Tiramisu
Guy’s birthday was dampened this year not only by the global pandemic but by a historic week-long winter storm that many Texans weathered without heat, electricity, water, and groceries. We were lucky to have power and food, but had to boil all of our water and deal with a back injury. Once on our feet again a week later, we celebrated his birthday with an old friend and barbecue on the patio, alongside this tiramisu. It was so good even our dog Oscar stole a bite or two.
Day-Before Gravy
I’ve been searching for a gravy recipe I can do ahead of time, since by the time I have the turkey and sides ready to go on the holiday table, I’m usually too frazzled to successfully turn the pan drippings into gravy.
This one uses bacon drippings and tamari as a savory flavor base, and can be made the day before a holiday feast.
Jamy’s Apple Crumb Cake
Apple desserts aren’t always my favorite (I’ll choose chocolate every time), but this apple crumb cake is sooooo good. It has quite a few components (shortbread base, thinly sliced apples, custardy sauce, and crumb topping) and is a labor of love, but it’s a special dessert that’s worth the work.
Serve with a German Riesling.
Laure’s Crab & Corn Chowder
Vacationing with my cousin Laure usually means you’re in for some amazing food. Last week we stayed with her and her husband, Tim, in a cabin in Grand Teton National Park. Our first dinner at the cabin was this delicious and easy chowder, which smelled so good that a red fox peeked in the sliding glass door to see what was cooking.
Tomato Gravy
Tomato gravy is a Southern staple, but isn’t part of my Southern family’s heritage. It may be time to change that.
This roux-based sauce of tomatoes and cream is delicious served with biscuits, fried chicken, and even mashed cauliflower.
Pumpkin Gingersnap Cheesecake
This cheesecake, with a gingersnap crust, pumpkin filling, and salted caramel sauce, is a beautiful holiday dessert, and serves enough to take to a party.
Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
This combination of tomatoes, onions, and chicken, mildly scented with garam masala isn’t the most authentic Indian dish, but it’s a welcoming slow cooker meal at the end of a work day.
Chocolate Ice Cream
This recipe is well-known on the Internet as the most perfect chocolate ice cream you can make at home. It’s dense, chewy, and very chocolatey.
Guy’s Shrimp Risotto with Peas, Lemon, & Pecorino
Patience is one of Guy’s virtues, as is generosity. Throw in a sense of adventure in the kitchen, and you’ll find someone who makes great risotto. He made this risotto for Valentine’s Day and then again when we invited another couple over for dinner and ping pong. The combination of creamy rice, shrimp, peas, lemon zest, and pecorino cheese is hard to forget.