Tag Archives: Charla L. Draper

June is National Soul Food Month!

1 Jun

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 […]

Good Eats & Wine in National Soul Food Month

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 the dinner hosted by Big Jones celebrating Chef Todd Richards’s new book Soul. The menu included fresh takes on traditional […]

GREENS–GOOD ‘N HEALTHY EATING FOR NATIONAL SOUL FOOD MONTH

13 Jun

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, […]

Celebration Brunch

19 May

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 […]

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 […]