In the process of heating the magic sauce, my Dad walked into the kitchen and complained about the strong vinegar smell. He has a strong aversion to all things vinegar. At that point, I wondered if he would even eat the salad.

With his complaint officially registered, I had my doubts if he would make a happy plate. Would I attempt his method of parenting about food? I can almost hear me saying, “Here is a big spoonful. You can’t leave the table until your plate is clean. And Mother can’t save you.”

Can you hear the evil cackle?

I’m not sure if this glimmer into my childhood is making you cackle or not, but I’m laughing. Oddly enough even with his vinegar aversion, my Dad enjoyed the Unprocessed Candied Jalapeno Coleslaw. Pretty sure that it surprised even him.

What to do if little ones don’t want Unprocessed Candied Jalapeno Coleslaw?

My nephews also tried the coleslaw but I didn’t ask for a review. Little one manages to lick his lips on cue for photo opp. However they both enjoyed the corn pudding and caramel cake that I served along with the coleslaw. It takes time for little ones to really enjoy food unless its pizza, burgers, or sugar.

If you’re struggling to get little ones to eat a variety of foods it makes life difficult for everyone. A local writer wrote a post about this idea and I thinks its a good one. Read all about, The Two Bite Rule.

I decided to cut this salad fresh myself in lieu of processed coleslaw packages. All of the ingredients were stored in my refrigerator or pantry. If you don’t have candied jalapenos, check out this recipe from Foodie With Family.

If you enjoy spicy and fresh food, prepare Unprocessed Candied Jalapeno Coleslaw. It is a side dish that will stand along side any protein. Let me know what you think about this recipe, I would love to hear from you.

Lagniappe: Grill Man and I both think Unprocessed Candied Jalapeno Coleslaw would be awesome on a pulled pork sandwich.

Alexa Shout out to Louis Jordan for Coleslaw

Stay well!
With love from Mimi’s Kitchen,

Mimi

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Certainly all of us benefit from eating more fresh fruit and vegetables. As I age, I am painfully aware of the necessity to take care of my body. This possibly could be due to the length of time I have actually spent inhabiting the space and my overall attachment to it. Preventive maintenance is a smarter path to take than trying to heal or cure an ailment.

Eating a healthy food and regular exercise is the closest thing that we have to a fountain of youth or anti-aging magic. If you know another secret, please hook a sister up.

Winning Trio Health Benefits

I love the way I feel when I eat turnips and rutabagas. Is there a reason for this euphoria? What are the health benefits? Why should you eat greens and roots? Should anyone avoid eating greens?

Here is a short list of ways that the winning trio may improve your overall health but not comprehensive by any means.

• Improved healthy skin and hair
• Reducing anemia
• Osteoporosis prevention
• Aids with digestion
• Strengthens immunity
• Aids in weight loss
• Aids in cancer prevention
• Aids in improved sleep and mood
• Aids patients with Diabetes
• Aids in reducing cholesterol

It is always important to be balanced in any changes that we make in our life or diet. If you have any concerns, please research and consult with your physician.

Risk associated with increased Vitamin K or high Nitrate diet.

Warning: If you are currently taking a blood thinner you should discuss with your Doctor or Pharmacist for acceptable amounts if any are allowed in your diet.

Personally I love the pure earthy taste of greens. The slightly bitter flavor is a perfect companion to a piece of cornbread or skillet bread. Greens pair well as a side dish served along fried fish, grilled fish, meat loaf or barbecue of any type. Remember, raw greens are a great addition to any salad or smoothie.

If you need a menu suggestion to go with the Salubrious Turnip Greens and Roots, check out these posts from the archives.

Menu suggestions to serve with Green

Drowning Pork Roast in Yesterdays Wine
Mashed Potatoes Or Rice dish
Sweet Baby Limas

Dessert Pie Choices
Pecan Pie
Chess Pie
Chocolate Pie

Salubrious Turnip Greens and Roots is a good recipe to make ahead for your dinner party. It reheats or freezes well without any loss of obvious quality in the recipe. Recipe will make a great addition to any BBQ, Labor Day or holiday event. Please cook recipe and let me know what you think.

Lagniappe: Farmers markets will often sell pre-washed local greens in the refrigerator section. Using pre-washed greens will reduce your time in the kitchen. For anyone that has purchased turnip or collard greens from a farmer or off the back truck by the side of the road will completely understand what I mean. My earlier recipe for Southern Turnip Greens will provide extra details if you need instructions for taking greens from farm to table.

Alexa shout out to Billy Currington for Good Directions and Turnip Greens.

Love from Mimi’s Kitchen

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Casserole recipe includes cayenne, jalapeño and chipotle chile powder to give it a kick that delivers. This trio of flavor allows for easy adjustment depending on your preference for spice.

In our house, the flavors must be kickin at all times. I do not want everything spicy but I do adore flavor. I am not a fan of bland foods. Is it wrong to want my taste buds to tingle or sing? I think not.

What inspired Mimi’s Kickin Corn and Rice Casserole?

Long ago my Grandmother and I discovered a corn and rice casserole from a Southern Living magazine. The recipe became one of her favorites to cook. I had forgotten about Theda Faye’s dish until recently while scanning one of my Aunts cookbooks from 2000 titled The Samson  Garden Club, I ran across “Billie’s Corn-Rice-Jalapeno Casserole”.

Billie’s recipe triggered a food memory that demanded I cook a version of it soon. My recipe is adapted from The Samson Garden Club cookbook.

Every time I serve this dish, someone will always ask for the recipe. Dish is delicious and economical to make. Mimi’s Kickin Corn and Rice Casserole is yummy even if you decide to leave off the bacon.  Thick crispy bacon does add a flavor all of its own but it may be avoided if you choose to do so.

In summary , add Mimi’s Kickin Corn and Rice Casserole recipe to your list for your next dinner party, July 4th celebration or any event that requires a covered dish.  One recipe provides a serving large enough for an average dinner party. Certainly, your guests will love it and come back for more.

Summer is a great time to enjoy being outside enjoying friends while serving BBQ and Mimis’ Kickin Corn and Rice Casserole. Alexa Shout out to Bob Marley and the Wailers for Sun Is Shining.

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From house cleaning, grocery shopping, menu planning, cooking and then cleaning, it is a job to manage. And that is before you start decorating. Start planning early and complete anything in advance. Make a list of everything that you will need before company arrives. Review list and delegate early any tasks to family members.

Reasons to serve turkey all year round

Family and friends will enjoy the meal more if your able to enjoy it as well. No one wants to have dinner with a stressed out hostess. At our home we love serving turkey  all year for a number of reasons.

Turkey is low in calories and cholesterol
Turkey is inexpensive
Place in large roaster and walk away for hours
Turkey will serve a crowd

 Turkey Pairing? Southern Side Dish! Please

During this time of year you may have traditional favorites that your family craves or you may want to add in something different. Turkey pairing southern side dish wanted?  Old Southern Rice Dressing or Turkey Stuffing or Cabbage Dressing as my friend Sunshine call it, it is a must try that your family will love.

Turkey pairs well with most any side dish or vegetable. Because of this your choices are unlimited.   Be adventurous and try something new to introduce to your guests, for example Spicy Squash Corn Pudding Here are a few dishes that are super easy and will work for your turkey pairing. A southern side dish to love.

Make ahead, freeze and thaw out before your big day

Flavorful Italian Green Beans

Sweet Baby Limas

Southern Turnip Greens

Southern Zipper Peas

A Vegetable medley of Fresh Flavor

Remember, your guests are happy to join you in your home. Plan ahead, delegate, use lists to stay on track and execute. Prior planning will help you lower the stress of entertaining. Enjoy your time with friends and family. Focus on what is important.

Occasionally,  everything does not go according to plan. I promise, you will live. Figure out the issue and move on. As my friend says, “It’s not my last meal.” Everyone  has a cooking story or burns bread, including me. Open a bottle of wine and share.

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While visiting friends in Laguana Beach, we were served Ham and Polenta Spoonbread and Mimosas one morning. The host was gracious and shared the recipe from www.finecooking.com by Bruce Weinstein and Marc Scarbrough.  I enjoyed Fine Cooking’s version. Ham and Polenta Spoonbread inspired the recipe that I  adapted. Polenta is a new ingredient for my kitchen.

