Chow-Chow & Soul™

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 studded ham on the carving board says special and it’s not […]

Once we hit November time makes a quantum leap.  Like so many of you, I look at the calendar and don’t know where the time has gone. I don’t know about you, but 2020 is filled with so many twists and turns, the holiday season is welcome even though the celebrations will be different. They […]

Folks it was a loong week. I started this recipe as dinner on election night. I’ve been wanting to sample the recipe and it was a great distraction from the only show in town Tuesday night. The source? Dr. Jill Biden—yes that Jill Biden our new First Lady!  “Food is love and I serve this […]

Leading up to National Soul food Month, I’ve noticed a boom in interest in the food, people, restaurants and foodways of this American cuisine. Shunned years ago, one can now “Google It.” This search produces more than 600,000 entries in seconds; need more info—Google Trends can help you too. I realized soul food was a […]

I love chili and have stirred more than a few gallons of it. It’s hearty, filling and it’s fab fare on a cold day!  There is no doubt about it—today is a Chiberia* day, and with the Super Bowl coming up, what could be better? Our family recipe was traditionally ground beef served Cincinnati-style over […]

June is National Soul food Month, celebrating the heritage and history of the foods and foodways of African Americans and peoples from the African diaspora. The culinary contributions of this group had an indelible impact on the American menu. Folks cook and relish so many of the dishes we know as soul food throughout the year, […]

I am excited and up before dawn to watch The Royal Wedding. I typically watch the major American networks, but today I am tuned in to the BBC.  In considering which network would have the best coverage—my bet is on the hometown broadcasting network. The BBC will point out the British traditions, celebrities, and identify […]

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 roast. It’s […]

In wrapping up National Soul Food Month, I hope you’ve eaten your fill and enjoyed it all. I kicked off the month with collard greens, and continued to savor an assortment of savory soul items at Sweet Home Café at the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). Of course I had help […]

It’s all about hearts, the symbol of love. I ♥ you, you’re my sweetheart, my heart beats for you, you’re my heartthrob, and without you I’m heartbroken. Celebrate loving and being loved with this mouthwatering heart-healthy dessert. I know it looks indulgent, but it isn’t. Lemon Pound Cake 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking […]