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A Gourmet Find

At least ten years ago, I hit the jackpot at a very old used book store, tucked away in a back alley of suburban Chicago.  There I found about 30 or so old Gourmet magazine covers from the 1940’s.  As you can see, they are works of art.  The illustrator was Henry Stahlhut, and it appears […]

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Secrets from New Orleans

It’s Mardi Gras!  How could I not write about anything but a New Orleans cookbook today?  This 1973 cookbook is high on my list of favorites.  The recipes are from famous restaurants in New Orleans, some still standing, and some sadly gone.  The ones included in the book are from: Andrew Jackson’s Restaurant; Antoine’s; Arnaud’s; […]

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Justin Wilson: Louisiana Humorist and Chef (and this week’s cookbook giveaway!)

Justin Wilson and his syndicated television series still makes people smile.  It is long gone from the airwaves, but everyone who watched remembers his unique Cajun culture and food of South Louisiana.  The cookbook is filled with authentic Cajun recipes with sprinklings of Justin’s distinctive humor.  Recipes include “Cajunized” Mexican cornbread, a turnip casserole with […]

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Madonna’s Gumbo for Mardi Gras

No, not that Madonna.  I doubt she cooks.  But this Madonna does.  I met Madonna from Indiana through this blog.  We trade emails and recipes frequently, and her recipes are always mouth-watering.  When Madonna mentioned she was making gumbo for a group of her friends on Mardi Gras this Tuesday, I asked her if she […]

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King’s Cake for Mardi Gras!

With Mardi Gras coming up next week, I will be posting recipes for some of the traditional foods of the celebration.  Here is a King’s Cake, which would make a pretty centerpiece with all the colors.  Did  you know that the purple symbolizes justice, green symbolizes faith, and yellow (gold) symbolizes power?  This recipe is especially easy […]

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The Warmth of Italy in Los Angeles

As I was perusing my cookbooks wondering what which one to write about next, the doorbell rang and the nice FedEx man left me this little piece of heaven.  Toscana is one of the most successful Italian restaurants in Los Angeles.  Since 1989, Toscana has welcomed Hollywood elite, locals, and tourists alike.  After two decades […]

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Wolfgang Puck and Oscar-Worthy Food

Wolfgang Puck has been on my mind this week because of the Oscars, which aired this past weekend. He is the first and usually only chef,  who people think of when it’s time for the parties after the Oscar telecast.  He is frequently featured on the morning shows and talk shows with his Oscar-shaped desserts and other […]

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Jack+Daniel+photo1

The Spirit of Tennessee

I enjoy cooking more with alcohol than drinking it.  Knowing this, my daughter Kristina bought this great cookbook for me last Christmas.  Alcohol infuses such incredible flavor into food; everything from main dishes to sweets.  Author Lynne Tolley is the great-grandniece of Jack Daniel.  In 1904, Jack Daniel won a gold medal at the St. Louis […]

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