Chow-Chow & Soul™

Are your one-time toddlers, headed out the door, leaving the swaddling of the home cocoon? If this is your current situation, both you and your young adult may be facing the “freshmen 15.” Though the pounds may sneak up on both of you, generally speaking they’ll weigh you down for different reasons. The Parent Trap […]

Today’s post is dedicated to my mother and grandmothers—Big Mama and Gonga. These women shaped my taste memories and taught me about really good cooking. My Mom will celebrate 90 years young in a couple of months and she is one good cook. She has always said she liked cooking but she didn’t like the […]

Each February I’m reminded of how many stories of unsung heroes there are to share about Black History. During this centennial year for the recognition of black history month the theme is “A Century of Black History, Life and Culture.” Food is intrinsic to culture, and it is central to everyday life. African American innovation […]

I love chili and have stirred more than a few gallons of it. The family recipe was typically ground beef served Cincinnati-style over spaghetti with Delta tamales. Then there was white bean chili with chicken created by my friend at Southern Living magazine. These days the Drapers’ chili of choice starts with a beef chuck […]

Holiday cooking can take many forms, and without a doubt turkey is the superstar. It can be brined, roasted, fried, grilled, slow-cooked, smoked or spatchcocked. Last week I shared my timeline to help holiday cooks organize for the Thanksgiving meal. Today I’m talking turkey and sharing how to cook a spatchcock or butterflied bird. Spatchcock […]

You still have time to fire up the grill if you’re living in an area where cold wind and the polar vortex will make outdoor cooking just about mission impossible in a few months. Whether it’s tailgating, week-end entertaining or family dinner, grill seasoned turkey filets. They’re cooked over medium-low heat and make a quick and […]

After enjoying a spread of Classic Baked Ham you may wonder “What to do with ham leftovers?” (If you have any) You can chop the cooked ham for future use in omelets or scrambled eggs, casseroles or with pasta. Once the meaty portions are gone, you can freeze the ham bone to use to flavor […]

It’s Spring, it’s Easter and time for ham. You’ve reached out to me with questions and even confessed that you cheat sometimes—“My family doesn’t know it, but I use the glaze that comes with the ham.” The question of the month is how-to make a star attraction ham. That diamond ‘n clove e studded ham […]

We’re wrapping up National Nutrition Month and there has been more chatter than usual about eat this, try that, it’s good for you, blah, blah, blah.  One thing that is consistent with chatter about nutrition and healthy eating is,  if it doesn’t taste good people will not eat it.  Whatever the dish is, no flavor, […]

As Black History Month wraps up I want to raise a shot glass of pot likker to greens. Greens are the edible leaves of plants that have provided nourishment for African Americans throughout the ages. Last year I shared that greens were on the hot list, as one of the vegetables getting lots of buzz. […]