Tag Archives: Charla Draper

Now You’re Cooking In Cast Iron!

4 Sep

I saw a recent post on Facebook from a friend who had received an email invite to buy a personalized cast iron skillet. Now I can’t say that folks need to have a personalized one unless you count as personal the skillet that may have been in your family for years. Everyone needs this kitchen […]

Savor Soul Food with Wine

30 Jun

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 […]

Mommy & Me . . . Baking Apple Pie

13 May

It is National Apple Pie Day and I’m reposting this  “Mommy & Me” date on Mother’s Day Weekend.   I’ve enjoyed Mommy and Me cooking afternoons to make sure I have all the details on the heritage recipes our family loves.  Apple Pie is one dessert that Daddy loved.   Friends know this deep-dish fruit pie […]

Red Beans ‘n Rice on Meatless Monday

20 Mar

Now I know some of you think I may be immune to kitchen faux pas, but believe me every now and then I experience an oops. I’ve been in a NOLA state of mind from Mardi Gras posts on social media, food photos from chefs and food enthusiasts and chats about culinary doyenne Leah Chase. […]

Enjoy Heart-Healthy & Indulgent Dessert

14 Feb

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 […]

Thanksgiving Prep–Let’s Talk Turkey

16 Nov

If you’re hosting the holiday meal, it‘s time to give serious thought to prep and cooking of the turkey if you’re dishing up a menu of turkey plus the fixins’. One of the biggest snafus that can come with the signature meal is failure to completely thaw the turkey. To avoid facing the icy challenge […]

Pasta for Dinner? Make Robust Tomato Sauce

17 Oct

According to the food calendar, we are in the midst of National Pasta Month. In my book pasta is always good from mac ‘n cheese, to ravioli to spaghetti with meat sauce, you can’t go wrong with pasta. This robust red sauce is one to keep on hand– I usually make a double batch keeping […]

What’s Cooking On The Family Grill?

4 Sep

Our family has had a couple of pitmasters that know what to do with a slab of ribs—my brother Tony and Uncle Ellie.  Uncle Ellie is now throwing down and grilling with friends and family in heaven, but we do have finger-lickin’ memories of ‘cue from Ellie’s grill. The family specialties include pork and lamb […]

National Soul Food Month Celebrates Food Legacy

1 Jun

June is National Soul Food Month. This is the 15th annual celebration of the heritage and foodways of African Americans and peoples from the African diaspora. The yearly recognition grew out of the 2001 Chicago area conference hosted by the Culinary Historians of Chicago. In working on the conference, I realized we needed to celebrate […]

National Apple Pie Day

13 May

You know I come from a family of really good cooks and bakers. My interest and affection for creating good things to eat is in my genes. Today is National Apple Pie Day but in our family apple pie can show up almost any day. This pie is good stand alone, add  ice cream and […]