Charred Snap Beans
It’s the perfect combination of sweet and fresh. The sweetness of the snap bean is developed when the bean hits high heat and develops a wonderful caramelization while maintaining the crisp interior of a raw one.
Bacon and Cheese Quiche with Stewed Tomatoes
A bit of smokey flavor and a silky texture makes this quiche special but it’s the stewed tomatoes that make this quiche luxurious.
Adventures with Edward Lee
I've wanted to attend the annual Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation’s Verse and Vino fundraiser ever since I first heard about it many years ago.
Yogurt, White Bean and Garlic Soup
If you ever wished to have garlic bread in the form of a soup, this is it. If you never thought you wanted it, you should now. It’s creamy, it’s garlicky, it’s good.
Lulé Kebab
These meat logs are decadent and rich yet refreshing with just the amount of mint needed to play well in the background.
Spinach Pilaf with Yogurt Sauce
It’s light, herby, flavorful and pairs perfectly with kebabs.
Butternut Squash Fritters
These festive delights are soft and creamy with an herby touch on the inside and a delightful crunch on the outside.
Chipotle Cow Tongue in Gravy
Cow tongue in a smokey stew that highlights the meatiness of the animal with the sweet fire of chipotle.
Smothered Sweet Potatoes
These bites of delight are the perfect balance of sweet and savory. My mom would grace our tables with them for those infamous Sunday night dinners and holidays. They’ve always been one of my favorite dishes.
Brown Butter Sweet Potato Pie
The brown butter adds a complexity to the pie that kicks it up a notch. It’s rich, it’s decadent and I hope it will find its way to your Thanksgiving table.
Poached Mirliton over Ice Cream
Mirliton is transported from a crisp vegetable into a decadent sauce that is spiced with warm notes of anise, cloves, and cinnamon. It is a perfect way to get the flavors of fall without a heavy dessert.
Crab Cakes
Crab cakes will instantly elevate any meal with its crisp exterior, and a rich, yet delicate interior.
Lentil Kufte
His aunt brought out a platter full of small golden patties, which I soon learned were lentil kufte. With the glorious sweet and deep notes of brown onion contrasting against the earthy lentils with a bit of fresh herbs, they soon became one of my favorite side dishes and is especially easy to feed guests because it’s eaten at room temperature.
Mushroom Ragou with Poached Duck Egg
There are few dishes I look forward to eating each year more than this one. The grounded richness of the mushrooms is like hot lava running through my veins, warming my core from the inside out even on the most bone-chilling of days.
Stuffed Acorn Squash with Sausage and Apples
It’s savory with the meatiness of pork and mushrooms yet the sweetness of apples compliments the pepper. The sausage has crunchy bits that round out the custardy sweet squash flesh.
Ginger Cakes
They’re moist and chewy with a bit of spice from the ginger. They’re perfect to eat as the weather turns cool.
Ginger Cakes, Bumbo, and St. George Tucker Society
This time, he asked if I would sponsor a snack break with a historic theme before the business meeting for St. George Tucker Society. Ah! Got it! Nothing crazy and I knew just the thing. We would have bumbo, a rum punch that was often served during elections during the 18th century and ginger cakes, a dense and chewy 18th century delight.
Duck Breast with Orange Marmalade and Bacon
I’ve had plenty of duck in my adult life, but none of them measured up to camp duck of my youth. It’s smoky, earthy, and fresh and has plenty of texture contrast.