Okra Gumbo

On a cold winter day, nothing warms quite like gumbo. And in the heat of summer, gumbo is a great way to stir together so many flavors at their peak of ripeness — tomatoes, peppers, and of course, okra. We had such a bumper crop of okra last summer that I blanched and froze some forContinue reading “Okra Gumbo”

Bulldog Tofu

This recipe, like so many of my favorites, is really a framework to support a meal of creativity and whim. It’s different each time I make it, depending on what’s growing in the garden or what I can pull from the freezer. It was passed along to me by a friend who got it from aContinue reading “Bulldog Tofu”

Minestrone

  When it’s cold out, there’s nothing that feeds the body and soul so well as a good hearty soup. And I’m not sure any soup fits the bill so well as Minestrone, an ancient Italian soup that includes pasta and beans, onions and tomatoes and whatever you’ve managed to put up from your summerContinue reading “Minestrone”

Creamed Spinach

When you’re looking for something green but not necessarily a salad, this dish fits the bill. Serve it with cornbread and pork, or eggs and toast. Perhaps the biggest endorsement of this dish is my 15-year-old, vegetable-averse son who recently said: “You know that spinach you made? At first I didn’t think I would like it, butContinue reading “Creamed Spinach”

Zucchini Parmesan Crisps

We don’t always have a stellar zucchini crop, but this year the plants delivered. So I’ve been searching for every and any way to cook our gorgeous green squash. These baked rounds were a hit at our house. Recipe inspired by The Food Network’s Ellie Krieger Makes 4 half-cup servings. Ingredients 2 medium zucchini (about 1Continue reading “Zucchini Parmesan Crisps”