I think that “grits” may be the country version of the city relative of “polenta”. Whether you choose grits or polenta, as with any food ingredient, it is important  that you choose quality and cook properly. Always add flavor whether it’s vegetables or spices to blend with other ingredients.

Many of the ingredients in this dish are typically on hand in a well stocked pantry. Polenta may be adapted easily deleting or swapping items. I prepared this dish for breakfast but it would easily serve as a side dish for company.

Breakfast Ideas for entertaining

While entertaining guests, I love having a variety of breakfasts casseroles and egg pies recipes to serve in the morning. Prepare Breakfast Spicy Sausage Polenta Recipe ahead  and bake as needed.

Pop the Breakfast Spicy Sausage Polenta Recipe in the oven after you stumble to your coffee pot. I love to enjoy my coffee time with house guests before we start the busy day. Coffee time on the porch is a perfect way to celebrate your morning.

Last week, I was happy to celebrate my mornings with my parents, baby sister and her family. My nephew Super-Baby is absolutely adorable. Happy babies are the best and are a joy to be around. Breakfast Spicy Sausage Polenta Recipe will serve your morning breakfast well. Pop in the oven, reheat another day and it is just as good.

Alexa, shout out to Caitlyn Smith’s soulful rendition of “This town is killing me”. Caitlyn Smith is part of the Listen Up Campaign Artist’s to Watch for 2017. If you’re not familiar with Caitlyn Smith, check out this talented emerging artist.

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Because recipes of this type will transport well, it is good to include in your summer entertaining whether it includes beach, picnic, vacation, hiking, camping, SUP, fishing, tubing, or July 4th plans. Since many of us try to jam all the things we love into every day while the summer sun is high in the sky.

Take along New Fresh Potato Salad Recipe

The fun days of summer include all of the things that we love. While your making plans for the day, include something new for you and  yours to do. It will add to the bonding of your group and keep everyone interested.

Step outside of your comfort zone and plan to learn a new activity.  Because it is good for us on so many levels to learn and attempt something different. Maybe even if we are not good at the new activity, it’s better that we attempt to learn and demonstrate a “can do attitude”. While repetition is comforting or easy it may also turn into boring. Monotony is not fun and  it’s unhealthy to our overall growth. Teenagers and young adults detest boring. Engage your inner child and just do it.

List of Activities to keep Family Engaged at Beach

Here are a couple of suggestions for your family:

1. Kayak or Paddle board rentals or lessons
2. Contest for Beach shells prettiest, largest, ugliest and unusual
3. Go Deep Sea Fishing– Charter a boat or join one of the party boats.
4. Rent Jet Skis or go Parasailing
5. Plan an evening of cards, board games or charades. Balderdash’s word game is my personal favorite. I promise you will laugh like never before.
6. Plan a beach scavenger hunt and split up into teams.  This site has a multitude of options for you depending on the age of your family or create your own list.  This type of activity is good for all age groups.

   

7. Divide your group in half and have a cooking competition. Plus this will split up the work duties in the kitchen.
8. Plan wine walk on the beach and watch the sun set on the water
9. At dinner, have everyone tell a favorite childhood memory or favorite story about their parents. Best story wins.

On any family vacation I would add in a good supply of your favorite libations. At some point, libations will be needed and wine is always good for what ails you. Yet, if you are more inclined to a cocktail, try one of my favorites.

Favorite Cocktails and Sorbet

Summer Rebellion Watermelon Martini

Good Intentions and Vodka Infused Kumquats

Country eggs raised in a Condo (sorbet drenched in vodka)

Most of all, time spent with family should be wrapped in love, surrounded with good food, drenched in fun and memories to last a lifetime. Unless your from that “one perfect family” members may challenge us like no other. Develop a couple of new choices to keep your crew busy and entertained. Especially important, bring along a dose of patience, kindness and remember to pack the libations. In conclusion, don’t forget the New Fresh Potato Salad Recipe for your time at the beach.

Alexa Shout Out to DJ Jazzy Jeff and Fresh Prince for “Summertime”.
Take me to the beach, please.

