Neiman Marcus Chocolate Chip Cookies

I am sure many remember the urban legend about the woman who was charged $250 for the recipe for Neiman Marcus’s famous chocolate chip cookies. The woman thought she was paying $2.50 in addition to her salads on her charge, and was livid at being taken advantage of, so she shared the secret recipe with…

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Grayton Beer Battered Onion Rings

I love onion rings. Fresh large cut beer battered onion rings. I have fond memories of Mike Anderson’s opening in Baton Rouge when I was attending college at LSU (telling of my age), and serving the biggest, baddest plate in town. Cooking with beer is also something I do quite a bit of, and when…

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Lobster Mac and Cheese

I made this bowl of goodness last night, as we had family in town visiting for Labor Day. My wonderful husband set up an umbrella over the grill, and bravely faced Tropical Storm Lee, so that he could cook the steaks we had purchased prior to the storm, to go with the new recipe. The mac &…

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Mini Carolina Biscuits

  Called Carolina Biscuits by some, these are the kind of Southern hors d’oeuvre that rapidly disappears. Without a doubt, these are the flakiest, richest and tastiest biscuits of all time, and they melt in the mouth like butter! They are best served warm, or at room temperature. Use your food processor to make this…

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MeMaw’s Southern Biscuits

  My grandmother Lillie, AKA MeMaw, was the sweetest, kindest, most gentle soul in the world. She loved to cook, bake, and was the best biscuit and pound cake maker on the planet.When she would visit, I would awaken to the billowing smells of bacon, biscuits, sausage gravy and coffee coming from our kitchen. MeMaw always…

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Bay Scallops with Corn and Pancetta Salsa

I personally think we have the Best bay scallops around. They are so succulent, juicy and in abundance from Pensacola to Apalachicola, the areas where I spend the majority of my time. Sadly, I have not gone scalloping yet, but I have plans to take my family this month. The season in Florida runs June…

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Brioche with Chicken Salad & Bacon

  I make chicken salad at least once a week, and if I don’t, I head to Modica Market in Seaside to visit my friend and lead cook, Ms. Lisa to buy hers. She does magical things  to her chicken salad involving milk and herbs, and it is heavenly! Since my favorite foods for the…

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Crawfish Mashed Potatoes

  This recipe is for Crawfish Mashed Potatoes. It is a comfort food that can be eaten alone, or is especially delicious when placed under a grilled steak or succulent piece of local Gulf fish. I do not recommended buying any packaged crawfish from your grocery or seafood market other than Louisiana crawfish. It just…

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Bleu Cheese Biscuits

Bleu Cheese Biscuits 20 biscuits Ingrediesnts 1 1/2 cups flour 1/2 tablespoon baking powder 1/2 tablespoon sugar 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1/4 teaspoon soda 2 tablespoons butter 1/2 cup blue cheese 1 tablespoon chives 3/4 cups buttermilk 2 tablespoons melted butter Preparation Preheat oven to 450°. Combine dry ingredients. Cut in butter with your fingertips until…

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Mint Juleps

I really like bourbon. Blanton’s, Bookers, and Pappy Van Winkle just to name a few. I also really like a mint julep in an ice cold silver mint julep cup. I know it is not the best way to consume good bourbon, but it is quintessentially southern, and I feel like whistling Dixie when I…

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Butterscotch Toffee Almond Bars

My mother used to make cookies while I was at school during the day, and I would get so excited when I returned home to find what her creation would be. She made he most amazing peanut butter squares topped with chocolate, and I liked them better than any candy. Around the holidays she would…

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