FOR SOME OF THE FIRST FOOTBALL GAMES OF THE SEASON
- Southern Miss vs. South Carolina (-14): Take the points and go with the Golden Eagles. The Cocks win but don't cover.
- Pittsburg vs. Utah (-3): Pitt is in Salt Lake, but they have 13 starters back from a 10 win team. Take the points and Pitt.
- Illinois vs. Missouri (-13): Missouri crushed Illinois last year and they have 17 starters back from that team. Mizzou by 14.
- Purdue vs. Notre Dame (-10): 18 starters back for the Irish and they win, but not by 10. Go with the Boilers.
- Connecticut vs. Michigan (-3): Michigan is struggling. UConn whipped South Carolina last year. Take the points and the Huskies.
- Kentucky (-5.5) vs. Louisville: KY has 13 starters back from a 7 win team. Louisville is not what it once was. Cats by 6.
- UCLA (-1) vs. Kansas State: Tough call, but I go with the Bruins by a field goal.
- Washington vs. BYU (-3): Jake Locker and 16 other starters are back and should take the Cougars. Take the points and Washington.
- Alabama (-38) vs. San Jose State: I love the TIDE and they will roll, but we hardly ever win by this many points. Don't give away 38.
- North Carolina (pk) vs. Louisiana State: UNC has 21 starters back, but 7 will not be playing in this game. Go with the Bengal Tigers.
- Cincinnati (pk) vs. Fresno State: Fresno has more starters and it's in the Valley, Cincy has 13 starters back from a 12 win team. Bearcats by a touchdown.
- Boise State (-6) vs. Virginia Tech: This could be one of the biggest games of the season. For those of us who love traditional "big boy" football, we have to go for the Hokies. I know Boise is tough and they have nearly everyone back. It's virtually a home game for VT. For the sake of college football, take VT and the points.
WARNING: I am not a big gambler and I have been known to pick with my heart (which means that I usually pick the Southern teams). However, I watch a ton of football and I know the players and teams pretty well. Hopefully this will at least help you in an office pool.
GOOD LUCK and ROLL TIDE!
Saturday, August 21, 2010
FIRST HOME FOOTBALL GAME= START GATHERING SUPPLIES
Now is a good time to take stock in supplies left over from last year-- you'll need to pull out that box you stuffed in the corner of the garage and rummage through it.