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Soon the summer sun will beat down on my plants and they will whither away. Until then, I am cooking the little yellow gems.  Yellow squash are delicious just about any way that you may cook them, grilled, smothered, fried, baked, sautéed, pickled or raw in a salad.

Grill Man prepares the garden and plants. I watch over the produce and process the offerings. He would love me to help with his part but I am a delicate flower. Not a real big fan of playing in dirt. Although I recall making mud-pies in my back yard a lifetime ago. Although, I wasn’t playing in dirt, “I was cooking”. Imagination  and playing is a wonderful thing.

Why is play important?

Imagination and creativity are vital to all of us. We need to remember that  the “child” in us still wants to play. Even though you are wise in years it is important to play and have fun. Be spontaneous. Be creative. Break out of your mold, it will do you good. Plus, if you have children, it will keep them guessing.

And if for some reason you want to play in the dirt, let me know, please.  I have some plants that need moving from my garden. Some people call them weeds, I call them uninvited guests to my garden party. I’m begging you to move out the uninvited guests (weeds), I will prepare you a lovely lunch and a refreshing glass of sweet Peach tea.

As a bonus, I will send you home with some yellow squash so that you may try my Spicy Squash Pudding Recipe. What a deal, right? Call me, the garden is waiting. Until then, I am going to have to figure out someone to “Tom Sawyer” the weeds out of my lovely garden. Come over, we will have a garden party!

Shout out to Alexa for Ricky Nelson’s Garden Party. This song has a great piece of advice in it. Look it up on you-tube if you’re not familiar with the tune. It’s an oldie.

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I don’t recall the conversations of those visits. However, I do recall knowing Louise and friends were sharing secrets.  Probably conversations that my Mother would not have approved of for little ears. I remember that I loved every minute of it, even though I was shellin’ peas. If you have a secret, send me an email. I will pick up a bushel of peas and we can sit on the porch for a spell.

In season, you may buy fresh baby lima beans at your local farmer’s market fresh or frozen. Fresh baby lima’s are available from June to September. Typically you may buy frozen lima’s all year-long from your grocer’s freezer. Baby Lima’s store well in the freezer.

When to serve Sweet Baby Lima’s

Within less than an hour and minimal involvement, you will have a healthy and tasty side dish. Fresh baby lima’s may enter the pot hard but easily yield to a creamy bite of delicious. Sweet Baby Lima’s will stand up to any protein that you may choose to serve alongside this versatile bean. Lima beans may also be cooked ahead and reheated before serving.  Always a good idea to have a couple of “make ahead recipes” in your recipe box.

In addition to the flavor of lima beans, this baby bean delivers nutrition in a tiny bite. Lima Beans are low in cholesterol and fat. Lima beans are high in B vitamins, folate,  iron, protein,  fiber and potassium. Lima’s also contain phytochemicals coumestrol and saponion which may have anticancer benefits. Add Sweet Baby Lima’s  to your menu planning, they will complement your meal.

As early as the 1500’s the baby lima bean was on the table for diners. The tiny bean originated in Lima Peru and shared the name. Amusingly, the pronunciation did not go with the lima bean to the South. These baby beans have always been called lye-ma beans not lee-ma  beans as in Peru.

Early Sweet Baby Lima Drama

No matter it’s origin, as a child, I still remember my horror at being served succotash. And you want me to eat that? Our parents really wanted to see empty plates before you left the table.  Succotash included lima’s, corn and tomatoes mixed together. Even I didn’t want to eat succotash as a child. Who mixes limas, corn and tomatoes all together?

Alexa Shout out to Sly and the Family Stone’s “Hot Fun in the Summertime”

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Soul Food and Southern Turnip Greens

Southern turnip greens have always been on the dinner table throughout my life.  I don’t recall the first time that I ate greens. I do recall the first time that I had greens that tasted of magic. My Dad invited an elderly friend, Sister Miles to our house to cook her special greens.  He really wanted the recipe. Sister Miles really wanted to keep it.

Our family devoured the pot of turnip greens. I wish I had been smart enough to stand in the kitchen and watch her create the mouth-watering greens loaded with spices and some type of pork fat. Memories of those greens left an impression on my young mind.

