MexiCajun Chili

At April 11, 2013
By Spiceblogger
In Beef, MexiCajun Recipes, One Dish Meals, Recipes
1

Winter has made what is sure to be its last appearance before the heat and humidity settle in for good here in unpredictable Louisiana. This schizophrenic weather is typical, especially for this time of year. And while I know I should be thankful for the mild temps, I am so sick of being chilled to the bone. (Yes, 40 degrees is cold for me! ha!)

So since it has been rainy, dreary and cold, nothing seemed more appropriate for today than a big ol’ pot of chili.

Eggplant Lasagna

I’ve had a bumper crop of eggplant this fall! I can’t explain why because I have truly neglected my little garden for the past few months.

But no matter–because my 3 little eggplant plants have continued to bloom and yield beautiful, tender fruits all season long.

I wish everything were so easy to grow! Literally, just add water and watch bloom. :D

Absolutely Decadent: Bacon & Crab Cheesecake

As our Hostess with the Mostess described this entrée, “It’s Thanksgiving dinner all rolled into one dish.”

Yep, that about sums it up. Pecan crust. Enough cream and butter to make even Paula Deen blush. Crumbled bacon and lump crab meat for a gourmet meat explosion. And an over-the-top sauce that just pushes this one-dish meal into the realm of cosmic decadence.

‘Tis the Season: Tomato Pie

Even though I have not shared any photographic evidence recently, my garden has been flourishing. My tomato plants, though a tad overcrowded, are producing like gangbusters :D and we’ve been enjoying their fresh, sweet, delicious fruits for the past 3 weeks or so.

If you can imagine, C. even agreed that all the time, sweat, and effort in the garden have been worth it because the fresh ingredients at our fingertips are no comparison to the bland veggies we get from the grocery store. Healthier (I’ve used NO chemicals), Tastier, and Convenient-er ;)

Broccoli, Rice & Chicken Casserole

At February 13, 2012
By Spiceblogger
In Chicken, MexiCajun Recipes, One Dish Meals, Recipes, Veggies
3

This is one of those dishes that makes me think of growing up in a small, rural Baptist church. Dinner on the grounds, small community where everyone knows everyone and their business (lol), familiar hymns, Sunday afternoon naps, and skinned knees from biking mishaps on our gravel road.

Someone was always sure to bring this casserole to any church event that called for food: 5th Sunday singing, baby showers, wedding showers, funerals, any occasion. And, of course, it was always warm, familiar deliciousness made by some of the best cooks I will ever know. Every time I try my hand at this recipe I remember faces, embraces and a feeling of home. You know that feeling? Back when you were a child: security, invincibility, blissful ignorance of the heartaches life can deal out as you get older. Certain smells trigger these feelings in me. Or sometimes a song. And most definitely some foods.

Crawfish & Tasso Pasta

At January 11, 2012
By Spiceblogger
In MexiCajun Recipes, One Dish Meals, Pasta, Recipes, Seafood
12

I recently had this recipe published in a local home & garden magazine. A friend mentioned to me a few nights ago that she made it and was very pleased with the outcome. (I always love hearing feedback from anyone who actually tries my recipes, don’t you?!) :)

Anyway, our conversation got me thinking of this particular recipe and wondering if I had ever published it here. It’s been on my Facebook page for over a year; but funny enough, I had not posted it to my little blog! Silly me. I get so caught up in things that I forget what I’ve done and what I’ve only imagined I’ve done! LOL

Slow Cooker Cornbread Dressing

At November 30, 2011
By Spiceblogger
In Chicken, MexiCajun Recipes, One Dish Meals, Recipes
6

As I promised yesterday, here is my Cornbread Dressing recipe. This is NOT my mother’s recipe. She would always make the best cornbread dressing every holiday. I remember waking up early on Christmas morning only to find my mother slaving away over a hot stove prepping all the ingredients before finally putting it in the oven. She would get up 2 or 3 hours before anyone else to begin cooking so that everything would be ready to go by the time we were loading the car for the trip to grandma’s house.

Turkey Pasta Salad

At November 29, 2011
By Spiceblogger
In MexiCajun Recipes, One Dish Meals, Pasta, Recipes
1

Still wondering what to do with those turkey leftovers? I have seen lots of wonderful recipes over the past couple of days with great ideas for that leftover bird. Turkey pot pie (yum!), turkey gumbo (had some last night), turkey sandwiches (always a favorite, easy go-to), turkey roll-ups.. Turkey! Turkey! Turkey!

LOL

I contemplated making a turkey gumbo, but I had so much to do (like shopping and rearranging furniture in preparation for Christmas decorations) that I didn’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. (Plus, a friend invited us over to eat hers–which was delicious!) So instead I opted for an easier solution: a pasta salad. So quick and easy, and you can stretch your ingredients to feed a lot of people.

Sausage, Goat Cheese & Sweet Potato Rustic Tart

True to our climate here in Louisiana, the temperature has gone from 90°+ to 45° literally overnight. Sadly, there will be no real fall for us. :( No gently turning leaves or easing into moderate, cool temps before the shock of bone-chilling cold sets in. We have gone from a long, dry, hot summer straight into teeth-chattering cold. (As some of you laugh at my overly-dramatic description of our 45° weather, please remember that only TWO days ago it was 90-something! I was still in flip-flops and tank tops!) Today I’m wearing fleece, socks and boots! Unimaginable when this week began.

But I’m not complaining. Honestly. I just haven’t acclimated yet. My morning coffee, usually sipped on the back porch while watching birds and squirrels, is now enjoyed cozily inside near some heat source. This morning, that heat source was my oven with this scrumptious tart baking inside.

Classic Quiche Lorraine

At September 12, 2011
By Spiceblogger
In MexiCajun Recipes, One Dish Meals, Recipes
6

Quiche has always been a favorite comfort food of mine. Warm and cheesy with a crisp, flaky crust…. you can’t ask much more from a dish. Too bad Spicehubby doesn’t agree (or maybe not, since I have the whole thing to my self!) I have tried to woo him over to this classic french meal by changing up ingredients and making it more “manly.” I’ve added breakfast sausage for a brunch twist, crawfish for a cajun variation, and even broccoli (his favorite) all with little to no success.