Randomly Dad would drive Sister Miles to the market and we would wait for the magic in our kitchen. Dad would harass her for the recipe and she always would politely reply “No baby, just come pick me up and I will cook the greens”. I enjoyed her in our kitchen with her easy laugh and I loved her greens. Secretly, I was in awe of someone telling my Dad, “No”.

Fast and Easy Southern Turnip Greens

Home cooks and chefs look for ways to adapt recipes to their kitchen, life style, time restraints, budgets,customers,  health and flavor palate. My Granny Theda Faye introduced me to my next type of Greens. Granny’s focus was saving time and money. After my divorce Granny would come and visit with us. As a single Mom, saving time and money is important always.

On one of her visits I returned from work to find Granny in the kitchen with a great home cooked meal. One of the items served was southern turnip roots in greens. Of course, they were delicious. I asked Granny for the recipe. She giggled as she proudly went to my trash can and pulled out a large can of “Gloria’s turnip greens”.

I was in denial. The greens tasted fresh and delicious. The shortcut was using canned greens but only this brand. If you have ever cleaned fresh greens you realize the time savings. Undoubtedly, she had tried several and found them lacking in taste. Granny’s secret was to buy lots of fresh turnip roots and add them to the pot of canned greens. The fresh brought new life to the canned greens along with garlic. Nice trick Granny.

“Jes Greens” or Southern Turnip Greens

My turnip greens have evolved over the years adding in different spices, jalapeño peppers  or proteins. When I married Grill Man he raved about his Momma’s greens. I thought that I cooked good greens until I had her flavor combination. The first time that I had Wathon’s turnip greens, I was amazed that they did not have anything added other than salt and pepper. No jalapeño peppers or meat added or needed. It was “Jes greens”.

Turnip greens pulled fresh from the earth, cleaned thoroughly and properly prepared are a special offering. Under Wathon’s instructions, I have learned to cook greens so that it is all about the fresh sweet, savory and bitter combination that the greens and turnip roots offer. Enjoy the flavor of Southern turnips greens, they need very little else. Thanks, Mom.

I have enjoyed the offerings from many talented cooks that whip up a simple vegetable from the garden into a mouth-watering dish. Farm to table is hard combination to beat. Add a slice of cornbread or skillet bread to my plate and I am happy. It is possible that turnip roots in greens is an acquired taste. I love them.

Turnip greens are an healthy addition to any diet. Food should give us nutrition in addition to enjoyment and fuel for our bodies. This recipe is gluten-free, vegan and low in calories. Buy a bunch and serve a dish that says “I must love you!” It is so worth the extra work!

Alexa Shout Out to the band from Denmark,  Turnip Greens for Creole Man.

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While my “go-to” recipe box is jammed packed with my favorites it includes a star-studded list of recipes that my friends and family have shared with me. A treasure trove of delicious food that will make you and yours smile. For your recipe collection, add Southern Zipper Peas.

Zipper Peas  will compliment any protein. Serving it as a bowl for lunch with a plate of sliced tomatoes, avocado, onions and cornbread is also an option. Since I love flavor combinations, I add chow-chow or Tomato Pear Relish to my peas.

Although an antique wooden box is antiquated when you compare the advantages that a computer offers. What a box lacks in speed and efficiency it more than delivers in the form of memories and personal touch. I smile as I sift through the handwritten recipes from Grandmothers and Mothers. My family and friends are a group of fabulous cooks.

Because they generously share their recipes it benefits many. Share my zipper peas with someone soon. Cook this dish for dinner or  put in freezer to be used later and shared with your loved ones.

Also in my “newest wooden box”, I found a ton of Southern favorites. I discovered the box in my favorite city, New Orleans. You may read all about my adventure in the Garden District,  along with my recipe for “Southern Comfort and Oh That Chocolate Pie“. This pie is dangerously delicious if you love chocolate.

Without a doubt, your “little wooden recipe box” or whizz-bang-techno-recipe iPad or computer device  should have Southern Zipper Peas. Healthy,  easy to make, and inexpensive are a few reasons to try this dish. You may find zipper Peas for sale locally fresh or in your grocer’s freezer.

Alexa, Shout out to Black Eyed Peas for “I Gotta Feeling”. Tonight’s gonna be a good night!

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